We sat in silence, despite my continued attempts at getting him to talk. Finally, I gave up. I checked out the decor and the other patrons. My eyes roamed halfway around the room stopping for a couple of minutes on a big group celebrating someone’s birthday. I smiled, wishing I was with them, and then my gaze moved a couple of tables away.
I locked eyes with Daniel Crocker, the man that triggered my vision at the DMV. He sat with four other men. The others were involved in what appeared to be a serious conversation, but he watched me with open curiosity. I looked away, a blush beginning to flush my cheeks. Did he know who I was?
I excused myself to go to the restroom. Steve looked eager for me to go, and I rushed down the hall. Why would Daniel Crocker be looking at me? Was he the one who murdered my mother? I couldn't imagine that he knew it was me. Even if he remembered me from the DMV, I looked completely different now.
Violet had put a compact of powder and tube of lipstick in my purse. I applied both, taking an ample amount of time on each. When I couldn’t stall any longer, I went back out to the table only to find Steve’s chair empty.
I sat down, wondering if he had gone to the bathroom, too. After a few minutes, the waitress returned with my food. She looked apologetic.
“Your date said he suddenly didn't feel well and had to go. But he paid for your dinner and left money for you to take a taxi home.”
I felt like crying although, for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why. I didn’t even like him. But if someone like him dumped me, then I really was a pathetic loser.
“Could you just box it up?” I asked. “I think I’ll take it to go.” I stood up and grabbed my purse. “In fact, I’ll just wait out front.” I couldn’t stand the embarrassment of waiting alone at the table.
She patted my arm. “For what it’s worth, sweetie, you can do a whole lot better than that weasel. You go wait in the bar. My name’s Bridgette. Tell the bartender I sent you over and he’ll take care of you. I’ll box this up and bring it over. ”
The crowded bar roared with conversation, not surprising on a Saturday night. I spotted an open stool at the counter and sat down. The bartender walked over.
“What can I get for ya, darlin’?”
“Um, Bridgette said to tell you she sent me over.” I had no idea why, but I couldn’t see a reason not to tell him.
“Oh, so you’re her.” He looked me over. “Bridgette told me what happened. I can’t figure out why a guy would walk away from you, darlin’. His loss.” He shook his head. “Drink’s on the house. What’s it gonna be?”
“Uh, a glass of wine?”
“Red? White?”
I had no idea. “White?”
“Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio…” his list continued and I was lost. He saw the confusion on my face and laughed. “Not a wine drinker, eh?”
He was a burly looking guy, with tattoos and piercings, but he had a friendly face. His nametag said Sloan. For whatever reason, I trusted him. “Honestly, I’m not really a drinker at all. I only had my first drink a few days ago.”
“Ah, a virgin in our midst.”
I felt my face burn and only seconds later realized he meant a virgin drinker.
“Don’t worry, darlin’, I’ll take good care of you. Be right back.”
I waited for Sloan to return with my drink, when I heard a voice in my ear.
“What’s a pretty little thing like you doin’ alone? Where’d that Great White Whale get off to?”
I turned around, half expecting Joe to be standing behind me. Instead, it was Daniel Crocker. My heart leapt into my throat.
“Uh…”
He slid in between my stool and the one next to me, which was occupied by a woman deep in conversation with the man beside her.
He leaned his head close to mine. “I’m Dan. What’s your name?”
I froze in panic. I knew I had to say something. “Rose.”
“Ah, a fittin’ name for a beautiful flower such as yourself. Can I get you a drink?”
“I…I already have one. Comin’. He’s bringin’ it.” I was babbling like an idiot. I had to get it together.
He laughed. “Do I make you nervous, Rose?”
I resisted the urge to bolt from the room and run all the way home. I had to find out if he had something to do with Momma’s murder, or at the very least if he recognized me. The latter was answered immediately.
“Do I know you from somewhere?” He tilted his head to the side to study me. “You look so familiar.”