Page 62 of On The Rocks

Justin pulled out his phone. “I’ll text Tommy now.”

While we waited, we ordered some bar food, and I half-heartedly watched the game. After the fries and nachos were demolished, I switched to water, since the squeak of sneakers were giving me a headache.

The whole upper deck of the bar erupted into cheers, and a few groans, as the game went into overtime.

Once it died down, Justin dug out his phone. “Tommy said he’d tow it in and get it done in two days. But he’ll pick it up in the morning since he’s on call tonight for tows.”

“The orchard will be talking,” he added, with a smirk.

“Great.” I drained the rest of my glass of water. “I’m going to go crash.”

“Sex is tiring.” Justin sat back, lacing his hands behind his head.

“How would you know? You’ve been in a drought, son.” I grinned at him, even if I wanted to reach across the table and smack him for the shit remark.

“Low blow.”

“More like there’s few people left off-season.” Beckett pulled out a ten and threw it on the table.

I threw down a twenty for the harassed waitresses who’d been dealing with rowdy customers.

“Too true,” Justin said, wistfully. “It’s been a damn cold winter.”

“If you didn’t piss off Marcy during Christmas, you would have been warm and happy.” Beckett stood, then pushed in his chair.

“Yeah, we all can’t be blissfully hitched like you, Beck.” Justin threw a crumpled ten on top of ours and we all headed out together.

It was true. Beckett had been happily married for well over a year now. Helena worked at the Lodge with Laverne and her staff for the entertainment end of events. Weddings, conferences, and other kinds of parties were a specialty of Brothers Three, in addition to the orchard’s typical festivities.

“You showing up tomorrow to work?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there. Still working on the Blackbird?”

“Yeah, we poured out the walkway. Tomorrow, we’re working on the roof.”

“Great.”

Beckett laughed. “You’re the one who keeps volunteering to help. I told you I’d pay you.”

“I’m working for my rent.” I shouldered through the crowd at the door. The crisp night air was welcome after all the noise and bodies.

“That you are. Kain said he put in your AC. Wimp.” Justin shoved me in the arm.

“I like my creature comforts. I’m not ashamed.”

“I’m heading out.” Beckett gave us a little salute as he headed for his truck.

“You want to shoot some pool?” Justin asked as we threaded our way through the crush of cars and people.

“Really having a dry spell, huh?”

“You were just like me yesterday, asshole.”

I laughed. “I didn’t expect...well, let’s just say, I don’t know where it’s going.”

“Lennon’s a vault. I’ve known her for a few years now and she hasn’t dated or hooked up with anyone since she’s worked here.”

“You saying I’m special?”

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