Page 22 of Bone's Destiny

“Not at all. I just find you weird and annoying.”

“I accept weird. But annoying? I’ve hardly bothered you.”

“No woman wants to be watched while she pigs out on a tray of nachos. It’s messy and not ladylike at all.” I drank another shot.

“You do have an olive on your tit.” He reached his hand toward me, and I swatted it away.

“Excuse me, but I’ll take it off myself. Thank you very much.” Some men didn’t have any boundaries or manners.

“I would’ve been happy to assist.” He refilled my empty glasses.

“I bet. But I can take care of myself just fine. Why don’t you go help some other girl? I’m just fine here.”

“But you’re alone.”

“Why do you care? Besides, my date will be here soon, and I’d like to be finished eating before he arrives and we go upstairs.” Shoot, why did I tell him all that? It wasn’t his business who I was meeting or what we were doing.

His ears turned red. Maybe he was getting overheated like me. “You’re going upstairs?”

“You know, I’d rather be alone now.” I turned toward the dance floor, hoping he’d get the hint and leave me alone. It was a shame, though. The more we talked, the more appealing he became. But he seemed way older than me and not as refined as the guys I dreamed about on my bedroom wall. His big hands were rough, and black stuff was under his nails. Clearly, he worked with them quite a bit.

I watched couples dance and swayed my head to the Stevie Nicks song. I was too afraid to turn back toward the bar and see Mr. Grumpy Sexy staring at me. Grumpy sexy sounded a lot better than Sexy Grumpy in my head. It could’ve been the alcohol messing with me.

I found myself humming and raising my hands above my head. I loved this song. Not sure I had heard it before, but I loved it.

When the song changed, I slowly and cautiously turned back around. “What the hell?” I shouted. My nachos were gone. I searched for Mr. Grumpy Sexy, but he was nowhere. My heart raced, and I teared up. I’d only eaten half of the platter and wasn’t close to finished. “Dammit!”

“Something wrong, hon?” the female bartender asked.

“Did that jerk take my food? I wasn’t finished.”

“Oh. Dang, that’s too bad. I didn’t see, but I can go find him if you want?” She appeared amused at my situation—not nice. She probably had three meals a day and didn’t know what it was like to go days without food. Or giving away a piece of herself for money.

Some women didn’t mind being a prostitute. No judgment to them. I believed in a woman’s right to choose when it came to her body. But I had wanted a different life for myself.

“No. I don’t want him coming back. He’s weird and annoying.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Maybe just suggest he ask customers if they’re finished before taking their dishes.”

“Okay. I’ll do just that.” She laughed at me like I was ridiculous. Perhaps I was making a big deal out of nothing. “Can I get you anything else? Some dessert or another drink.”

I considered her offer, but I was sure she’d charge me for anything else. She wasn’t like Mr. Grumpy Sexy, who’d told me the drinks were on the house.

“No thanks. Where’s the bathroom?” I needed to freshen up before my client arrived.

“In the hallway toward the left.” She pointed in the direction I should go.

“Perfect.” I hopped off the stool and lost my balance. My legs twisted like a pretzel, making me stumble as I untwisted them.

“Hey, you okay?” she asked.

“Yes, I think.” With one hand gripping the chair, I steadied myself and hoisted my big purse over my shoulder. “I’m a bit of a lightweight.” Especially when I hadn’t eaten in a day and a half. I took one intentional step, then another, and another.

Six tequila shots might have been too much. Or was it eight or nine?

The room swayed like I was on a boat. Not good at all. I slowed my steps, not feeling well. I braced my hand on the wall to help me along. People passed me but didn’t appear to care I was in duress. Wait, or was it distress?

I couldn’t think of the right words, much less walk like a normal person.

“Everything all right, pretty lady?” Mr. Grumpy Sexy’s voice came from behind me.

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