Page 37 of Nanny for the SEAL

But maybe Red Lodge is just what I need. You know, like I kept telling myself it was.

The Horseshoe is boomingwith energy as I sit at the bar with Sam. It’s a quaint little local pub, and there’s a live band playing honest-to-goodness folk music—the kind that’s dark and moody and wonderful.

I can see why she likes the place.

“Here you are, ladies,” the bartender cuts in, delivering our drinks.

I smile and offer a tip, to which the guy nods gently, and then I turn back to Sam.

“So what did you get again?”

Looking down at my drink and then back up to her, I grin, rolling my eyes at my ridiculous drink order.

“I know. I should have just gone basic, but I wanted something fancy for a change. It’s called a Last Resort.”

Sam giggles, eyeing the peculiar-looking cocktail as I take a sip. “Ha, nice name. It looks like some potion out of a movie. I’m into it.”

I laugh, offering her the glass to try it. “Have some. It’s good if you like herbal.”

She takes the delicate coupe glass and has a drink. Immediately, her eyes light up, and the corners of her mouth turn down in surprised enjoyment.

“Ooh, thatisgood! What’s in it?”

“Gin, green chartreuse, a bit of maraschino liquor, and lime. I think also a bit of water, technically. Plus, you get these.”

I take one of the deep maroon maraschino cherries off the garnish and pop it in my mouth. They taste so much better than the neon red variety.

With another laugh, Sam nods and then goes back to her Old Fashioned. “Well, I’m definitely trying it if I’m not too buzzed after this bad boy.”

Quickly, the conversation starts up between us, and in no time flat, it’s like talking to a lifelong friend. We chat about movies and TV, agreeing on so many canceled shows that should have stuck around.

“I know!Fireflywas great. Too bad about the director, but for sure. And you know I was really into thatWarrior Nunshow, and Netflix canceled it like right away.”

Sam pats my arm, finishing up her second drink, a Last Resort this time. “Ugh, so true! At least we still haveWednesdayto enjoy. And man, I could bingeBridgertonlike any day.”

Smiling, I feel warm and relaxed like I haven’t in a while. The night with Sam, chatting about books and music and TV has been incredible, and we even got onto much more serious topics like education and the downsides to being a woman.

I feel so at home with Sam, and it’s so good to know that I’ve made a genuine friend and not just someone to fight the boredom with.

“Oof, well, I need to pee again. I broke the seal.” I giggle as Sam rolls her eyes at me. “I’ll be right back.”

“Want another one?”

She holds up her empty drink, and I consider how I’m feeling.

“Umm, okay. But this should probably be my last one. I’m definitely feeling it.”

Laughing, Sam nods. “Lightweight.”

“I hang out around kids all the time. Not like I really have the wherewithal to build up a tolerance.”

Shrugging, she leans over the bar to get the guy’s attention again. “Fair enough. Go on before you pee yourself."

“Hey!” I laugh, but she’s right. I’m bursting, so I rush back toward the restroom in the rear of the bar.

Slipping inside, I find the first open stall and get moving. It’s quite possibly the longest pee of my life, and I hear one person leave and another enter the stall next to me before I’m done.

When I’m finally finished, I step out of the stall at the same moment the person next to me does, and when we glance at each other my mouth falls open in surprise.

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