Page 26 of One Chance to Stay
“For the bachelor party? No.”
“So, you’re a stripper at other parties?”
My eyes narrowed. She stood up, waving me off. “I’m messing with you. Abraham called earlier to let me know what’s going on.”
“Of course. Rumors spread?—”
“To put your stuff on his tab.” When I choked back my words, she chuckled, pulling the lollipop free. “See, we do more than gossip. Though he mentioned you were a bartender from Bangor. You’re not a Maine native, but you’ve lived here long enough. You might as well be.”
I smacked my forehead. “I’ll just get supplies for tonight and be on my way.”
“What do you think is going to happen at Walter’s party?”
I held my tongue. Anything I said would be taken as fact, and text messages would fly as soon as I left. It’d start fairly tame, then after a few drinks they’d believe themselves playboys. By the time the dancers arrived, they’d be throwing around money like they had enough to burn. Somebody would spend the night in the bathroom hurling. Another would get slapped by the dancer. It’d be loud and out of control.
Abraham would owe me. Big time.
“I’m sure it’ll be like every other.”
She gave a stifled laugh, making it clear she knew more about the story, but refused to share. I loved Firefly for many reasons. Always feeling like I was on the outside of an inside joke was not one of them.
I scurried past to the produce in the back. Oranges. Lemons. Limes. A couple of celery stalks, just in case. Not knowing the men or the bar I’d be working at, I had to run through the most common drinks.
“It’s been ages!” The cashier’s voice carried through the small market.
“How’s Carl doing?”
“You should stop by and see his sculptures. Man knows how to handle a chainsaw, if you know what I mean.”
I snorted at the conversation. Only in Maine could chainsaws be worked into casual conversation. I inspected the weird collection of goods in my basket. Oh, I couldn’t forget the cherries. That’d complete my list, and I’d head across the green to see if I could squeeze another bottle of whiskey out of the ‘yet-to-open’ liquor store.
I watched the new woman head toward the meat counter. The red hair shone in the fluorescent lights. I had seen plenty of drag queens in wigs, and never did they quite match the color of a natural redhead. What were the chances I’d bump intoher? She exchanged pleasantries with the man behind the counter before he handed her a package wrapped in brown paper.
I sped down the aisle to the cashier, setting my basket on the counter. “Are you tending bar, or are you making a fruit salad?”
I raised an eyebrow. “It’s for cocktails.”
She laughed until it bordered on hysterical. “Cocktails. That’s rich. Abraham has two suitcases of beer being sent over. I think you’ll find out these men have questionable tastes.” She scanned the groceries while shaking her head. “Cocktails. That’s just too funny.”
The redhead stood in line beside me. “Is there a bar opening in town?”
“Grace?” She set the meat on the checkout. Both she and Dorothy shot me a curious glance. “Oh, sorry.” I held out my hand. “I know your dad.”
“You do?” They spoke in unison. Grace took my hand, giving it a shake. Even after seeing the photos hanging on the wall,I couldn't believe she shared his genes. The crooked smile, however, had come straight from her dad.
“Long story short. I got lost in the woods in a snowstorm. I kind of owe him my life.” My face burned as I realized how humiliating it sounded, especially sharing with strangers. “I recognize you from the photos.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t shoot you.”
Was she joking? “He answered the door with a rifle.”
“That’s my boy,” the cashier said.
With my goods bagged up, I hoisted it against my chest and gave her a slight nod. I’d have loved to stay and talk, but I didn’t want to make it weird. How do you casually tell somebody’s kid that you’ve seen their dad naked?
“Well, it was good meeting you.” I gave a salute to her and then the cashier. “You as well.”
I paced myself as I walked through the door, trying not to run. Had I made it awkward? The bell jingled as I stepped outside into the chilly afternoon sun. Everybody in town knew one another. It wasn’t abnormal to strike up a casual conversation, right? It’s not like I said her dad had soft lips and a strong grip. No, I had been just another friendly person in Firefly.
