Page 120 of The Manny

“That guy was pretty obtuse. You probably did have him fooled.” He smirked. “But I can read people.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep.”

“The problem with online dating is people lie. I wouldn’t have gone out with Dan if I’d met him in person first.”

“You don’t date older guys?”

“I’ll date older guys. I had no idea Danwasolder though. His photo was out of date, and his bio said he was thirty.”

“That guy was forty at least.”

“I know. Which wouldn’t be a deal-breaker, if he’d been a nice person.”

Crispin nodded. “Yeah, I like older guys too.”

“What do you do for work?”

“I’m a bartender at the Sassy Kitten.” He grinned at my expression. “I love the look on people’s faces when I tell them the name of that place.”

“It’s an interesting name.”

“Right? It’s a fun place to work. We’re new, but so far business is booming.”

“Is it a strip club?”

He guffawed. “No. You think I work at a strip club?”

I grimaced. “I’m going by the name.”

“It’s not a strip club. It’s just a really cool bar.”

“What makes it cool?”

“Very loud music, bubbles, and sexy bartenders.” He winked.

I laughed. “Do you have to be sassy to work at the Sassy Kitten?”

He smirked. “Of course.”

“I’ll have to check it out sometime.”

“You should. I work Monday through Friday.” He bit his bottom lip. “Be sure you come in on one of those days. I’ll take good care of you.”

He was definitely flirting with me. Was that a good thing? I felt attracted to him. Not the same level of attraction I had for Jack, but I’d just met Crispin. Maybe there was potential for more. Maybe not though. Even as I held Crispin’s playful gaze, thoughts of Jack came to me. Why was it so hard to let go of him?

I was distracted from my musings as Crispin poured the last of the wine into my glass. He smiled at me, his eyes glittering with interest. “Let’s go have a drink somewhere else after this,” he suggested quietly.

“Really?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“I don’t know you.”

He lifted one shoulder. “You didn’t know Dan.”

“And look how that turned out.” I fingered the slender base of my wine glass.

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