Page 50 of Defend Me

“Drinking alone?” he asked as he wiped down the area.

“Waiting for someone.”

“You’re either early or you got stood up.”

I breathed a laugh around the glass as I took a drink. “Nah, an Uber driver canceled on him, so he had to wait for another. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how bad traffic is out here.”

“That’s why I bike. I have a car,” he added quickly. “It’s a choice, not a necessity.”

“You must live close.”

“A couple miles. What about you?”

“I live on campus.”

“Harmon?” When I nodded, he smiled. “I went there too.”

I tried not to show that I was surprised. “What’d you study?”

“Business management.” He held his hands out to the sides. “That’s why this place runs so smoothly.”

“You own it?”

“Yup. I like working the bar, plus it saves me money.”

“That’s awesome. You’re a Harmon success story. They should name a bench after you or something.”

He laughed, which made his eyes crinkle a little. They were light brown and matched his chin-length hair. He was pretty young, probably early thirties. If I was into the age gap thing, I might try to figure out if he was flirting or just making conversation.

The bar prowler suddenly appeared beside me and put his hands on the counter. “Can I get three tequilas?”

The bartender didn’t hide his distaste. “Last one, got it?”

The guy waved his hand irritably. Turning, he looked me up and down. I didn’t yield to dicks like him, so I met his stare while I took a long drink.

“Fuck off, Ben,” the bartender clipped before he slid the shots over.

Ben grunted and returned to the pool table, walking a bit like Jack Sparrow.

“Sorry. He’s always like that.”

“It’s cool,” I replied. “Douchebags don’t bother me. Uh, I didn’t ask your name.”

“Remi.”

“Like Ratatouille.” As soon as I said it, I dropped my face into my hand and started laughing. “Shit, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I thought it was funny.” He looked behind me and smiled. “Hey, how’s it going?”

Arms came around my neck from behind, making me jump. The familiar scent was comforting and I found myself leaning back. Brooks perched his chin on my shoulder and sighed dramatically.

“My Uber smelled like diapers. Kinda want to die now.”

“I’m tired of drinking alone, so you can’t die.”

“Fine, but I’m only doing this for you.”

“Aw. Are you saying I’m special?”

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