CHAPTER 3
HOLLY
“See? I told you the coffee was decent.” Roderick holds his Styrofoam cup up and grins at me.
“I’ve had worse.” That’s honestly the best compliment I can give it. Not that I had high expectations. It is hospital coffee after all.
What I’m really surprised by is my agreement to meet Roderick here. A hospital cafeteria is not our usual spot. Normally, it’s his apartment. Specifically, his bedroom.
Roderick works as a resident doctor, and I met him during one of my visits a while back. He’s handsome and nice. He also understands the concept of a no-strings-attached relationship, which is exactly what I want.
Or what I wanted.
Honestly, right now, I’m just searching for a way to get a certain person out of the part of my brain where I keep my spank bank. Ben Gerhard should not be spending time next to Sam Claflin, James McAvoy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Roderick should be there instead. So, when he suggested a coffee get-together during his break, I agreed. I thought normal interaction with the guy I’d been sleeping with might kick my brain back into gear.
No such luck.
“This is nice. Seeing you with your clothes on.”
He gives me a winning smile, but my responding chuckle comes out forced. I didn’t have to force a laugh with Ben.
Stop it. He’s off-limits. No flirty fraternization allowed.
If I’m hoping to get romantic with someone, Roderick is right in front of me, and he’s a willing participant. Time to actually put some effort into this.
“So, how’s life?”
Wow. What a stimulating question. I should be a moderator at a political debate.
Roderick doesn’t seem to mind. “Busy. But that’s the life of a doctor. Still have a good portion of my residency left, but they all love me here.”
He grins and winks at me, and I try for a genuine smile.
“Well, that’s good.” I sip my coffee and wonder where my ability to come up with conversation went. Things flowed so easily yesterday with Ben.
No, this is not Ben time. This is Roderick time.
“Any interesting patients lately?” There, that’s decent.
“Of course. Loads of them. This one woman had pus—”
Nope. My brain shuts down at that word, and I check out for the rest of his story. I’m tempted to ask him if there’s a broom closet we could make out in. Not because I’m particularly turned on at the moment. I just don’t want to have to talk to him anymore, and that’s my go-to solution for occupying his mouth.
“So, Holly”—my name has me focusing back on him—“I was thinking that, sometime—”
His beeper cuts him off, and I praise the universe for the quick save. Roderick grimaces when he glances at it.
“Sounds like someone needs you.” My coffee sloshes around as I stand, ready to make my escape. “I should head out anyway. Gotta get ready for my shift.”
“Oh, yeah. You still working at that bar?” He stands up next to me, putting his hand on my lower back as we walk toward the door.
“Yep. Pays the bills.” My voice comes out squeaky as Roderick moves his hand lower.
When we get to the point where we part ways, he’s fully cupping my ass, and I’m coming to the conclusion that our year-long fling has reached its end.
“I’ll text you later.” He gives my behind a squeeze and leans in for a kiss.
I let it happen but break things off before tongues come into play.
“See ya!” I practically yell as I power-walk away, wanting to get out of this place as fast as possible.
If this had been the end of his shift, then I probably would have let him know we were done. But I’m not going to be responsible for putting him in a pissy mood right before he has to treat some random patient.
I rifle around in my bag until I find my cute striped notebook. After flipping it open to the right page I run down my list of things to do today.
Coffee with Roderick. Check.
I turn to the next page where I’ve already begun Saturday’s list. Time to write in another item.
End things with Roderick.
Decision made. No more doctor booty calls.
Problem is, now, I don’t have anyone to distract me from my inappropriate thoughts about a certain pre-law student who shall remain nameless.
Maybe getting sexed up by another guy isn’t the answer. I pull out my phone and search for the university’s fitness class schedule while I walk toward the bus stop. There’s a spin class tomorrow morning.
Perfect. Instead of a guy, I’ll straddle a bike.
After digging out a pen, I add the new solution to my list.
Spin class 10:15 a.m.
Now, I just need to make it till then without doing something stupid.
The lined paper should be filled with notes. That was the whole reason I shut myself in my bedroom with my textbook. Instead, my pencil has been creating doodles that are now morphing into full-scale drawings.
