Page 78 of One Chance to Stay
“I think I’ve got it. How bad can it be?”
Reed’s eyes went wide. “You’ve obviously never been to an event here. It’s cold. There’s fire. You might as well be serving the elixir of life.” He laughed. “For some of them, it might be.”
“Can’t be any worse than the bar on karaoke night. Nothing makes the singer more bearable than a couple of shots.”
For the last hour, it had been easy enough. Parents brought their kids in droves, and I did a few tricks, tossing the whipped cream over my shoulder. They stood in awe, then I served them paper cups filled with pure sugar. Reed made it sound as if they’d turn bloodthirsty and climb over one another for drinks.
“You have Julie’s number. If you need reinforcements,call.”
“Will do.” Reed walked away, and I sorted through the supplies. As I pulled out a bottle, I crossed it off my checklist. Four signature cocktails. Julie had a great imagination, and if left up to her, I’d be shaving candy canes for the drinks. Thankfully, she relented and agreed I could just include one hooked on the side of the cup.
Another half hour and I had everything set up. Coolers had been filled with snow, placed as far from the sad excuse for a space heater as I could manage. Everything was within reach. It wasn’t the usual bar setup, but I’d make this work.
“You couldn’t escape, could you?”
I looked up to see Amanda and Jon, both with ice skates dangling from their shoulders. After seeing Jon’s wild dancing atthe club, I wanted to see how he stayed upright on skates. I bet this ended in a bruised backside.
“You make it sound like Firefly won’t let me leave.”
Amanda laughed, doubling over. She paused. “One hot chocolate, please.” Laughing resumed. Even Jon joined in.
“Says the man who traded his freedom for a few extra days at Valhalla. I love that house, but my sister swindled you. You might as well forward your mail.”
“Well?” Amanda finished the hysterics and wiped the tiny icicles from the corners of her eyes.
“Well, what?” I could sense a trap. She’d be the one to lead me into it. Next time she came to Spectrum, I was going to make her mocktails all night. Bartenders always got the best revenge.
“Was it worth it?”
“I need more context.”
“Staying?”
I had two weeks without work. I missed it, but it wasn’t the job I looked forward to seeing again. It was the people saddling up at the bar. It took some time to reach the conclusion and maybe a few swift kicks in the pants, but I had reached it.
Jon had his arms around Amanda, his eyelids fluttering. Oh. They weren’t asking about my future career path. These two nosy Nellies wanted the gossip about my love life. I’m sure Jon had already started a group text called “Will They/Won’t They.” Even with the cold nipping at my nose, I could feel my cheeks beating red.
“It was worth it.”
“Another player joins the other team.” She held out a hand. “Can I have the tequila so I can pour one out?”
I scowled while Jon let go of Amanda. He jumped up and down while clapping his mitten-clad hands. “Does that mean you and?—”
“Whoa, boy. Let us figure it out. It’s… complicated.”
“Love is?—”
“Never complicated,” Amanda finished.
Jon pouted. “That’s my line.”
“You say itsomuch.” Amanda grabbed the man by the shoulders, pulling him to the side. I have no idea what happened. She squealed. Blood curdling, high-pitched, louder than the screaming kids on the ice rink. What on Earth had?—
She dropped her skates and bolted.
“What’s going on?” I leaned over the counter, following Jon’s eyes. She had just mocked me for finding somebodyspecial,and now… Amanda swept up the most beautiful woman in her arms, spinning her about. Only after the third turn did her companion flail. When she set her down, the two kissed. I couldn’t help but whistle.
“You’re going to say it, aren’t you?”
