Page 16 of The Chances We Take

isabelle

LAST MARCH: RODEOHOUSTON, HOUSTON, TX

The bars in Houston were like they were every year during the rodeo—packed. Granted, they were busy year-round, but it seemed to be a once-a-year occurrence that people crowded downtown like sardines in a can.

“Remember last year when we were here?” I teased Ellison as we followed the boys into the Ace in the Hole Bar.

“I don’t think I need to be reminded, but yes.” She linked her arm with mine. It was, after all, this exact bar where she met Colter. “Hopefully, my fake cowboy bestie isn’t here.”

I couldn’t help myself. I let out a raucous laugh thinking about the guy Ellison almost clocked last year for trying to get her to put on his cowboy hat. “Don’t speak it into existence or it’ll come true.”

She lightly punched me in the arm. “I am not!”

“What’s goin’ on back there?” Colter looked over his shoulder at us, giving Ellison a quizzical look.

“Oh, Ellison was just saying she hopes this one guy isn’there. You know, when you had first started seeing each other she told me about this dream she?—”

Before I could finish my sentence, Ellison had smacked the palm of her free hand over my mouth, causing my words to come out muffled.

“Nothing to see here! Ignore her.” She let out a nervous laugh as Colter raised his eyebrow, drawing attention from the rest of the guys. Once they had turned around again, she removed her hand from my mouth and gave me a death glare. “Look what you started,” she jokingly scolded me in a hushed tone. I knew she wasn’t mad at me; there was no mistaking the playful glint in her eye.

“You’ve never told him about that?” I asked, and when she shook her head so aggressively I thought she might give herself whiplash and mouthed,Not the specifics, I just grinned. “Now I know what to use as blackmail if I ever need something.”

She dropped her jaw. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Maybe this is just what I need to get you out on the dance floor with me.” I winked and pulled her along, our arms still linked together.

Not much had changed from last year’s outing at the bar. The dance floor was still packed and the hardwood sticky from drinks spilled by people who got a little too drunk. Maybe it was weird, but I loved it. The DJ was still playing classic country, and the whole atmosphere gave off a party vibe. Everyone was happy, dancing, and enjoying themselves. Completely carefree, like they left all their inhibitions at the saloon-style doors.

We followed Colter, Reid, and the other guys to the bar.

“What can I start for y’all?” the bartender asked.

Mikey started counting heads. “One, two, three…seven shots of Pendleton!”

The bartender started nodding, but Ellison put a hand out to stop him. “Five shots of Pendleton and two shots of tequila.” She turned her head to Mikey. “Isa doesn’t do whiskey.”

“You got it.” The bartender nodded and got to work pouring the shots.

“No whiskey for you, eh?” Reid leaned on the bar next to me.

“Are you going to judge me for that, Cowboy? I know it’s like some kind of requirement for y’all,” I teased, playfully rolling my eyes.

“No, no. Not judging.” He put his hands up in surrender. “So, what do you drink then?”

“If you judge me, I’m going to leave.” I side-eyed him and then fully turned to face him. “My favorite is Malibu…I told you not to judge me!” I protested as he tried his best to hold back his laughter.

“I’m sorry, I just—” he chuckled, holding his chest with one hand as the other one rested on the bar top.

“Here’s those shots for y’all.” Our bartender saved me from my embarrassment, and I quickly grabbed my shot of tequila.

“Salt?” I looked across the bar.

“Here ya go, Short Stack.” Reid handed the shaker to me.

“Thanks.” I narrowed my eyes at him but accepted the salt, licking the top of my hand and shaking the salt onto it.

“All right, boys…and ladies.” Mikey cleared his throat. “Here’s to…uh.”

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