This is how it always happens. I plan on being productive, but my hand has its own ideas.
At first, it’s a few swirls and shapes here and there. Then, my eye catches on something in the room, and I start translating it onto the paper.
So far, I’ve got my discarded sneakers and the cover of the textbook I’m supposed to be reading chapters from. But I’ve moved past distraction and on to full-blown procrastination.
I’m stuck on a portrait of Holly laughing. It’s a rough sketch of her sitting cross-legged in that chair she dragged into my treatment room. My memories bring back all the little details, like how her tight jeans showed off the smooth curve of her calves and the V-neck T-shirt that shifted enough to the side to reveal a simple white bra strap. My pencil traces her neck in the way I want my mouth to, bringing me up to those petal-shaped lips. The sight of her laughing, eyes closed, hand in her hair, is burned in my brain. I bring it all back to life on my notebook paper.
Then, I crumple the picture in a ball when there’s a knock on my door.
“You decent?” Jasper calls out.
“Yeah!” I respond after shoving the evidence of my obsession under a pillow.
He pushes the door open and leans against the frame. “When do you wanna head out?”
When I texted Holly this morning to ask about my car, she suggested I visit her at work. Some bar called Both Ways. I’ve recruited Jasper to give me a lift again.
“Can you give me twenty minutes?”
“Sure. And I think we need to get Sammy to come with us.”
“Is something up?”
Jasper gives me a laugh with little humor. “Something up? Yeah, there is. His fucking blood pressure. I don’t know what those professors are saying to them this semester, but he’s on edge. Has been for weeks. You haven’t noticed?”
“I mean, yeah. But Sammy is always really intense.”
I try to think back on the recent times we’ve talked. There haven’t been many. Even though we’re the same major, he’s a year ahead of me, and he has twice the course load. Doesn’t leave much time for chitchat.
“It’s gotten worse though. He doesn’t do anything other than shove his head in books all day. He needs to take a break. By trickery or by force.”
I move to stack my unopened textbooks off to the side of my bed. “Okay. I’m on board. What’s the plan?”
Jasper takes a beat before answering, “Well, we’re already heading to a bar, so that’s a start. We just need to get him to come with us.” He pauses again before continuing, “I’ll think of something. You just be at the car in twenty minutes and go along with whatever I say. Got it?”
“Aye, aye, captain.”
He grins at my mock salute, flipping me off before walking away.
I pull on a clean shirt after reapplying deodorant. Because I’m not likely to fall asleep at a bar, I opt to put in my contacts. Run a comb through my hair, spray on cologne, and I’m good to go.
Tonight should be interesting. Bars aren’t my normal hangout, seeing as how I don’t drink anymore. Alcohol messes with my delicate hydration balance. Not to mention, I don’t want to put strain on any of my other organs. That goes for my liver.
When I walk out to the driveway, Sammy is already sitting in the front seat of Jasper’s Mustang. I have to admit, he looks like a different person without a textbook in front of him. His fingers drum impatiently on the dashboard. I wonder what story Jasper came up with.
The moment I slide into the backseat, Sammy turns to throw questions at me. “What do you know about this speaker? Jasper said that he’s discussing corporate law, but that’s all he said. Do you at least know his name?” Sammy already has the internet browser up on his phone, ready to Google whatever answer I give.
I’ve never met a person who loves to research as much as Sammy.
Unable to lie as smoothly as Jasper, I decide to play the ignorant card. “Sorry, I don’t know any more than you do. Didn’t know there was a speaker until Jasper told me. Where is he anyway?” I’m proud of my smooth subject change.
“Looking for his wallet.”
“He’s going to take forever. He left it on the back of the upstairs toilet. Why was he even taking his wallet out then?”
I’ve lost Sammy’s attention, as my roommate explores the university’s news updates, likely looking for tonight’s fictional speaker. Worried we’ll be found out, I text Jasper the location of his wallet.
Another minute or so passes before he slides into the driver’s seat.
