Page 7 of An Eye For Illusion

I wish I had more time to ask about all the details, but I’ll be back at the bar in the next few minutes.

“When do you and Tom leave?” Maybe I’ll have time to go meet the guy before he boards a cruise ship with my mom.

“Two days. Now, Colin, don’t be upset. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was concerned with how you might react.”

I take a breath. “Mom, you spent all my early and young adult years making me happy and making sure I never went without anything I needed and most of what I wanted. I want you to be happy—with Tom or whoever. I’m sorry if I’ve said anything to make you think otherwise. Go, have fun! I want to hear all about it when you’re back.” I pause before casually adding, “And you might mention to Tom that I carry a sidearm, and you’re my favorite person in the world, so he doesn’t want to do anything to upset either of us.” I keep my voice peppy both for humor and to make sure I don’t come off as deadly serious as I am. She knows I mean it, but that doesn’t mean I have to sound like a dick.

Her laughter makes me feel better. I hope I’ve never said or done anything to make her think I wouldn’t completely support her moving on and finding someone to share her life with.

“I’ll be sure to tell him, and thank you for being supportive. It took me many, many years to feel ready for this step, and I finally am.”

“I’ve always got your back, Momma. I love you.”

“I love you too, Son. We’ll talk soon, okay?”

“You bet.”

“Bye, Son.” She ends the call just as I’m turning into the dive bar parking lot.

Chapter 3

Colin

I slide onto the empty barstool I vacated a mere thirty minutes ago. The bartender looks over, raising an eyebrow.

“Back again so soon?”

I shrug my shoulders. “The beer was so good, I thought I’d swing back around for another.”

He laughs and turns to pour me the same draft beer I ordered earlier tonight.

He fills it to the top and casually walks over to where I’m sitting before placing the tall glass down in front of me. “Should I start a tab?”

I pick up the beer and take a small sip before glancing around the open space.

“No, thanks. Actually, I’m hoping you can help me out with something.”

He raises his eyebrows again, this time they almost meet his hairline. “This isn’t that kind of establishment, pretty boy.”

A deep, loud laugh leaves my lips when I realize what he’s implying. “I’m flattered you think I’m pretty, but no thanks again.” I chuckle. “I’m just looking for a little information.”

He straightens, and a flat mask falls across his face. I’m sure I’m not the first person to show up at his bar looking for information of some sort, and I’m sure I won’t be the last. The question is, how much will it take for this guy to give it up? Everyone has a price, and this guy won’t be any different from the rest.

He crosses his arms and widens his stance. Ahh, the typical alpha male approach. I make sure to leave my face blank but receptive. It’s a skill I’ve perfected over the years, and some would say I’m pretty damn good at it.

“Depends on who’s asking,” he replies.

I casually take another sip of my beer and set it back down before rising to retrieve my wallet from my back pocket. I pull out a hundred-dollar bill and place it on the bar in front of us. I don’t bother putting my wallet away, just in case. This guy might not have shit to tell me, but I’m willing to take the gamble. Plus, Jade will be billed for it, anyway.

I smirk when I think about that. I enjoy ruffling her feathers a little too much.

But fuck it.

The man eyes the hundred, surprise flickering across his face at the amount. It doesn’t take him long to step forward and grab the bill. He slides it across the bar before promptly picking it up and placing it in his pocket.

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the bar. He’s close enough to keep our conversation private. He looks around the mostly empty space. Slow country music plays through the speakers, and a few couples are scattered out on the dance floor, swaying to the music. Another customer on the other side of the bar is so far gone, I’m not sure he realizes he’s still in an upright position. Lastly, there’s a larger group situated in the back of the bar.

That’s where the bartender’s eyes linger for a moment, his pupils dilating and his breath hitching before his gaze snaps to mine.

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