Page 7 of Here's to Now

“Sure, but they shouldn’t be the way you define your life.”

“Valid. Aren’t you here to have fun with them and celebrate though?”

“Yes, but they also dared me to come talk to you again.”

“And you took them up on that?”

She shrugs. “I’m a little tipsy. I get brave when I’m tipsy.”

“Do I make you so nervous that you have to imbibe in copious amounts of booze to be able to come talk to me?”

“Someone is full of himself.”

“Someone is avoiding the question.”

“It’s not you, it’s in general. I don’t…people very often, or well. Actually, I brought my e-reader along with me tonight in case I got bored.”

“And here you are, people-ing.”

She grins. “Here I am.”

“Haley, I think we’re going to get along just great.”

We chatted a bit more before her friends dragged her away. Since going back over to her group, Haley’s thrown back three more shots and had a vodka and soda; I only know this because she’s taken to screaming out her drink order to the bartender. Benny will grin and shake his head, then she’ll peer over at me and give me a thumbs up. Each time, her smile is warm, caring, real.

Throughout the night, the sense of her familiarity grows. IknowI must have seen her somewhere before, or maybe I haven’t and she just has one of those faces.

Once I’m ready to call it a night, I catch sight of my waitress and lift my hand, indicating I’m ready to close my tab. She disappears for a few moments and returns quickly, dashing over to my table in an instant.

“Here ya go, sugar.” Her voice is sticky and too sweet. She’s laying it on thick and has been all night. I’m guessing she’s missed theI’m not interestedmemo I’ve sent out multiple times.

I’m not stupid. I know I’m a handsome guy. I have great bone structure, fantastic eyes, amazing fucking hair, and I can dress myself. I take care of my body by eating healthy at least six days a week and visiting the gym just as often. I’ve been told I pack a lot of charm, have a great smile, and know just when to use my manners. I’m a fucking catch.

I simply don’t want to be reeled in by this waitress.

Her breasts practically assault me as she leans in too close to drop the check onto the table. I lurch back, not wanting to give her any ideas. Glancing to her, I see a small hint of hurt cross her face. I want to feel bad—I really do—but I can’t. If I were to rub my junk across her body, she’d freak out. Why should it be any different when a woman does it to a man? Exactly—it shouldn’t.

She takes a step back and smiles up at me with a grin only meant to be inviting. “Let me know if you needanythingelse.” I don’t miss the way she overemphasizesanything.

“Thanks. I’m fine.”

Her eyes rake over me. “I can see that.”

Seriously? That’s where she’s taking that?

I stare at her, refusing to back down or give any hint that I’m interested. I am most definitely not. She takes the clue, grinning once more, and finally turning away. She exaggerates the sway of her hips, causing her walk to look unnatural and not the sexy show she’s going for.

I throw down enough to cover the bill and a tip as I scan the bar again. You might say I’m looking for Haley but—okay, fine, I’m looking for Haley. After my second scan of the bar, I realize she’s not here anymore. She must have slipped out when the waitress was dropping off my check. Disappointment creeps in. I was hoping to see her again before she left, maybe tell her it was a semi-pleasure meeting her too, maybe even grab her number.

But she’s nowhere in sight.

I wave to the bartender, passing off Benny’s earlier glare as nothing, but he doesn’t return the gesture. Instead, his face twists with anger.

Okay, so maybe itissomething.

Shrugging, I brush it off and make my way outside because right now I just want to head home. I’m at my car, getting ready to lift the handle and hop in, when I hear a laugh somehow already ingrained in my mind after only hearing it tonight. I look over to where the noise is coming from and find Haley with her group of friends. I guess the booze has finally caught up with her because she stumbles, barely catching herself on what I assume is her car.

I lean back against my ride, crossing my arms over my chest, watching her for the millionth time tonight.

---