“I can’t find anything on this guy. Are you sure tonight is when he’s coming to talk?” Sammy holds up his phone as evidence, but Jasper ignores it, turning the car on and backing out of the driveway.
“Trust me, Sammy.”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just think you were misinformed.”
“So, just because you can’t find anything on it means it’s not happening?”
Since I’m in the backseat, I don’t have to fight the grin pushing at my cheeks. Jasper loves messing with Sammy.
“It doesn’t make sense that they wouldn’t put anything on the university’s events calendar.”
“Maybe you didn’t look closely enough.” His voice is steady, as if he’s not lying straight out of his ass.
“I looked close. Maybe you didn’t look close,” Sammy mutters the words as he returns to scrolling through his phone.
I can’t help a snort that escapes, but I quickly cough to cover up my lapse. Fortunately, Sammy is too absorbed in proving Jasper wrong to notice, but I meet J’s eyes in the rearview mirror and watch them crinkle with a hidden smile.
Getting to the bar doesn’t take long; it’s the parking that’s hell. As we’re circling another block, I spot a familiar vehicle.
“There’s my car!”
“Why is your car here? And why aren’t we on campus?” Sammy glances between the two of us, obviously suspicious.
I’m sure we’re found out, but Jasper is a manipulative ninja.
“We have to make a pit stop first. Ben lent Holly his car.”
“Who’s Holly?”
“Who’s Holly? Are you serious? She’s giving Ben her kidney! And she’s so cool. You’ve gotta meet her.”
“Meet her? I mean, sure. I’ll meet her at some point.”
“Nah, we can do it tonight. And check it out!” Jasper slides his car into an empty space. The bar is right around the corner. “Can’t waste a primo spot like this. We’ll just pop in with Ben, say hi, maybe grab a quick drink, and then head out.”
Before Sammy can take the moment he needs to catch up, Jasper jumps out of the car and jogs toward Both Ways. Sammy stares back at me, as if I might explain what is happening, but I just grin and open the door to chase after my friend.
I wonder if Sammy will stay behind in the car in protest. My question is answered when I hear a car door slam and am soon joined by my confused roommate.
Jasper gets in the back of the line by the door, but I wave for him to follow me to the front. When I reach the bouncer, I smile at him in what I hope is not a douchey I expect to be let in immediately kind of way. The guy is huge, muscles bulging in his tight black T-shirt, and he has that classic security-guy frown.
“Hi. I’m a friend of Holly’s. She said I should give her name at the front door.”
A silence extends between us as the guy runs his eyes over me, then Jasper, and then Sammy. I start to worry she never got around to letting him know we were stopping by. After an uncomfortable amount of time, he gives a slight nod.
“IDs.”
We all pull out our licenses, which he scans with a handheld device before stamping each of our hands.
“Check the second-floor bar.”
I thank him and move through the door before he can change his mind and throw us back out. The first floor has a decent crowd of people all centering around a square-shaped bar. I don’t see Holly passing out drinks, so I take the bouncer’s advice and look for a set of stairs.
“Back left.” Jasper points, and past his finger, I spy our route to the next floor.
“You been here before?”
“Maybe.” That and a shrug are all I get.
“Come on. Let’s get your keys and head out.” Somehow, Sammy is now in the lead, heading for the stairs.
Jasper and I grin at each other and follow along. Poor guy still thinks this is just a side trip.
As we move upward, the background music swells until it fills the air around us. Apparently, the second floor is for dancing. A DJ booth sits back against the wall, leaving a large, clear area for the mass of writhing bodies.
I don’t spot the bar right away, and again, Jasper hands out directions. Across the dance floor is an archway leading into another room. That’s where we head, weaving through the crowd of sweaty dancers in our own individual ways. Jasper just cuts a straight path. I maneuver and dodge, rather smoothly might I add. When I check to make sure Sammy is still following me, I find my previously surly roommate bopping his head and swaying his hips. He uses his dance moves to jump from partner to partner on his way across the floor.
