Page 35 of Denim & Diamonds

“What’s going on, big brother?” Trevor swiveled one of the stools at the bar and hopped on the seat backward.

“How old are you that you still have to sit like that?”

“I’m more comfortable this way.”

“Do you do that when you take a date out to dinner at a nice restaurant?”

He winked. “My dates prefer to cook for me.”

“Probably because you have no manners and sit like that in public.”

Trevor lifted his chin. “I’ll take a Coors Light. Thanks for asking.”

I poured my pain-in-the-ass little brother a beer and filled a glass with seltzer for myself.

“So…” He sipped. “What’s going on with you and Miss Fancy Pants? I was surprised to see you two yesterday.”

I didn’t have to guess who he was talking about. “Nothing.”

He arched a brow. “Really? I can’t remember the last time I saw you walking around a carnival.”

“Just being hospitable. Showing a visitor around the area.”

Trevor chuckled. “Yeah, right. I seem to remember a tourist who stopped in a month or two ago and asked you for directions to those caves people like to visit nearby. You told him tobuy a fucking map.”

“That guy had it coming. He also asked for a pumpkin beer with sugar on the rim.”

My brother smirked. “Also noticed you had the ingredients to make a certain fancy cocktail for Miss Fancy Pants the other night when we were playing cards. Even drove forty-five minutes to get stuffed olives.”

I said nothing because…what could I say? Trevor was right. I wouldn’t even make margaritas for people who tried to order them. And when douchey city folk came in and tried to order beer made of apples or pumpkins or some shit, I charged them double for Budweiser so they wouldn’t stay long. Yet I’d gotten up extra early this morning to take that long drive for olives again, just in case February came in anytime soon.

“I’m not judging.” Trevor smiled. “I’d drive for olives for a woman as hot as February. I’m just surprisedyou’redoing it.”

“You’re not the only one,” I grumbled.

“So what’s the deal with her? You hittin’ that?”

I pointed at him. “Watch it.”

“How would you like me to ask? Are you and Miss Fancy Pants making mad, passionate love?”

I rolled my eyes. “Christ, you’re annoying.”

Trevor laughed and drank his beer. “Seriously, though. She seems cool. There aren’t too many womenaround here who can play cards, hold their own with four Hawkins assholes drinking beer, and walk a state fair for hours in high-heel boots and a smile. I’m happy for you, bro.”

“There’s nothing to be happy for me about. February and I are just friends.”

“Why is that? She’s looked pretty into you the two times I’ve seen you together.”

“Because she lives in New York.”

“So?”

“Been there, done that. No thanks on going in for seconds.”

“You mean because of what happened between you and Nina?”

“Unlike you, when I make a mistake, I learn my lesson.”