Page 6 of Run, Little Bunny

“I think very few people can say that … probably the best thing ever for two truths and a lie.”

“I mean, I was planning on spending today finishing an unhinged dark romance book I’m about a hundred pages into or … I guess meeting Buttons the Bunny. Which is an equally unhinged activity.”

“Real life is more interesting than those books.”

Who’s to say? I laugh inwardly.

“And I doubt the bunny is going to talk to you about crypto like the guy from last night.”

“I hope not … bet. I’m going to get a drink with Buttons.”

6

In High Five’s parking lot, I stare at the bunny mask in my passenger seat while drumming my fingers on the steering wheel.Should I put it back on?I mean, this is a story. This is raising the bar for next year’s fantasy football antics. The rest of the costume is at home, smelling terrible on my patio. There was no way I was putting that back on. I chuckle, thinking about how when I have my own kids, there will be so many silly holiday traditions in my future.I should keep the bunny suit.That would be fun.

Am I really going to flirt with Anna Clark while wearing a bunny mask?There’s a little safety in Anna not knowing it’s me yet. Part of me wonders if she’d recognize me without the mask—like, by my body in a t-shirt and jeans.Calm down, ego.But the longer I sit here, the more I think. Maybe keeping the mask on is the smarter play. If she’s not interested, she’s none the wiser it’s me. If she is … well, then I guess she’ll learn who I really am.

Stepping into the bar with the bunny mask on, Aaron Olson, the manager and main bartender, greets me with laughter.

“Chad! CB! Oh man, I’m dying right now. Never been happier to have turned down your fantasy league invite.”

“It’s Buttons today,” I correct, examining Nicholas’s recent renovations. He kept the dive bar charm intact—the worn, wooden beams and exposed brick give it that old-time feel, like you’re stepping into a local pub that’s been around forever. High Five is the kind of bar where you feel at home whether you’re in for a quick drink or staying until closing.

“Buttons?” he repeats skeptically. “I thought you only had to wear that at the Easter egg hunt.”

“Well, I was talked into keeping it going.”

“Dude, how’re you gonna drink with that thing on?”

“I’ll have to use a straw.”

“You’re going to drinkbeer …with a straw?”

“It looks like you’re going to have to make me one of your fancy cocktails.”

Aaron reaches for bottles, mixing something up while I watch. I’m feeling a bit ridiculous sitting here in half a bunny costume but also kinda loving the absurdity of it all.

He drops a straw into a bright, colorful cocktail, and I lift it in his direction. “The bar looks damn good. You and Nicholas kept the vibe.”

Aaron leans onto the bar. “Yeah, we didn’t wanna change too much. The place already had history, you know? It needed a little love before busy season.”

Busy season.It’s almost here, basically a month away. I’m about to have no free time. All the boats come out of storage next week. My mind begins to think about work. I slip the straw under my mask and take a long sip.

Looking around at the place, the renovations are perfect. “Still feels like the bar we all grew up in.” I take another sip. “Also, I’m serious—you gotta call me Buttons today. I kinda have this thing going and a girl might be coming in to meet up with Buttons.”

“Who?” Aaron arches a brow.

“Anna Clark.”

“Anna?”

Nodding, I sip my drink. “I’ve been eating at La Nonna so much … she’s sweet.”

Aaron smirks a little. “She could use a good guy …”

“I’m feeling too old for her,” I admit, drumming the side of my glass. “Part of the reason I’m keeping the mask on. I’ve always kept it casual, but … I want to test the waters a bit. See what happens when it’s not all about ordering pasta.”

Aaron pulls one of my bunny ears. “Well, good luck, Buttons.”

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