Through the archway, we find the second-floor bar. I expect the seating up here to be just as crowded, but it looks like most people grab their drinks and head back out to dance. The first bartender I see has thick black hair falling over her shoulders, some dusting the top of her generous cleavage, which is practically resting on the bar as she leans forward to hand two women their drinks. She’s the type of person to draw stares with her stunning curves and dark eyes. But she’s not the one I’m looking for tonight.
Walking farther into the room, I finally find Holly at the other end of the bar, shaking a tumbler as she grins at two guys, laughing at whatever they’re saying. I’ve never been the macho, alpha type, but I have a strong urge to elbow them out of the way and steal Holly’s smile for myself. Instead, I move up behind them and wait until they’re done getting their drinks.
She’s quick, smoothly pouring the liquid into martini glasses and garnishing them with a flourish. “You boys have a good night. Come back and see me when these are empty.”
“You know we will!” They clink their glasses together and then saunter away, leaving an empty stool for me to swing myself onto.
“Ben! You made it!” Holly reaches across the counter and gives my forearm a squeeze while smiling at me. Then, she glances behind me to where I assume my roommates are standing. “Hey, Jasper. How’s it going?”
“It’s good now. Have you met our other roommate?”
“I don’t think so.” She lets go of my arm and holds out her hand for him to shake.
“This is Sammy.”
“Nice to meet you.” He grips her hand, but I’m glad to see the shake doesn’t linger. Not that I have any reason to expect it would.
At the start of the night, I was excited for the three of us to be hanging out, but now, selfish bastard that I am, I kind of just want to talk to Holly on my own. I’m not rude enough to say that out loud though.
“You’ll be wanting your keys, I’m guessing?”
I watch her slide her hand into the back pocket of some high-waisted shorts she’s wearing. Up until this moment, I never realized how much emphasis that style puts on a girl’s waist. I wonder if I could span my hands completely around her there. Maybe, one day, she’ll let me try.
My inappropriate thoughts are cut off by the jingle of keys in my face.
“I might have to draw some directions on a napkin for you to figure out where I parked.”
“Don’t worry; we saw it when we were driving in.”
My eyes lock on a bead of sweat running down Holly’s neck. I have a clear view because she’s pulled her short hair up into a ponytail with only a few strands falling down in the back. The drop of perspiration traces its way from her shoulder to her collarbone and then disappears beneath the neck of her tank top, straight into the valley between her breasts. My dirty imagination is back in full force as I picture letting my tongue follow the same path.
“Now, who are these handsome gentlemen you have congregating down here, and why don’t they have drinks yet?” These husky words come from the other bartender, who has meandered her way to Holly’s section.
I wonder if there’s competition for customers and tips, but Holly’s smile is genuine when she glances at the other woman.
“This is Ben.”
The girl’s face shows a flash of recognition at the sound of my name. I’m not ashamed to admit, I’m filled with a swell of happiness, knowing that Holly has mentioned me to other people.
“This is Jasper, from my marketing class. And then Sammy here is Ben and Jasper’s roommate. Everybody, this is Terra, my roommate slash coworker slash butt-saver for getting me a well-paying job, so I can actually afford rent.”
Terra wraps Holly in a one-armed hug at the praise as she waves at us all.
“Now, because of Ben’s generosity, you are all lucky enough to receive one free drink of your choice. What’ll it be, my good sirs?”
Terra leaves Holly to take our orders as more customers appear.
“Holly, you don’t owe me anything. Seriously.”
“I’ll take a whiskey, neat. Jameson, if you’ve got it.” Apparently, Jasper isn’t above cashing in my favors.
Holly smirks and reaches for a bottle on the shelf behind her. Not five seconds later, he’s sipping from his glass, a content curve to his mouth.
“And you, Sammy?”
“Huh?”
This whole time, my roommate has been glancing back at the dance floor, an expression of longing on his face. I’ve never been to a club with him before. Seems like he’s a fan. Jasper and I share grins that we keep turned away from him.
“What drink do you want? First one is on the house.” Holly waves at the wall of liquor bottles behind her.
“Oh … I probably shouldn’t. I think … aren’t we leaving soon?” He glances at the glass in Jasper’s hand.
