“Good for you.”
A couple of people from sales came into the bar and joined us, effectively ending my gossip session with Lindsey. After that, we mingled, and I got to meet a few new people. But I couldn’t stop thinking about what I’d learned about Chase. He’d lost someone. Something like that had to have a big impact on your life, no matter how smart and well-adjusted you were.
Even if it didn’t break you, it left cracks and tiny fissures that could never be repaired.
Although the bar had grown busier by nine, the office crowd had begun to thin out. Lindsey went home, and there was only one other person from marketing left. It was time to call it a night. I attempted to get the bartender’s attention, but she was swamped down at the other end of the bar.#p#分页标题#e#
A man who’d clearly been overserved squeezed in next to me and tried to strike up a conversation while standing too close.
“Is that your real hair color?” he asked.
“Don’t you know you’re never supposed to ask a woman her age, weight, or if she dyes her hair?”
“Didn’t know that.” He swayed back and forth. “So asking for a phone number is okay?”
I attempted to be polite. “I suppose, if she isn’t married and seems interested.”
Feeling the need to escape, I tried again to get the bartender’s attention so I could close my tab. She held up her hand to let me know she’d seen me, but she was still busy making drinks at the other end of the bar. They really needed another bartender with this crowd.
Since I was stuck standing there, drunk guy assumed that meant I was interested. “What’s your name, red?” He reached out and touched my hair.
“Please don’t touch me.”
He raised his hands in mock surrender. “You like women or something?”
This guy was amusing. For the first time since he’d walked over, I finally gave him my full attention, turning my body to face him before answering. “You assume I like women, just because I don’t want you to touch me?”
He ignored me. “Let me buy you a drink, pretty girl.”
“No, thanks.”
He leaned in closer, wobbling as he spoke. “You’re feisty. I like that. The red hair must be real.”
A voice from behind me caught me by surprise.
“Go stand somewhere else.” Chase’s voice was low but stern. He took a step and partially inserted himself between us, facing the drunk.
“I saw her first,” the man whined.
“I don’t think so, buddy. I sucked her face in middle school. Take a hike.”
The drunk grumbled something, but staggered away. Chase turned to face me, standing in his place. Wow. Much better view.
“Thank you. Polite wasn’t working.”
Of course, as soon as the drunk was no longer a problem, the bartender came to settle my tab. “What can I get you, Chase?” Or maybe not.
“I’ll take a Sam Adams.”
She turned to me. “You want me to close out your tab, right?”
“You’re leaving? I just got here. You have to have one drink with me.”
I wanted to. I really wanted to. But I knew I should probably go. Chase read the hesitation on my face.
“Close her tab. Bring another of whatever she’s drinking, and put it on my tab. We’re going to move to a table where it’s quieter.”
The bartender took his direction, and I shook my head, even though I was smiling.
“No one ever says no to you, do they?” I asked.
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
A minute later, Chase had both of our drinks in one hand and used the other to guide me toward a quiet table in the back. Once settled, he sipped his beer, watching me over the bottle. “Thanks for the invite tonight, by the way.”
I stopped with my drink mid-way to my lips. “I didn’t even know everyone went out on Thursday nights. I’m the new girl. You could have told me about it.”
“Tried to. Came by your office, but you were already gone.”
I’d actually sat at my desk and thought about stopping by Chase’s office to mention everyone was going for drinks. But in my head, it had felt like I would be asking him for more than just joining a group for happy hour.
“Well…we’re both here now,” I said. “You worked pretty late tonight.”#p#分页标题#e#
“I had dinner plans, actually.”
His answer made me feel anxious…and maybe a teeny bit jealous. “Oh.”
I felt him staring at me, yet avoided his eyes as I stirred my drink. When I finally looked up, his eyes searched for something in mine.
“With my sister, not a date. It’s a regular weekly thing.”