Page 67 of Love Medley
“I plan to have some burger specials on the nights that you play,” Bill continues. “All the TVs in the place will be playing your matches.”
As Ian’s cheeks redden further, Luke perks up from his malaise to watch Ian squirm.
“Thanks,” Ian mumbles again. After they exchange a few more pleasantries and Ian promises to tell Sophia and his mom to stop by, Ian joins us in a booth.
Luke arches an eyebrow. “I didn’t realize that Bill was such a fanboy.”
“Shut up, Luke,” Ian grumbles. “He’s just being nice.”
“Suuuuure,” Luke says. “I’ll definitely make sure to order the Ian Thompson special next month.”
“Fuck you. Just order already,” Ian says, rubbing his brow. I’m amused to find that he might be sweating more right now than he did the entire time we were playing tennis.
We order three burgers all the way, fries, onion rings, and cheese curds to share, and three Bud Lights that Bill immediately hands our way.
Ian pops open his can. “Luke, you still making all the ladies cry because they can’t pin you down?” He’s clearly trying to recover from Luke’s ribbing. I’m glad I’m no longer the only recipient.
Luke adjusts his backwards green Blackwell cap. “I’m still single, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I can’t keep track of all his conquests,” I admit with a grin.
“Hey, I make it clear to everyone involved that I’m not a relationship guy,” Luke says. “I’m honestly too busy for it.”
“How’s business school?” Ian asks.
“It’s fine,” Luke says. “Just a ton of reading that puts me to sleep.”
“How much longer do you have?” I ask.
“Almost done,” Luke says. “I’m looking forward to that. Maybe one day I can use the degree towards running TNT.”
“Wow,” I say, leaning forward, an unexpected bead of panic running through me. “Is Leroy planning on retiring some time soon?”
“One day. I need to figure out this bar managing gig first.”
I nod, relieved that the bar will be staying in the family. One less thing to worry about. I know it's selfish, but I can’t imagine this place being made into…well, anything other than TNT. Even if I left someday, I’d want the option to come back. Just knowing it’s here—that it exists—matters to me. “Has Sebastian recovered yet from his skateboarding injury?”
Luke groans. “That fucker. He owes me. I feel like I’m still bartending the same amount as I did before I became bar manager. So basically, I’m just working twice as much.”
“Who’s Sebastian?” Ian asks.
“One of the other bartenders at TNT. But one that likes showing off too much, apparently. Have you ever been to Tunes and Tonic?” I don’t remember ever seeing Ian there.
“That's where I met this asshole during college,” Ian gestures at Luke. “But it’s been a really long time. I’m usually out of town for tennis.”
Huh. I forgot that Ian went to Blackwell University with us too—he was on the college tennis team. We’ve been orbiting around the same locations our entire lives and only now are intersecting.
“You should come,” Luke says. “I’ll make you a drink, and you can listen to Jake here serenade all the ladies.” He waggles his eyebrows up and down at me. “Or maybe one particular lady.”
Welp. I couldn’t evade this forever. I know Luke’s been biding his time.
Ian turns to me. “You’re dating someone?”
“Fake dating,” Luke says with a smug grin, tilting his beer towards me in the imitation of a toast. “But that kiss from last night looked pretty real to me.”
I roll my eyes. “Here we go.”
Ian glances from me to Luke and then back again. “Okay, there’s a story here, and I absolutely need to hear it.”