“We’ve got time for one drink. Tell the lady what you want.” My tricky roommate swirls the amber liquid, as if trying to hypnotize him into misbehaving.
He still looks uncertain.
“Hey, Sammy.” All our eyes turn to Holly, who somehow appears both serious and amused. “Terra and I like to play a game sometimes where we guess the drinks people are going to order. How about you let me make you a surprise drink, one I think you’ll like? And then you can tell me if I’m wrong or right. Sound good?”
After a moment, he nods reluctantly.
“Okay, prepare yourselves, boys. This is going to be fun.”
I only need to observe Sammy for a few seconds to diagnose him.
This man needs tequila.
The recipe is simple.
1. Orange juice
2. Tequila
3. Grenadine
4. Garnish
As my hands move with precision, I try not to let my attention stray back to Ben.
The second he walked through the doorway, I knew he was in the room.
Some people fill the air with energy, like Terra. It can be exhausting, although it does help when working in a dance club. Ben is at the opposite end, giving off a sense of calm steadiness that centers me.
All traces of tension drained from my neck when he leaned against the bar. It’s not that I’m super stressed or that I hate my job. Some nights are just louder and more demanding than others. Tonight was one of those until my new friend walked in.
At least, I think he’s my friend. What do you call the person you are giving a kidney to and have hung out with once and have borrowed their car and are now giving his roommates free drinks? The closest word I can think of is friend.
And that’s all we are. Just friends. No need to be admiring the tempting curl of his lips or the unruly hair falling over his forehead, begging me to finger-comb it back into place.
I tear my eyes off Ben, focusing on the task at hand. “There you go, Sammy boy. Take a sip and tell me what you think.” I slide the glass across the smooth wood with the exact amount of pressure to ensure it lands directly in front of him.
He hesitates, and I’m guessing it’s the colorfulness of the beverage. Tequila sunrises are accurate representations of their name. I pop a cherry in the red-yellow liquid and raise my eyebrows, hoping my expression conveys that I will not back down until he at least tastes it. With a sigh, he picks up the glass, places his lips to the rim, and gives a tentative sip.
He’s a goner.
“Holy hell, that’s delicious. What is it?”
Success.
“Why don’t you finish it, and I’ll tell you when you come back for round two?” I lean over the bar and lower my voice, so he has to come in close to hear me. “Now, I’ve seen you eyeing that dance floor since you walked up to my bar, Sammy. I think you need to take this delicious drink I made you out there and dance your heart out before your wet-blanket friends make you leave.”
For a second, I worry I might have read him wrong, but then a reluctant smile spreads over his face.
“I mean, as long as we’re not leaving right away.”
Then, we lose him as he dashes through the archway, back to the sea of dancing bodies.
“Good team effort! Now, maybe he won’t die from stress overload.” Jasper settles onto a free stool at the bar. “So, what made you choose that drink for Sammy?”
“Easy. Tequila, for the dancing. Delicious fruity disguise, so he doesn’t realize how drunk he is until it’s already happened. And by then, he won’t care.”
Jasper lets out a roar of laughter while Ben chuckles into his closed fist.
“You’re like a bartender therapist. But, seriously, Holly, you’ve gotta let me pay for the drinks. You really don’t owe me for the car.”
I shake my head. “Stop it, Ben. You’re not supposed to refuse gifts. And, now, it’s your turn for a drink!”
“Don’t worry about me.”
He’s gone stiff, and I think I know why.
“I’m not going to give you alcohol. And don’t worry; I don’t imbibe either. Making sure I’m handing off quality equipment.” I wink at him.
Jasper snickers into his whiskey.
Ben’s smile returns, but he still shakes his head. “I’m a tough customer. Don’t think you can read me as easy as Sammy.”
The gauntlet has been thrown.
I lean over the bar and whisper to him, “Silly Ben. Haven’t you figured out yet that I know exactly what you need?”
Holly’s flirtatious whisper has me discreetly adjusting myself. I can’t tell if she knows the effect she has on me.
At first glance, Holly is an enticing combination of sweet and cute. Then, she takes a string of words that should be innocent and makes them sound like a promise of naughty things to come. Pair that with the fact that she’s basically saving my life, and I’m having a hard time with not lusting after her.
