Page 7 of Her Grumpy Bartender

My mom was the strongest woman I knew. When my dad died from an unexpected heart attack when I was only ten years old, my mom never once gave up on life. She grieved, we grieved together, but we got up every morning and made it through the day. She found ways to support our new family dynamic, and she never once left my side, no matter how dark her days got. And that was how I wanted to be for Harmony.

I might not have started her life out on the right foot, but we’d get there. Love was blind, more often than we like to think. Harmony’s dad swept me off my feet, but as soon as a baby was growing inside me, he was gone before the door could hit his ass on the way out.

So now, I needed to be the strong one. For Harmony. And for my mom.

“I booked several more gigs at the bar. The schedule was pretty open. I guess not too many people come out to play. But the place was busy.”

“The owner must’ve been happy to see you take so many spots. I bet it’s stressful to fill them up.” Mom sipped her coffee and finished her piece of toast.

Oh, he was happy alright…

I told my mom most of my secrets, but when it came to my love life, I’d rather keep it private. Besides, if she knew I hooked up with a guy I barely knew, she’d probably freak out. But I was older now, more responsible, and always remembered to take my birth control pill on time. I didn’t need another little one coming into the world when I wasn’t ready.

“He was. When he can’t fill the slots, he plays.”

“Really? Hmm, interesting.”

“Yeah, he used to be in a band. They broke up. He moved to Appleridge, opened his own bar, and occasionally plays.”

“Wow, you know a lot about him already.” Mom’s eyes twinkled.

I laughed and hoped she didn’t notice the sudden flush on my cheeks. “I kinda researched him before we got here.”

Mom threw her head back in laughter. “That’s my daughter.”

“I want to know why his band broke up. He was living the dream, Ma.Mydream. How could he just give up?” I speared a piece of watermelon with my fork and popped it in my mouth.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of circumstances we don’t know about. I bet it’s a sore spot for him. So don’t go asking all your nosy questions, Gem.”

“Ha, ha, very funny. I wouldn’t question the guy. At least not now when I need his live music nights to make money.”

“Good. I like living here in Appleridge more every day. Let’s check out the bakery and gift shop today. I heard the baked goods are to die for.”

“Yes, let’s.” I nodded in agreement and prayed the adventures of today would block out the one thing in my mind that wouldn’t stop taking over my every thought—Max.

The next livemusic night was tonight, and I anxiously paced the floor of my room after putting Harmony to bed. I still had yet to get ready, but my nerves were all over the place.

I either could act like nothing happened or hook up with him again. I mean, it was some of the best sex of my life. What’s so wrong with hooking up?

I wouldn’t catch feelings. I’d become a pro at locking my heart up and throwing away the key after the damage my ex did. And he promised he wouldn’t catch them either.

Yet tonight turned out differently. Two gigs were canceled, the one before me and the one after me.

“How would you feel if we did a duet performance together?” Max’s intense gaze locked onto mine, and my knees weakened.

“A duet? Singing what?”

“We’ll figure that out. I just figured it would be easier to fill the time slots this way. You can perform solo, then me, then we can come out together. Maybe it’ll inspire some more people to come out to play, or whatever. I don’t want to have to shut down live music nights.”

“I learned a lot of Nirvana songs while teaching myself how to play guitar. Do you know any?” I asked, hoping he knew some of my favorite band.

“Are you kidding me? Does anyone not learn Nirvana songs when they’re learning how to play guitar?” Max’s entire face lit up. “Nirvana is one of my favorite bands.”

“Stop it. It’smyfavorite band.”

Max laughed and all the hostile grumpiness I came across the first night we met was gone. Guess it had to be my bomb-ass pussy.

I chuckled to myself, and Max watched me with amusement.

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