“No.” My mind goes straight to Julius and our kisses. “Do you think he was lying about never kissing someone before?”
“I don’t know him, but from what I’ve heard, most men lie. Especially to get into your pants.”
“Right,” I whisper. It’s not as though Lane has a dating past to relate it to.
“Come on, Liv, let’s have some fun.” Lane pops up from the couch. “It’s ladies' night, right?”
“At Dixon’s?”
“The one and only.” It’s also the one and only bar in our town. They serve food too, but at night, it turns more into a bar atmosphere. People will clear out some of the tables so everyone can dance.
“You want to go to Dixon’s?”
“I want to cheer my baby sister up.”
“Two minutes.” I hold up two fingers and wiggle them. I’ll never live down that she was born first.
“Still makes me older.” Lane holds her hand out for me to take.
“I don’t know.” I do enjoy going out, but tonight I kind of want to wallow in it.
“I’ll let you dress me up and do my hair.” Oh snap. She is laying it on thick. “This offer is expiring in—” I grab her hand, and she pulls me to my feet. “That’s what I thought.”
“Don’t get cocky. Remember, you said I could dress you up,” I warn with an evil smirk.
“Liv.” Lane's expression turns panicked.
“I’m teasing,” I laugh and tug her toward my bedroom. “Come on.”
I don’t do anything too wild because I want Lane to have fun. It’s not often we go out to Dixon’s, so I let her keep her jeans and boots. I manage to put her in a frilly top that’s snug and gives a hint of cleavage. As for me, I put on a dress and a pair of flats before touching up my light makeup and putting some on my sister too.
When we’re outside Dixon’s, I spin around. “Come here, take a picture with me.” Lane leans in close, and I make sure to get Dixon’s sign in the back before I snap it. Lane doesn’t ask to see it. She does zero with social media and could care less. I post it, then tuck my phone in my purse before we enter the bar.
“Uh-oh, the What’s the Stitch ladies are here.” They are always a good time, even to watch from a distance. “And karaoke!” I squeal. My sister closes her eyes and takes a breath.
“I’m going to need a drink.”
“That wasn’t a no!” I loop my arm through hers to pull her toward the bar to get her drink.
"Hey, Liv." Marco the bartender gives me a nod before his attention swings over to my sister. "Sawyer know you're here?"
"Why would that matter?" Lane's brows pull together.
If Sawyer doesn't know, I'm sure he'll figure it out soon enough. Between the way this town can gossip and my social media posts, he’ll know.
"If you say so," Marco chuckles. "What can I get you ladies?"
"The other day I saw a TikTok with people drinking espresso martinis," I tell him. I'm not a coffee fan, but they looked neat. Marco gives me a blank stare. "Okay, two vodka cranberries then."
"Coming right up." He taps the bar top twice before turning to make them.
“As if Swayer cares what I’m up to,” Lane mutters under her breath, but I catch it.
Oh, he cares, and he’s not the only one.
Chapter Twelve
JULIUS