“Hey, there,” I said, stopping at the table and parking my hands on my hips. Since the guys appeared to be my age, and I didn’t recognize either of them, I assumed they were from one of the surrounding towns. They both wore polos, one in white and the other in a navy blue, looking like they’d just come from the golf course.
“Hey, yourself,” the one with the navy polo said, his eyes dipping to my chest with a smirk.
I wanted to roll my eyes. After that very first shift, I’d gone back to wearing my normal clothes, most of which consisted of jeans and a black tank or tee. Hiding my irritation, I smiled at the other man and asked, “What can I get you boys?”
“Your number,” Mr. Navy replied.
This time, it was harder to hide behind my smile.
“Come on, man,” the other guy said through a light chuckle, smacking his buddy on the arm. “Give the girl a break.”
Relieved at least one of them wasn’t a complete douche bag, I kept my attention on him.
“We’ll take two bottles of Bud Light.”
“Coming right up.”
I strolled off to ring up their drinks and wait at the bar for their order. Melanie tore off the ticket, then reached in the under counter fridge for the two bottles. After pulling the shank from her back pocket, she popped the tops before handing them over to me.
“How’s it going?”
“Good.” A gigantic smile lit up her face. “It’s kind of nice being behind the bar. Guess I have you to thank for that.”
“Don’t mention it. Just glad he finally saw the light.”
She laughed. “Yeah, well”—she leaned in conspiratorially—“I think it may take him a little longer to completely let go of the reins and trust I can make a drink just fine without him looking over my shoulder.”
Picking up the two bottles, I said through a grin, “Baby steps.” I dropped off the beers at the table, making a quick escape before either could say a word. Thankfully, another table had walked through the door while I’d been waiting on the bar, so I could appear to be busy rather than intentionally avoiding them.
The rest of the night dragged on. Tim had been avoiding me the same way I’d been avoiding the two guys from the beginning of the night: by appearing busy. A few tables had come and gone, but the golfer guys were still there, getting louder and more obnoxious as the hours passed by. It was a relief when Tim had finally cut them off, and I could drop off their check and cash them out.
Since they had been my last table left, I loitered at the bar, doodling with a pen on the backs of the cardboard coasters.
“Wow,” Melanie said, leaning forward to take a closer look at the sketch I was working on. “I had no idea you could draw.”
“Yeah…just a small hobby of mine,” I said, my hand still stroking over the cardboard, adding the last touches of detail.
“A hobby?” she scoffed. “If I had a talent like that, I wouldn’t be serving beers to a bunch of handsy, drunk guys every night.” She picked up one of the coasters I’d already finished, studying the picture.
A smile tugged at my mouth. “Yeah, well, I don’t see anyone paying me for my doodles.” I stopped to look up at her, waiting for her reaction to the sketch she held.
Her mouth fell open, flipping the coaster around to face me. “This is me.”
I grinned, feeling a flush in my cheeks. I never knew how people would react when they realized I’d drawn them.
She flipped it back around to stare at it again. “It’s like looking in the mirror… This isn’t a doodle, Conley. This is freaking amazing. Can I keep it?”
“Sure. Why not?” I said with a shrug.
She picked up another one of the coasters I’d pushed to the side after finishing. “Holy crap. It’s Tim.”
Tim walked out of the storage room to the backbar as soon as she’d spoken his name. His eyes locked on the two of us, his brow lifting.
Looking over her shoulder, Melanie showed Tim the sketch. “Look, Tim. It’s you. She perfected your permanent frown lines and everything.”
Tim frowned at that, his expression nearly identical to the one she held in her hand. Melanie and I cracked up laughing, which only made Tim frown more.
He shook his head, walking toward Melanie. “Remind me never to schedule you two on the same shift again.” He took the coaster of himself from Melanie, tucking it in his back pocket.
“So, what else do you draw?”
“Pretty much anything and everything. But over the last few years, I started to draw people.”