Some part of my brain shouts at me that pursuing my donor is wrong. It’s a very minor part, and the pounding music from the next room easily drowns it out.
I watch as Holly creates what she claims to be exactly what I need. I hope she’s right because I doubt I could decline anything she went through the effort to create.
First, she brings out a stone bowl and fills it with some green leaves, which she grinds up with another stone implement. Then, in one of those drink shakers, she pours in water from a newly opened bottle and then squeezes in a bit of lime. Holly shakes the container with a few flourishes.
“It’s more for the effect.” Her smile is cheeky, and I don’t know how every guy in this bar isn’t lined up behind me, clamoring for her attention.
Holly scrapes the mashed leaves into the same type of glass she served Jasper’s whiskey in. Then, taking a shot glass, she fills it to the brim with her water-lime mixture, pours the liquid over the leaves, and repeats the action once more. Apparently, this is the end product because she adds a sliver of lime to the rim and pushes the concoction across the bar to me.
“For you, we have wonderfully refreshing lime water with muddled mint leaves. Exactly three ounces.” She leans in close again, no longer wearing her showman bartender persona. Instead, she has serious eyes and an encouraging smile. “If you’ve already reached your daily fluid intake, I won’t be offended if you don’t drink it. But it’s always nice to at least be holding a drink when you’re hanging at a bar with your friends.”
Before I can say anything, another customer appears, waving for Holly’s attention. Back is her friendly grin, and Jasper and I are left alone for the moment. Luckily, he’s people-watching, so no one notices me coming to grips with the strange combination of emotions mixing in my head.
Again, my illness was a factor in something as simple as whether I could even order a drink. That was enough to shame me. Then, Holly figured out exactly what I needed. She knew, likely from her brother, that keeping my body fluids balanced was imperative while on dialysis, so she gave me a small, precisely measured drink. And not just a glass of water. No, she found flavors and elements that were acceptable for my strict diet. The kindness of this gesture, delivered right when I felt like crawling into a hole, floors me.
Just to give my mind something else to focus on, I reach for the glass and take a sip.
It’s delicious. The taste is fresh and clean, cooling my mouth on its way down. I want to chug the whole thing and ask for another. Instead, I savor the treat.
“You’ve got a good one there.” Jasper takes a break from scanning the room, observing me instead.
He’s a sharp guy; he reads people well. No doubt, he knows exactly how gone I am on Holly. We glance down the bar to where she’s popping the caps off a couple of beer bottles.
“Problem is that I don’t actually have her.” I fidget in my seat, trying to shrug off my infatuation. “Besides, I just want us to be friends. She shouldn’t have to give her kidney to a complete stranger. She should know me.”
Jasper snorts. “Whatever you say.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m just interested to see if you can actually be around her for months and not try anything. It’d be impressive, is all.” Jasper appears so smug.
To prove I don’t have to hover near Holly, I get up to search for Sammy. Just to check on the guy. A couple steps past the arched doorway, and I spot him. He’s hard to miss.
Sammy owns the dance floor. I had no idea he had any sort of rhythm, but he moves with the beat, lost in his own world. I can’t even tell if he’s dancing with anyone. Watching my normally rigid roommate let loose and actually enjoy himself has me grinning.
Jasper was right. Sammy’s been wearing himself into the ground. And it’s not even like he needs to. The guy is insanely intelligent. Whenever someone points this out, he always shrugs off the compliment, claiming he has the typical Asian parents who drive him to overachieve. I’ve met the Ches, and they are definitely hard customers to please. But, even without their pushing, I don’t think Sammy would have any trouble maintaining his 4.0. He doesn’t seem to agree most days, which is why nights like tonight are so important.
I’m still pondering the change in him when Sammy opens his eyes and finds me through the crowd. Wearing a huge grin, he weaves his way over to me.
“This place is great! And this drink is delicious!” The glass he holds up is already empty. Realizing this, he frowns and pulls me with him as he beelines for the bar. “Time for round two!”
