Page 58 of One Chance to Stay
She laughed. “To surviving this crazy.” We clanked, and I tipped it back. Tequila. Straight. I coughed as it burned down the back of my throat. “After the first sip, it goes down nice and smooth.”
On the dance floor, Harvey spun Mabel around as if she were the belle of the ball. The jealousy crept in as I wished Seamus had stuck around. Her words continued echoing in the back of my head, louder with every gulp of tequila. I needed to brainstorm.
Julie leaned closer, raising her voice over the music. “Do you know what’s going on with this solstice thing?”
“Evelyn is hosting it. Or, I should say her bed-and-breakfast is arranging it. She roped me in to play bartender.” She nodded along, and my eyes narrowed. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?”
“Do you know how many group chats this town has?”
Speaking of group texts and the people who kept adding me, Amanda had joined the dance floor. She wedged herself between Jason and Simon, resting her head on Simon’s shoulder. The three of them moved in slow circles, the epitome of Firefly. With no boundaries, they could be the most invasive people, but they did it with the best of intentions. The warmth overrode the lack of personal space.
“I’m asking because I think Valhalla and the Harvest & Vine could come up with a little something for the bonfire.”
“Like signature cocktails?” It wasn’t a bad idea.
“I’m thinking spiked hot chocolate? Eggnog? Oh, snow bunnies! They’re delicious. We can come up with a menu. I’ll supply the booze, of course.”
Sounded as if I would need to brush up on my holiday-themed cocktails. I didn’t need to ask Evelyn for permission. If it included free alcohol, I’m sure she’d jump at the chance. Thiswas the Firefly way, one business helping another. Who knew I’d go on vacation and wind up bartending not one, but two events?
“To bonfires and booze.” I held up the flask.
“I can drink to that.”
And drink we did.
“Patrick. Earth to Patrick.”
My eyes widened as I gave my cheek a light slap. With a quick shake, I turned to see Amanda sitting on the table. Jason plopped himself down while Jon took a spot on his lap. The alcohol slowed my response time. It took a moment before I realized Amanda gave her snow globe a furious shake.
“I’ve never seen him intoxicated.” Jon poked at my cheek before I swatted him away.
“I’m fine.” It was mostly the truth. “Barely a buzz.” Less truth.
“We’re going to head to Jason’s house,” Amanda said. “It’s horrible horror night. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
“Simon’s in charge of snacks,” Jason added. “I promise, no pie.”
The space had all but cleared out. The hundred people had dwindled to a handful. Grace and Megan were laughing hysterically while they talked. Walter and Audrey were still dancing. Next to them, Mabel spun Harvey. Something about the scene filled my heart.
“I’m going to stay a little longer.”
Amanda slid off the table. “More popcorn for me!”
“Text if you need a ride,” Jason said.
Jon got up, giving me a hug. Jason patted me on the back while Amanda kissed my cheek. It’s funny how this trio hadonce been strangers sitting at my bar. One visit after another, they moved from strangers to friends. Now, out from behind the counter and gallivanting in their world, I’d gladly hang out with them outside of work.
Tonight, I wanted to bask in the happy couple’s joy.
Everywhere I looked, I found love. Grace’s face had turned red as she cackled. Megan pointed at her before joining in. They had ditched their winter boots and puffy jackets. While they conversed, Mabel had slowed on the dance floor. She had gone from shaking her money maker to holding Harvey’s hand as they danced to the music.
Love of a childhood friend. Love founded in respect. And then there was Walter and Audrey, a love born from second chances. It didn’t matter if there were a hundred people or seven; they existed in their serene bubble. I wondered if they’d let Harvey bring Mabel on their honeymoon?
Grace’s laughing stopped. I swore she spotted a ghost in the dim room. When she glanced at me, I followed her eyes to the front door.
Seamus.
Stunned, I didn’t know if I should get up. Everybody in the Legion watched as he walked toward me. He hadn’t come to speak with Grace. There was no wishing the happy couple a wonderful marriage. He walked straight toward me, stopping just short of the chair.