Her eyes dropped to the tattoo on my arm. “Did you do that yourself?”
“Yeah.” I resisted the urge to cover the collage of flowers that weaved up my arm, flicking my eyes to Tim. He met my gaze briefly, before turning his back to the towering shelves of liquor that blanket the back wall.
“Why the flowers? Do they represent anything?” Melanie asked, pocketing her coaster portrait and picking up a bar rag to clean off a few drink rings on the surface between us.
“Pipe dreams, mostly.”
She gave me a questioning look. I glanced over at Tim once again, who’d made himself busy taking inventory of the liquor bottles.
I exhaled a breath and explained, “It’s silly now. I drew it when I was younger and got it the day I turned eighteen. I had this grand idea about using flowers that represented what I wanted for my future. Each one stands for something different.”
“So, like a vision board, in a sense.”
“Yes. A permanent one that has yet to come true.”
“It’s not too late, you know.”
“Exactly!” I tossed my hands up in the air, letting them land on my thighs with a slap. “Thank you, Melanie Andrews! Now, tell that to my brother’s girlfriend.”
Melanie giggled, and I even saw Tim crack a smile for the first time all night.
After checking the time on the Coors clock that hung on the wall, Tim faced Melanie. “It doesn’t look like you’re gonna get much more practice at drinks tonight. You can head out for the night, and we’ll pick up on your training on your next shift.”
“Okay. Do you need anything before I go?”
“Nah. I got it covered.”
Melanie nodded in acknowledgement, and then looked at me. “See ya later, Conley. Don’t let him give you too hard of a time,” she said, angling her head at Tim.
“I never do.” I winked.
“And that’s why I like you.” She grinned as she walked toward the door to the back room. “Night, Tim.” She gave him a gentle punch on the arm as she passed him and then disappeared.
“You can head out, too, as soon at those guys leave,” Tim said to me.
“Oh.” I glanced over my shoulder at where they appeared to finally be getting ready to leave. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you…about the other night.”
“What about it?”
“I feel like I should explain the call from Bobby.”
“You don’t owe me an explanation. And if you’re worried about him finding out about what happened with us, you don’t need to.”
“That’s not—”
“As far as I’m concerned, it never happened.”
I gave him a curt nod, ignoring the way my throat tightened at his words. “Right,” I spat. “So you keep reminding me.” Seething, I stood from my seat, not knowing why I even bothered. “I’ll get out of your way.”
I stomped off toward the table where the guys had been seated. Picking up the cash they’d left me as a tip, I fumed over Tim’s words. It never happened. Except it had happened. And it had meant something to me.
Balling the money, I stuffed it into the pocket of my apron with the rest of my cash and headed to clock out. Tim had already disappeared back into his hole of an office. Unfortunately, I couldn’t just storm out of there like I wanted. I’d be forced to face him one more time to cash-out for the night.
Just great. Perfect.
His eyes were glued to his computer when I walked in his office. I’d wai
ted at the door for him to acknowledge me, arms crossed.
“Can I come in?” I asked, voice filled with sarcasm.
He nodded and then jutted his chin toward the stack of bills sitting on the front edge of the desk. “Your credit card tips.”
Taking the few steps into his office, I picked the money up and immediately turned to leave.
“Conley, wait.”
I paused, blowing out a harsh breath before looking back at him.
“Everything good?”
“Perfect,” I said and made to leave again. I only made it a few steps out of his office before I felt his hand at my elbow.
“Don’t lie to me,” he stated sharply. “What’s wrong?” Concern flitted across his features.
I blew out a harsh breath and faced him. “I’m just tired, Tim. Tired of everything. I just want things to be the way they used to be.”
“And how was that?”
“Easy.” Not giving him a chance to say another word, I walked away, leaving him alone. The way he wanted.
11
Tim
“Easy?”
