Page 11 of The Boss Situation

“How’s life?” Johnny asks, pulling me from my thoughts. He leans across the bar. His mustache is curled at the ends. The guy isin his late thirties, bought the place from his uncle, and made it a dive bar.

I love it in here. It’s everything I’m not.

“Busy,” I tell him with a smile, lifting the glass.

A blonde sits on the stool next to me, giving me a smile. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I say.

“I’m Mel,” she says sweetly. “Short for Melody.”

“Hello, Mel. I’m Asher.”

“Asher,” she repeats. “It’s very nice to meet you. Can I buy you a drink?” she asks.

Flirty. Attractive. Confident. This woman knows exactly who she is without apology.

“Unfortunately, no. I insist on buying you one. I’m a gentleman.”

She grins wide. Perfect teeth. Plump lips. “I won’t say no.”

Mel orders a cosmo with a wink. “What do you do?”

“Survive,” I tell her.

“Oh, you’re one of those types. An intellectual. Let me guess. A software bro? Or do you own a start-up?”

“Nope,” I admit.

“Are you a struggling artist who’s always sad and in his feelings?”

I chuckle. “Do I give off those vibes?”

“It’s the scruff.”

Laughter spills out. “I didn’t realize I signed up to be roasted by a stranger.”

“A stranger. For now. Asher, I think I’d like to get to know you.”

I turn toward her. “Why?”

“It’s your confidence and style. It’s sexy.”

I shoot down my drink and order another round. “You flatter me.”

“I don’t waste time. Tell me about yourself,” she says.

I take another shot of bourbon. Johnny’s pouring extra.

“I’m boring. A total dickhead.” I give her a smile, keeping details out of our conversation.

“You’re in luck because I actually enjoy dickheads. But I dunno about the boring part. Hmm.”

I laugh. “Do you live close by?”

“My sister does. I’m visiting for the next few weeks before I return to Europe. Wanted to welcome spring in the city.”

“Spring in New York is an experience. Especially in the park.”

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