Page 6 of Here's to Now

“You know, the, uh…”

My grin grows wider. She notices. Her eyes narrow.

“The arrogance. Definitely the arrogance.”

I full-on belly laugh at that. “I’m not arrogant.”

“No? Not with that cute little smirk of yours?”

“Cute, huh? So you think I’m cute.”

She shakes her head, trying to stop her own smirk from forming. “I didn’t say that.”

“But you thought it.”

She blushes, turning her head away with a smile lining her lips. “I really should be getting back, you know. It was a—”

“Pleasure,” I interrupt before she can tack on thesemipart.

She smiles, and this time it’s genuine. “Pleasure meeting you, Gaige.”

I nod, not saying anything as she lifts herself from the stool and begins making her way back to her friends. I watch as she retreats, noticing how her friend’s face lights up when she approaches. They giggle and glance back to me before Haley shakes her head and takes a seat at the bar.

I smile and take a sip off my now warm beer.

Grimacing at the taste, I catch the eye of Benny, the bartender here at Clyde’s, and signal for another one. Usually, he smiles or nods at me. This time, he glares and pretends I didn’t just ask for something.

Huh. Okay. Maybe he didn’t see me then?

I try to gain his attention, but no luck. He’s either ignoring me or having a way off night. We’ve always been cool with one another, but something feels off right now—especially since he just smiled down at Haley then caught me watching and frowned at me.

Staring down at my beer, I contemplate getting up for another one or just heading home. I should probably head home. I have a ton of work to get done tomorrow and have to help the new guy at the shop get adjusted.

But, I kind of want to stay, maybe attempt to talk with Haley again.

No. I need to leave. Need to be responsible.

Go home, Gaige. You don’t need to talk to her again.

Suddenly, a new, cold beer slides into my view. I look up to find Haley standing in front of me again.

I slap a cocky grin on my face and say, “Just couldn’t stay away, huh? It’s because I’m cute, right?”

She shrugs and takes a seat. “Arrogant. Besides, you looked lonely.”

“That’s a cute excuse.”

“You’re a cute excuse.”

“Thank you…I think.”

“My friends are talking about weddings and husbands and babies. I don’t have the patience to listen to them.”

“That boring, huh?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know. It’s all a little sad.”

“Sad? How? Aren’t those supposed to be some of your happiest memories?” I ask.

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