Page 4 of Sour Brew Face

“Only my own.”

Langston 4.

“So, how did you all start Ordinary Guys Brewing?” Megan asks our group from her perch on Ishaan’s lap. He’s practically speechless, with a little drool in the corner of his mouth as he stares at her enraptured. Looking around the table, several others wear similar looks; Chelsea is laying her head on Paul’s shoulder. Betsy and Seth have their heads bent whispering back and forth while they both sport blushes. Amelia has been laughing almost non-stop at whatever Dave has been saying to her. I did not see that pairing happening, considering Amelia was spending time with Mo’s ex not a few hours ago. The two men are very different in style, personality, and I hope morals. Even Jesse and Mike are canoodling. I knew Jesse was gay, but Mike was a surprise.

Joe and Esteban are the odd guys out, but they and my other bartender Carmine have been talking gaming, I think they even set up a playdate. How cute!

The bar is closed, has been for about 30 minutes. We’ve just been hanging out and enjoying getting to know one another. When I picked up Ordinary Guys Brewing to serve in my bar, I didn’t anticipate making friends…let alone meeting a captivating woman I want under me and naked as much as I want to talk to fully clothed with our co-workers.

“Well,” Esteban begins with a smile, “once upon a time, there were 7 guys who were so ordinary that no one ever paid them any attention.” The girls, except Mo, aw and fuss over the guys. “It was so bad, that when Dave tried to take one of his final exams his freshman year, the teacher scolded him for trying to take someone else’s exam. Once he showed his school ID, the teacher realized Dave was his top student, but he still had to take the exam.”

“Didn’t miss a single question.” Dave says blushing as Amelia coos and kisses his cheek.

“We lived on the same dorm floor and bonded over video games, virginity, andMarvelmovies. After we all turned 21, we started drinking beer more and enjoyed trying out different brands and types. It sort of morphed into brewing our own for a class assignment and it was good. About 2 years ago we decided to take it public and make it into a business. And here we are.”

“And when did you join the fun?” I ask Mo, who’s sitting back in her chair with her legs crossed at her slender ankles, her arms behind her head and an easy smile tipping her lush lips.

“About a year ago. I applied to an ad for a full-time chemist at a startup. When I interviewed with the guys…I don’t know, something clicked.” The guys all nod and give her cheesy grins.

“You’re like Snow White and they are your seven dwarves.” Chelsea blurts out with a laugh.

“Damn. She’s right.” Seth says. “Snow White and the Seven Dorks.”

“On that note, I better head home, this princess requires gobs of beauty rest.” Mo says sitting forward in her chair. I’m disappointed that the night is over, I want to stretch it out, but looking at my watch I realize its after 1 in the morning.

“You’re always beautiful, Momo.” Dave tells her. With a shrug he continues, “You require sleep to soothe your homicidal tendencies.”

“It’s a public service, really.” Paul agrees. Mo snarls at them all, then throws her hands up.

“You aren’t wrong. Peace out, bitches.” She stands up grabbing her purse and throwing it over her head, settling the strap between her perky tits and causing my mouth to water.

“I’ll walk you to your car.” I stand up too, ignoring the snickers and commentary from the peanut gallery. Mo meets my eyes and nods, threading her arm through mine when I offer it to her.

Stepping into the muggy summer night, I let Mo lead me to the parking lot and her shiny dark blue SUV.

“Chemists do well for themselves.” I comment and she punches me lightly on the shoulder with her other hand.

“Chemists who know how to scrimp and save and work three jobs do well for themselves…after several years.” The lights of her vehicle flash as she unlocks her door.

“Give me your number and go out with me Sunday.” I probably could have been suaver in my approach, but too late now.

Standing in front of me, she studies my face for several long seconds. “I literally just broke up with someone this evening.”

I clench my teeth but reply evenly. “I’m aware.”

“Why don’t you just invite me to your place under the pretense of a drink?” I feel like this is a test. It’s got to be a test. I’m good at tests. I hope.

I crowd her against her vehicle, my arms on either side of her head, but I’m not touching her. Not yet. I lean down to her neck and breathe in deeply. Ghosting my nose up the column of her neck until my lips are at her ear.

“Mary Opal Morrow, I aim to take my time with you. Revel in every new piece of information I tease out of your sensual mouth. Memorize the language of your body. I want to be fluent in you, an expert in Mo. I have no desire to rush the educational process…do you?”

I feel the heat from her body. I hear the sound of her swallowing. I see goosebumps cover her unblemished skin. I swear I can almost smell her arousal and taste the anticipation.

She clears her throat, “So, my number is…”

Mo 5.

I cross my feet at the ankles on my coffee table and settle in to watchCorner Gason Amazon. It’s a funny Canadian show that’s usually good for a few laughs and a distraction from the loneliness. Before the opening credits even start, I uncross my legs and cross them again. Then I cross my arms over my chest. Then I sigh. Then I pick up my phone, unlock it, stare at the home screen, and lock it again. Then I uncross my legs. Then I cross—You know what, I think you got the gist of what’s going on.

---