Chapter 70 (1/2)
“I’m sure it is.”
I look up at the stars for a moment. “I want to do something about it, but I just don’t know what that is.”
“Maybe Seattle will help you.”
“Maybe . . . I want to do something now, though, like run away or cuss someone out.”
“Cuss someone out?” He laughs and halts to bend down to lace his shoe. I stop walking a few feet ahead of him and look around at my surroundings. Now that my mind is racing with all the possibilities of potential reckless behaviors, I can’t stop it.
“Yeah, cuss out someone in particular.”
“You probably should take it slow. I know cussing someone out is pretty wild and all, but maybe start with something a little lighter,” he says. It takes me a moment to comprehend that he’s teasing me, but once I do, I see the humor in it.
“I mean it, though. Right now I just feel like doing something . . . crazy?” I pull my top lip between my teeth, pondering the idea.
“It’s the wine—it’s pretty strong, and you drank a load in a short amount of time.”
We both laugh again and I can’t seem to stop. The only things that bring me back to normalcy are the canteen-style lanterns hanging from a small building nearby.
“That’s our bar,” Robert informs me with a nod toward it.
“It’s so small!” I exclaim.
“Well, it doesn’t have to be huge when it’s the only one in the town. It’s a load of fun. The bartenders dance on the bar and everything.”
“Like Coyote Ugly?”
His smile brightens. “Yes, only these women are all over forty and have a bit more clothing on.”
His smile is infectious, and I know what we’re doing next.
Chapter forty-six
HARDIN
No, I told you one drink. I meant one drink.” I roll my eyes and push the ice around the empty glass with my finger.
“Whatever.” She waves down the bartender and orders two more drinks.
“I said I didn’t—”
“No one said it’s for you,” she says with a condescending look. “Sometimes a girl needs a backup.”