Page 43 of Hope After Loss

He hesitates.

“Can I get your number?” he asks me.

I want to crawl under the table.

“No, you can’t. She’s not interested in dating at the moment. Now, scoot,” Erin demands.

His face falls, and he stands.

“I’m so sorry,” I utter.

“It was worth a shot,” he says before turning and rejoining his friends.

“I’m going to kill you,” I tell Erin.

“I made my point. You’re a catch. And any man would want you.”

I stand.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“I’m going to go check on our drinks. I’ll be right back.”

I make my way to the bar, and Maxi comes over to wait on me.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” I greet.

“Why are you as red as the bull’s-eye on the dartboard?”

“Erin just embarrassed me,” I say.

She nods and doesn’t ask for further explanation.

“What can I get you?”

“I’m just checking on my and Brandee’s order. We gave it to the waitress with the red hair.”

She shakes her head. “She’s new. I swear, I don’t think she’s cut out for this line of work. What did you guys want?”

I give her our order, and she goes to make the cocktails.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

I look to my left, and a tall man with spiky blond hair and dark eyes is smiling at me.

“Thanks, but I just ordered for me and my friend.”

He looks at the empty stool beside me.

“She’s at the table with our other friends,” I answer his unasked question.

He steps closer, and I lean away.

“I can buy both of you a drink,” he offers.

“Like I said, thanks, but we have it covered.”