I laugh at his eagerness and indulge in another sip of my own Holly creation.
I don’t know how Sammy is still standing. After his fourth tequila sunrise, I cut him off. There is no part of me interested in cleaning his colorful puke off my bar.
Midnight is approaching, and the guys have been here for hours. Talking to them in between serving drinks makes work more enjoyable than usual. Ben and Jasper stay near the bar, conversing with each other and occasionally throwing out jokes, while their roommate acts like a kid on holiday out on the dance floor.
It’s also funny to watch Ben slowly realize what type of establishment he’s in. It takes three different guys offering to buy him a drink before understanding flashes on his face. This is an important moment. I want to know how he’ll react to the knowledge that I work in a gay bar.
Each time he’s approached, Ben politely declines, which is a point in his favor. A lot of insecure men would feel the need to rage and huff, informing all those closest to them that there was no way in hell a man could ever give them a boner.
Yeah, buddy, no one really cares about that, except you and the bigoted people who raised you.
So, Ben earns my approval with his kind but firm refusals.
Getting hit on is one thing; finding out that the entire clientele tends to be homosexual is the next level up. He scans the room, coming to focus on a generously tattooed woman ogling Terra’s chest as she slides her a very generous tip.
Sorry, lady, she’s taken.
Terra is a fantastic flirt, but that’s as far as it goes. She has an ironclad commitment to her girlfriend, Faith, who’s currently stationed in Afghanistan with her Army unit. Terra’s just working for the tips, and most nights, she comes home with at least fifty bucks more than me. I’m plenty friendly, but patrons come to me when they want drinks made quickly and with precision, and they go to Terra for a gorgeous rack to admire. You don’t have to be a straight dude to love boobs.
Ben turns to look at me, and I can see the question on his face. Suddenly, I get the urge to clarify that I am very interested in men.
“No, it’s not a requirement to work here.”
He flinches at my called-out comment but then smiles ruefully. “Just wondering.”
I collect the payment for the three beautiful blow-job shots I just crafted and then sidle back to Ben and Jasper.
“No problem. As long as you don’t have an issue with people who are.” I don’t miss the way Ben’s eyes flick to Jasper.
On occasion, I’ve seen Jasper in here, but I wasn’t sure if Ben knew. Seems like he does. Another good sign.
“Nope. Not at all.”
I’ve known Ben for only about a week, but everything I’ve discovered so far indicates that he’s a decent guy. I’d still give him my kidney even if he were a jerk. It’s not like having a bad attitude means you should get a death sentence. Still, knowing that my donation will help out a good person eases a stressful clench in my chest that I just realized was there.
My self-reflection is interrupted by the appearance of a very cocky Sammy. “Read ’em and weep, losers.” He throws down a handful of trash on the bar before taking a sip of a drink I definitely did not serve him.
“Sammy”—I use my most motherly tone—“where’d you get that drink?”
He grins around his straw and taps the trash pile. “I have many new friends. They like to give me things.”
Ben picks through the crumpled napkins and paper scraps. “These all have phone numbers on them.”
“That’s right.” Sammy grins and takes another tug on his straw.
“But all the names are guys’ names. Sammy, you’re straight. Remember?” Ben explains in a voice you’d use with a child.
Jasper snorts behind his fist.
Sammy glances at the numbers—I count six—that he’s collected. He appears thoughtful. After a moment, he shrugs and smiles wide again. “Doesn’t matter. Conclusion is still the same.”
“And that is?” Ben’s voice comes out strained, like he’s trying to hold back laughter.
“That Sammy Che is hot!” he declares while flexing some arm muscles that aren’t too shabby.
His buddies both crack up but give him some friendly slaps on the back.
“Okay, we’ve reached the talking in third person threshold. I think it’s time to call it a night.” Jasper pulls out his wallet to pay for the one other whiskey he drank.
“What? Nooo …” Sammy moans while glancing back to the dance floor.
“Yes. Time to go. Actually, it’s time to find you some food to soak up all that fruity liquor you’ve been sucking down. What do you say to a cheesesteak, buddy?”