Sweat dripped from my brow as I lifted another cedar two-by board. In typical Texas fashion, the spring weather had lasted all of a week before temperatures started spiking into the eighties. “That’s what she said,” I answered Wes, who was sitting on the step of my back porch. I wasn’t sure how the subject of Conley had come up, again. It probably had a little to do with the fact that the woman was constantly on my mind, and a lot to do with Wes being a nosey bastard.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
You got me. If I knew, I wouldn’t have been running that word over and over in my head for weeks now.
Wes humphed, continuing to mull over what I’d said as I passed the board off to Tucker to measure and cut to length. “You know what you need?” he asked after a beat.
Yes. For him to get off his ass and help us build this pergola. It was one of the last big projects I had on my to-do list for my house and with the nicer weather, it was perfect timing. I’d been working on renovating and getting this house exactly how I wanted, since buying it five years ago. The day I signed the papers, I began turning it into what I hoped would be a home for my family one day. When I’d told Wes I had plans to build the pergola over the stone patio in my backyard, he’d offered to help. Yet, there he sat, not lifting a damn finger.
“You need a night off,” Wes said when I had answered none of his questions.
“I can’t,” I stated without thought.
“Sure you can. You said Melanie was catching on quick. Why not give her a chance to handle things on her own for one night?”
I ignored his question. “I thought you came to help, not just run your mouth and drink all my beer.”
“I brought him, didn’t I?” he said, jutting his chin toward his younger brother, Tucker.
Tuck and I exchanged a glance, both shaking our heads. Though, if I were honest, having Tucker here to help was making things go a lot faster and look a hell of a lot better than if I’d tried to do it on my own. Tucker was one of the best contractors in the county. His company was honest, fair priced, and did quality work: all things hard to come by when it came to residential contractors.
“So, what do you say? Take Thursday night off and come do a game night with us. We can throw some burgers on the grill.”
It wasn’t the worst idea ever. Melanie had done well over the last few weeks at learning the drinks and managing to keep up even on our busiest nights. I’d also cancelled trivia night, since the guy that usually runs the game for me came down sick with the flu, which meant the bar wouldn’t be nearly as busy. Lord knew I could use a night off. Outside of Sundays, I hadn’t had one since taking over the bar from my old man.
“You see that look?” Wes whispered loudly to Tucker as I continued to debate in my head. “That right there is the look of a man who knows I’m right.”
I flipped him the finger. They both laughed. “Fine. I’ll talk to Melanie. But no promises.”
Wes stood from his spot on the porch, picking up a drill to help us put the next joist in place.
“You need me to bring anything?” I asked, as I climbed with the board Tucker had just cut balanced on my shoulder.
Wes climbed the ladder at the other side, helping me slide it into place. “I’ll ask Devin. She’ll probably have it all covered, so you can just bring some beer and that cheery disposition of yours.”
I frowned.
“Yeah. That’s the one I’m talking about,” Wes deadpanned.
“You’re asking for it, bro,” Tucker said on a chuckle, already working on the next board as Wes screwed in the one we held, a smirk on his face.
“Nah, Timmy knows I’m messing with him,” he said as we both climbed back down the ladders. “Besides, if I didn’t give him a hard time. Who would? I mean…besides Conley, that is.”
Asking for it, he was. As soon as our feet hit the ground, I charged him. He took off in a sprint through my backyard, laughing as I chased behind him. Cutting to the left, he barely escaped my grasp. The guy was quick and had played sports all his life, unlike me. But I was determined.
Tucker watched from the sidelines, laughing at the two of us. The next time Wes tried to fake me out, I was ready, tackling him to the ground and putting him in a headlock. We were all laughing at this point, which made it hard for me to hold on to him. After giving him a noogie on the head with my fisted knuckles, I released him.
We both rolled, sitting up in the grass to catch our breath, smiles wide on our faces. He shoved at my shoulder good-heartedly and I returned the nudge, a silent conversation being had between us. He was right. About more than one thing. I’d been wound up tight since that first night Conley walked into my bar. It was time to let go. Of everything.
