Page 85 of The Dance

“I just …” I took a calming breath because heads turned to look at me. “I’m sorry that happened to you, but how do you know it was the same guy?”

She snorted a laugh. “Oh, because he’s one of the creators of Sweethearts, and I’d bet a repeat offender.”

“The fuck?” I breathed, continuing to pour the various alcohols into the glass.

“A lot has happened since you last saw us.”

Us… Stacey.

I cleared my throat, tempted to ask about her roommate. “You can tell me if you want. I’m here to listen.”

“Honestly, Blake. I’d rather just drink. I ran out of vodka at home and somehow ended up here.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad you did.” I wasn’t sure why I said those words to Molly because, like Stacey, I hadn’t seen her in months. But if Molly was going to get drunk in a bar, I was happy it was mine, and I was working. I hated to think what could happen if she went somewhere else alone to get drunk. I could keep my eye on her and make sure she made it home safely.

I slid the finished drink to Molly and then found myself asking, “Still living with Stacey?”

Sliding the fresh drink in front of her, she didn’t hesitate to take a sip before responding. “Yeah, but she’s going on tour and won’t be home for months.”

Holy shit. Stacey was living her dream, and again, I wasjusta bartender. Why was it that everyone around me was succeeding, and I couldn’t get my shit together? I thought saving money to open my own place was the right thing to do, but maybe getting a loan was the answer. If I could even get approved for a loan. My brother had offered to help me, and he was doing well, but did that mean I should ask him for a handout? He’d probably want to be a partner in the nightclub too. Did I want that?

“Oh yeah? With who?” I asked, using a towel to wipe the bar top.

“Maze.”

“Who the hell is Maze?”

“You don’t know who Maze is?”

“Should I?” I continued.

Molly tsked and typed something on her phone. “Have you been living under a rock?”

“I’m from Texas, Molls. Country music is in my blood.” That wasn’t necessarily true. I listened to Eminem and shit like that, but I’d never heard of Maze before.

“This is Maze.” Molly handed me her phone, and I pressed play.

A pop video played, and I instantly knew why I’d never heard of this chick before. “I don’t listen to this kind of music.”

“Well, then, guess you won’t be going to a show to see Stacey.”

I scoffed and handed Molly back her phone. “Not sure Stacey would want me to, anyway.”

“Why’s that?” she asked.

I lifted a shoulder. “Haven’t heard from her in months.”

“Well, I didn’t come here to talk about my roommate, anyway.”

“And why did you?”

“To get drunk, so less talking and keep ‘em coming.”

“All right.” Molly didn’t know, but each drink was going to get weaker and weaker. After all, I couldn’t have her puking in my bar.

* * *

Two hours later,Molly was still in the same seat at the bar. I’d been giving her more Coke than anything else in the last three drinks she’d ordered, but she was too drunk to even realize it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t near closing, and I couldn’t physically make sure she made it home safely unless I called her roommate to come get her, which I wasn’t sure I wanted to do. I’d never had a problem calling Stacey before, but for some reason, it felt awkward. Maybe because the last time I’d seen her, I thought we’d crossed over the friends with benefits line and were going to be more. Not like boyfriend and girlfriend more, but more than just seeing each other a few times a year for sex. But she never called me again.