Page 59 of The Wedding Shake-up

“Aren’t many spots after midnight,” Anya says. “Tino’s is about the only one worth doing.”

“Nah, a bunch of bars stay open late if it ain’t a Saturday,” Morrie says.

We fill the five drinks and stick straws in them.

“We can all go to Tino’s,” Anya says. “We won’t cramp your style. It’ll be fun.”

I follow Gabe to the far side of the hut to deliver the other drinks. I lean in. “No action till morning,” I remind him.

He sighs. “All right, Anya. We can all go to Tino’s.”

“Yesssss,” Anya squeals. She leans over to grab one of the red-and-yellow drinks. “This one mine?”

I nod and push it closer, then slide another in front of Morrie.

“This was the bestest drink the other night.” Anya takes a swig and pretends to swoon onto Morrie’s hefty shoulder.

He acts like he’s going to steal her drink, so she pops her head up. “No way, mister!”

Now I think Gabe could be right. They’re being flirty.

It’s fun having them around, and I don’t mind extra people coming along after the shift. After sleeping through lunch, I feel awake and ready for a late night. It’s what I’m used to. Lila and Rosie went to bed ages ago.

And I want to know Gabe’s friends. I don’t have a circle quite like this and haven’t since I left Alabama. I don’t regret moving to Atlanta to help Lila with the baby. She had it real hard when Dodge left her, pregnant and puking and barely able to work.

But it’s nice to feel part of a social group again.

As midnight approaches, the tourists dribble out, and Mendo, Anya, and Morrie go ahead of us to Tino’s to get a table. Apparently, it gets crazy there.

The two of us companionably put away the preps, wash glasses, and close out the receipts.

“How’s the sunburn?” Gabe asks.

“I only notice it when I lift my arms. Mostly, I’m fine.”

He pulls me to him. “So maybe we don’t have to wait until morning.”

“Except now we’re meeting your friends.”

He groans. “I knew I would regret that.”

I rest my head on his shoulder. “It’s been a good night. Thanks for letting me work it with you.”

“I should be thanking you. You’re the one using up your vacation.”

I pull away. “You keep saying that, but I wasn’t doing much. I can’t afford to do many activities. Although because of the booze brawl bonus, I can probably buy a few more.”

“Mendo can take you on any of the local excursions.”

“That’s sweet, but I should do it like a regular tourist. I don’t want to take away his paid slots.”

He drags me close again. “I don’t think you know how excited everyone is to have you around.”

“Because I’m a Georgia hottie drinkslinger?”

“Because you’re great.”

Am I? I think I’m typical. Average looks. Below average sex appeal. Definitely below average earning potential.

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