Page 11 of The Cask

She laughed as she headed behind the bar to count bottles. I made my way downstairs. Slipping on Omari’s jacket, I stopped by my office to grab my phone and then I entered the wine cellar. I had a meticulous system, so it didn’t take long to find the crate I needed. I pulled out my phone to text Alexis and paused for a moment.

I had a text message and a missed call from a number I didn’t recognize. I opened the text message first and immediately knew it was from Omari.

“Anytime, anyplace, anywhere,” I read quietly.

There was a tug deep in my gut.

Ignoring it, I checked the time on the missed call and realized it was from before our conversation outside.

“At least he had the decency to call before showing up unannounced,” I muttered under my breath.

I should block his number since I won’t be using it, I told myself as I went to open a new text message.

Ebony Montresor:Are we running low on anything else while I’m down here?

Alexis Smith:Maybe you should bring up one bottle of the featured orange.

Placing my phone on an empty cask, I slipped off Omari’s jacket. I shivered immediately. Draping the carrying case over my shoulder, I carefully stacked the four bottles into it. On my way out, I dropped off the jacket and phone in my office.

Table fifteen had their glasses refilled, the band was starting to wind down, and last call was already upon us.

“I wish you stayed open later,” a young woman said as she danced in her seat.

I smiled. “If you want to keep the party going, that means you’re having a good time.”

“The best time,” she agreed.

As I was walking away, I heard her friend say, “Since The Cask closes at one-thirty, let’s check out that place across the street.”

I got mad all over again.

When we closed, my staff and I worked together like a well-oiled machine. Everyone played their part so we could leave as quickly and efficiently as possible. I went downstairs to grab my stuff and put the deposit in the safe. When I returned, Alexis and Diana were waiting for me.

I flashed them a relieved smile as I strolled across the room. “Let’s get out of here!”

“Where did you park?” Alexis asked Diana.

“Just a block over,” she answered as I set the alarm and locked the door.

Alexis and I were parked on the street, right in front of the wine bar. I walked to my car and dropped my bags in the backseat. I glanced over at Luxe before placing Omari’s jacket on top of my bag.

“I’ll drive you to your car,” I offered. “You’re not going to walk.”

“It’s right at the corner. I’ll be fine,” Diana reassured me. She pointed down the street. “I can see my headlight from here.”

“I can drop you off or I’m going to walk with you,” I told her. “You choose.”

She laughed. “It’ll take more time for you to have to circle the block than it will for me to walk. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Alexis, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m walking with Diana.”

“My feet are killing me, but I will sit in the car and watch you,” Alexis replied.

I nodded. “Sounds good.” I looked at Diana. “Ready?”

We reached the corner and waited for the light to turn.

She pointed to my shoes. “How can you walk in those heels?”

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