This gets his spirits back up. “Geno’s?”
Jasper grumbles, “You know I’m a Pat’s guy.”
“But, please …” Sammy gives a very convincing, sad puppy-dog face.
Jasper sighs in defeat. “Fine. But, if you puke in my car, we’re going to Pat’s. Got it?”
“Deal.”
“Okay, now, pay Holly for your drinks.” Jasper talks to him like a dad would to his toddler. It’s adorable.
I already have Sammy’s tab closed out and his receipt ready to be signed, which he does with a dramatic flourish.
“Nice to meet you, Holly. Thanks for the drinks. And the kidney.” He bends at the waist in a low bow, catching me off guard. The formalness of the gesture is effectively ruined when he pops up, shoves Jasper, and yells, “Race you to the car!” before sprinting away.
“Goddamn it, Sammy! Wait up!” Jasper throws a bill on the bar and runs after him.
When I glance at Ben, he’s just shaking his head and chuckling. He’s probably used to their shenanigans.
“I like your friends. They’re fun.” I’m still smiling as I collect their payment but stop short when I see the amounts. First off, Jasper paid me twenty bucks for one drink, and secondly, Sammy gave me a one hundred percent tip. “Shoot. You might want to text them to come back. They both way overpaid me.”
Ben glances at the receipt and bill when I show him but just gives a shrug. “Don’t worry about it. That’s normal.”
Ah, apparently, Jasper and Sammy are just as well off as Ben’s family. Still, I hesitate.
“Are you sure? I meant to treat you, not swindle your friends out of money.” Even if accepting it would take a good chunk out of this month’s electricity bill.
“Seriously, Holly. It’s not a big deal.”
Maybe not to him. Reluctantly, I slip the receipt into the register and cash out the tip.
“Do you want another?” When I look back at Ben, he’s covering a jaw-cracking yawn.
The poor guy notices me watching and smiles apologetically. “Sorry. I’m not bored, I swear.”
“Come on, Ben. I get it.” I reach over and pat his arm. “You’re doing better than Marcus. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him stay up later than eleven. Even on New Year’s Eve.” As I retract my hand, I take his glass with me. “I’m going to have to cut you off and send you home. Driving while tired is as bad as driving drunk.” My stern voice returns, but I take road safety very seriously.
The slow curve of his lips causes a strange clenching sensation in my abdomen. That’s been happening a lot tonight. First was when I met his eyes and found no glasses barricading me from the smooth dark green of his irises. Then, there was the moment when he ran his fingers through his red-gold hair as he laughed at one of Jasper’s jokes. And, now, that sleepy smile is triggering it again.
Interesting.
Dangerous.
This is something I need to address when I am alone.
“You’re probably right.”
“You’ll find, I usually am.”
His smile grows wider at my retort.
Ben slides off his stool, and now, I’m kicking myself for saying he should go. Getting through the last part of my shift seems like torture now that I won’t have my distraction here.
“Thanks again. For the car, I mean. But also for hanging out with me. You made the night go by faster.”
Ben leans his arms on the bar. The fabric strains over his forearms, and I’m tempted to reach out and touch him. Instead, I pick up an empty glass and pretend to dry it off just to keep my hands busy.
“You’re welcome. I had fun.” He stands up straight but hesitates, drumming his fingers on the bar surface.
I don’t want him to go. He should though. I think I need him to.
“So, I guess I’ll see you around.”
A couple of people approach the bar with intent. A good reason to take my eyes off his. I put my glass down and move to help them.
“Holly.” Ben saying my name jerks my focus back to him. “Text me. If you want to hang out. Even if you just need a ride somewhere. Or, you know, a car to drive with a person in the passenger seat.”
His smile holds laughter, and there goes that darn clenching again.
“Will do, Ben. Have a good night.”
“You, too.” Then, he surprises me by scooping up the hand I left resting on the bar, bringing it to his lips, and giving my knuckles a light kiss. “See you soon.”
Then, he’s gone almost as fast as Sammy, and I’m left wondering why the guy I’m planning on giving my kidney to has such a strange effect on the rest of my body.