Page 24

“Which we are very grateful for. Thank you,” I added.
Daniel looked to my drink, and signaled for the bartender.
“Can we get another round, please?”
“Of course, Mr. Jacobs.”
I noticed her eyes linger a little too long and the careful batting of her eyelashes. Could I blame her? He probably had that effect on everyone. I noticed he seemed unfazed as he turned back to me.
“So, do you usually come to Bemelman’s on a Wednesday night?”
“No. Never. This is my first time here.”
“Well, lucky us,” said Freddy with a grin.
“Lucky us,” Daniel agreed.
The bartender brought over another round of drinks, even though I hadn’t finished my first one yet. I gulped it down in two sips. If I thought I was in trouble before, I certainly was now. There was a reckless feeling coming over me. I didn’t know if it was the vodka and champagne, or the way it felt like I was living a double life in this fancy bar, or being in this close of proximity to the powerful force of Daniel Jacobs. Probably a combination of all three.
“How do you two know each other?” I asked, looking at Freddy, and carefully avoiding looking at Daniel.
“We grew up together,” he said. “Childhood buddies.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. And what do you do, Freddy?”
“I’m an OBGYN. If you ever need one, here’s my card,” he said, flipping open his wallet and handing a matte white card to me.
“Er, thank you.” I couldn’t help but laugh a little.
“Seriously, man?” Daniel asked.
I could see his cheeks had turned a rosy pink, which made me giggle more. Daniel Jacobs, uncomfortable? Never thought I’d see the day.
“What?” Freddy shrugged.
Daniel shook his head and took a sip of his drink. He turned his back to Freddy, who was back to flirting with the bartender.
“Sorry,” he mouthed.
I waved him off. “It’s fine,” I whispered.
I felt his knee graze against mine and stay there. I sucked in a quiet breath as his eyes traveled to where our bodies touched. They stayed there for a minute before finding mine again. They looked icy blue, which was a stark contrast to the dim, yellow lighting of the bar.
“You look really nice tonight, in case I hadn’t told you,” he said.
I realized I had been holding my breath.
“Thank you,” I let out breathlessly.
Freddy slapped the bar with the palm of his hand, breaking whatever trance I was in. I jumped a little in my seat and curiously looked over.
“Sorry. Stocks took a dive.” He glanced up from his phone.
Daniel took in a frustrated breath through his nose and turned his back to me. I saw something register on Freddy’s face, and wondered what silent exchange had just occurred. Freddy yawned dramatically and stretched his back.
“I think I’m going to call it a night, you two,” he said, tossing a few hundred-dollar bills on the bar top. “It was nice to meet you, Addison.”
He patted Daniel on the back, and just like that, he was gone, and I was suddenly very aware of how I somehow ended up alone at a bar with Daniel Jacobs.