Page 19 of Never Stop

“My first paycheck was only for a week of work. It’s no biggie.”

“Do you need me to lend you money?”

She grabbed my shoulders and looked directly into my eyes. “Sis, I’m a big girl now. You don’t need to keep providing for me. I have a job and some money saved from when I worked the weekends at the coffee shop off campus. I’m fine.”

I frowned. “You’ll let me know if you needanything, right?”

She chuckled. “I did earlier about the coffeemaker.”

I snickered. “What’s up with that? You don’t have one, but you worked at a coffee shop?”

She smiled. “Coffee shop coffee is always better, but if I want to save my money, then I can’t buy five dollar coffees every day. Plus, that cuts into my one-clicking books from my favorite authors.”

I nodded. “Damn the one-click. Gets me every time.”

“But totally worth it.” She laughed.

“For sure.”

Bailee turned back to the fridge. “Want a Moscow mule?”

I groaned inwardly. “Can we have dinner first? I’m starving.” This was true, but I also didn’t want to drink on an empty stomach with my meds.

“I…” she hesitated. “I didn’t get any food for dinner. I only have PB&J.”

I laughed. “While I wouldlovea peanut butter and jelly sandwich, we should get a full meal.”

She sucked in a breath. “But what about the stuff for Moscow Mules?”

“You’re twenty-three. I’m sure you’ll put it to good use.”

After we had dinner, we headed to The Bell in Hand. Since turning twenty-one nine years ago, TBH had been one of my favorite bars to go to. It was a quaint bar that resided on a small corner of Union Street and Marshall Street along the Freedom Trail. The tavern had been around since 1795 and still had the feel of being able to relax with a friend for a drink like they would have done back in the day, or dancing on the dance floor to live music.

“I hope they have a good band tonight,” Bailee stated as we stepped through the doors.

“Me too,” I agreed.

We bellied up to the bar for a drink, and I texted Easton as we waited for the bartender to step our way.

Me:Bai and I are at a bar waiting for a drink. I miss being at a bar where I’m sleeping with the owner and don’t have to wait.

I didn’t expect him to text back because I knew he was working. Avery was a complete mess and needed to be relieved for the night. However, as Bai and I stared at the bartender trying to get his attention, my phone buzzed in the back pocket of my jeans.

Easton:Ha! Is that the only reason you’re marrying me?

I chuckled under my breath.

Me:That, and the way you make me come.

I saw the bubble on the text light up as Easton typed a response.

Easton:Do I need to close Halo early and drive there so you don’t get any ideas with that bar owner?

The bartender finally stepped in front of Bailee and me, and we each ordered a vodka cranberry.

Me:You should know me better than that. I might, however, drunk Facetime you later.

Easton:I’m going to be hard the rest of the night waiting.