Page 32 of Long Shot

“Like . . . a Dos Equis Dark Lager.”

“Okay.” He disappears and I set about preparing the dried peppers by slicing them open, flattening them, and scraping out the seeds and ribs. Together Sid and I toast the chiles, then reconstitute them with boiling water while we roast garlic cloves. Then we whiz up the garlic, chiles, some freshly squeezed orange juice, beer, and tequila. I add a little of the soaking liquid and a generous toss of kosher salt.

“Taste.” I dip a chip and gesture to Sid to try.

“Fuck.” He shakes his head. “Unbelievable.”

“I know, right?” I grin.

“I don’t know how you do it,” Sid says. “Fess up. You’re not just a waitress, are you?”

“I am now.” I toss him a cheeky smile. “I have other ideas, but we can’t do everything at once. Chicken marinated in tequila and lime is easy, though. Serve it with guacamole. I’m also thinking a cheese dip with tequila in it.”

Beck walks into the kitchen.

I quickly set down the container of salsa. “Great job, Sid! This tastes awesome!” With a wave I head out.

The others in the kitchen saw some of what was going on, but Sid and I convinced them not to say anything. But Beck gave me a couple of questioning looks. I hate the deception. Maybe it would be better if we just come clean about it. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

They could fire me.

Ack. I don’t want that. I’m actually having fun with this.

It’s harmless.

I keep battling this out in my head as I cruise down the hall toward the staff room. Just then, Beck enters through the back door, followed by Marco and Carrie. Carrie smiles and gives me a happy wave. Beck carries an unusual bottle in two hands.

“Hola, amigo!” Marco calls. “Cade, where are you?”

“In here,” Cade answers from the office.

Curious, I pause to watch.

Beck holds up the oddly shaped black and gold bottle, standing in the door of the office. “You’re not going to believe what we have our hands on.”

“What?” Cade’s voice carries from the office.

Carrie grabs my upper arm and squeezes. I slant her a curious smile.

“This is a bottle of Jiminez Ultra.”

“Uh-huh. What the fuck is that?”

Beck moves into the office. Marco follows and Carrie, still holding my arm, pulls me along, too.

“Sweet baby Jesus in the manger.” Marco shakes his head. “You’ve never heard of Jiminez?”

“Nope.”

Marco sighs, bending his head with a mournful shake. “This, my friend, is the best tequila in the world.”

I haven’t heard of it, either, but the bottle is impressive.

“This bottle cost fifteen hundred dollars,” Beck announces.

“Fuck me running.” Cade falls back in his chair, jaw slack. “You did not spend fifteen hundred dollars on a bottle of tequila.”

“I spent my own money,” Beck says dismissively. “And don’t bust my balls about it.”

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