My eyes roamed over the ridiculous number of chip bags packed on the shelves of the grocery store. Why the hell were there so many types of chips? Wes had texted me earlier to see if I’d stop at the store on my way and grab some chips to go with the burgers. Apparently, he’d forgotten them when he ran to the store earlier for Devin.
I continued to stare, wondering which flavor to grab. I had no idea what kind everyone liked. I picked up a bag of regular potato chips and the sour cream and onion. Then my eyes went to the barbecue flavor on the shelf. Maybe barbecue made more sense, given that’s what we were doing for dinner. Shit.
A cart turned the corner, coming down the aisle as I put both bags back on the shelf. I roughed my hand through my hair with a heavy sigh and reached for the phone in my front pocket to text Wes.
“I’ve never seen someone look so conflicted in the chip aisle,” Conley’s voice came from my left. She stopped her shopping cart beside me.
“Yeah, well…wasn’t sure what most people like to eat with their burgers.”
Moving from behind her cart to stand at my side, she surveyed the shelves for a moment, then reached for the original potato chips. “They’re a classic,” she said, handing them to me. “You can’t go wrong with regular.”
Taking the bag from her, I gave her an appreciative smile. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“So, what brings you here?” I nearly cringed at my poor attempt to make conversation.
Tucking her lips between her teeth, she held back a laugh and then answered, “Food. I figured there was only so long I could live off of cereal and string cheese.”
When the awkward silence began, I cleared my throat. “Right… Well, I should…” I pointed my thumb behind me, not wanting to make any more of a fool of myself.
Her face fell. “Oh, of course. I wouldn’t want to hold you up.”
I nodded and made to leave, then stopped, turning back to face her. Not giving myself a chance to think twice, I asked, “What are you doing right now? You know, besides getting food. You got plans tonight?”
Her hand paused on the bag of Cheetos she’d reached for. Her eyes flashed to me, a
questioning expression on her face. “Oh. Uh... Nothing really.” She plucked the bag from the shelf and turned her body to face me.
“How do you feel about game night?”
A smile slowly bloomed on her lips. “Are you sure?” She cocked a hip to the side. “You know, because I wouldn’t want to give you another reason to be mad at me when I kick your ass all night.”
The grin on my face matched hers as I held her gaze. “Well, I figured I needed to thank you somehow for saving me from being shunned from the party when I showed up with the wrong flavor of chips.”
“Very true,” she said with a straight face. “You do owe me.”
“Well, then?”
“Ohhh, I’m so in.” She tossed the bag of Cheetos in her cart and then turned and grabbed two bags of Tostitos and a jar of queso.
I hitched an eyebrow as she piled those into her basket. “What? I can’t show up empty-handed. And chips and queso are a must for game night.”
Smoke stung my eyes when Wes lifted the grill lid to flip the burgers. “I gotta admit,” he said, slipping the spatula under the first patty. “I’m a little surprised you brought her.”
He glanced over at me, and I hid my smile behind my beer as I took a drink. I wasn’t giving him more than that. I’d surprised myself when the words had flown out of my mouth. I wasn’t sure what had come over me in that moment. All I knew was I hadn’t wanted to leave her in that aisle. The way it always had, the urge to be around her had won over.
“Have you asked about her and Bobby, yet?”
The mention of Bobby killed my smile. My eyes flicked over to where she stood, talking and laughing with Devin. “No. It’s none of my business.”
“Are you sure about that? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you want it to be.” He flipped the last of the burgers and then shut the lid, setting aside the spatula to pick up his beer.
“We’re friends,” I clipped. “Nothing more.”
“Okay… I get it,” he said, holding up his free hand. “You don’t want to be that guy. And I’d never expect you to be. But hypothetically speaking, what if it turned out she wasn’t with him anymore? Would you still be saying that?” He took a pull from the bottle, giving me time to respond.
Tempting Tim: A Small Town Friends to Lovers Romance (Billingsley Book 4) Page 10