Page 43 of Like You Want It

I look over at Fin, hovering quietly next to us. He’s much less broody than he has been in the past and doesn’t have that same irritated vibe he normally has when I’m around.

But his eyes watch me just as intently.

“What can I get you, sug?”

The bartender’s greeting has my eyes swinging in her direction with a big smile.

“Hi, how are you doing tonight?”

I confuse people a lot when I do this. Ask people how they’re doing. Apparently, most people don’t do it. They just walk up to the person serving them and order or pay or whatever.

I think it is a totally dick thing to do. So I always ask.

The bartender’s expression morphs into something less harried and a little more genuine.

“I’m good. It’s pretty busy tonight.”

“I know! I was so surprised. Is this a post-holiday rush? Gotta get out after all the family togetherness?”

She laughs. “Probably. That’s why I picked up the extra shift tonight. My fiancé’s parents arestillin town, and we’re nearing the end of January.” She rolls her eyes. “Sometimes you just need a break.”

I nod. “Totally agree.” Then I glance over to everyone. “Tequila shots okay?” Susie and Dina nod enthusiastically. Fin tells me he wants water.

After I order, I look at the girls. “Looks like Finando over here is sober sister tonight.”

“Fine with me,” Dina interjects. “I’m sure he’ll seem way more fun when I’m intoxicated anyway.”

The bartender sets down six shots of tequila, two for each of us, as well as the water for Fin. We dig out some cash and pay up.

“Thanks, and good luck tonight. May your tip jar runneth over!”

She gives me a big smile. “Fingers crossed, girl.”

I pick up my shot, then face the group and lift the tiny glass into the air. “To an evening of friendship and laughter,” I say. “May we have it in spades.”

“Here, here!” Dina says, tossing hers back.

I clink mine against Susie’s, then look to Fin, who is leaning against the bar, his water sitting next to him.

“Come on, Finelufagus. Drop the disinterest tonight. Havefunwith us.” When he doesn’t say anything, I lean in closer. “Please?” And then I bat my eyelashes at him like a crazy.

He shakes his head and breathes heavily out his nose.

“Was that… was that a laugh?” I ask.

“Sure.”

I beam. “Finally!”

Then I shoot back my Patrón. It goes down smooth. I love tequila. I don’t even do the lime and salt. I just love it straight.

Dina is still wincing, her lips pursing and her nose scrunching up. “I really do hate tequila,” she says, and Susie laughs, sipping hers like it’s a cocktail.

I pick up my second shot and suck it down with ease. Then I take my glass and slam it down on the table upside down.

“What does that signify?” Dina asks.

I shrug. “I don’t know. I saw it inIndiana Jones.”