Page 177 of Mountain Daddy

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I swaymy hips to the classic rock playing from the speakers overhead.

What a night.

I feel awful for Rocky, but it’s been a while since I’ve been this drunk, and I kinda forgot how fun it is.

And I’m purposely forgetting how horrible I’ll feel tomorrow.

I sway some more.

This would be more fun if I had someone to dance with.

Across the room from me, the main door opens. And Joe walks in.

I blink.

Is this real?

Did I just manifest my brother’s best friend?

I blink again.

He lifts a hand.

I lift my hand in return, my lips pulling up into a grin.

Then someone walks in behind him.

Kendra.

Joe’s kid.

Wait.

Not just Joe’s kid.

The reason I’m drunk. The woman Rocky is losing his mind over.

I blink again.

Oh fuck, Rocky!

Joe and his daughter start to cross the room while I fidget with my apron.

They’re going to sit at the bar.

Of course they will.

Because Joe doesn’t know Rocky and Kendra are going through something.

Joe doesn’t know anything.

I swallow as my heart hurts for my brother.

Even shit-faced, I know Rocky will keep his secrets. But I can’t make him do that.

I can’t make him face Kendra.

Not tonight.

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