Page 33 of Someone Just Like You

Jude’s eyes darkened. “As it pertains to your future entry into the premises, it might as well be.” His face contorted into a picture of disdain far worse than anything he’d thrown my way over the course of two decades. “You have ten seconds to leave before I ban you permanently.”

Killian’s nostrils flared. “This place is basic anyway.” He turned to leave, pausing to whisper something in Esther’s ear. It sounded a lot like, “You’re not worth it.”

When he was finally gone, a round of applause followed. We’d caused a small scene and had the rapt attention of the patrons in the vicinity of our stools.

“Now we can get back to the business of drinking,” Jude said matter-of-factly.

“Thank you so much for stepping in.” Esther’s voice was rich with emotion.

I wanted to echo her sentiment, but the words escaped me. As a bartender, Jude was probably used to pushy guys who refused to take no for an answer, but this was personal to me. I wondered if he’d have been more or less likely to interfere if Esther had been a stranger and not the companion of his rival ex-neighbor.

He gave a slow nod. “Glad I could help. But be careful. Guys like him don’t give up that easily.” His eyes met mine. “You’re awfully quiet.”

I felt myself flush under his scrutiny. “I just…um…” I ran a hand through my hair. “Thanks.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Anytime. Your next one’s on me.” He turned his attention to other customers as my phone pinged a text message.

Timothy:Does this count as a hair accessory?

Accompanying the message was another photo of Eli wearing a New York Giants dog collar along with the jersey. It was adorbs, but the context went over my head. Hair accessory? I scrolled to my previous message and my eyes widened in horror. Rather than explain myself, because I was a generous glass of wine past that ability, I kept it simple.

Molly:Totally counts.

I stared at the food the waiter was setting before us on the bar and contemplated how I’d confused Eli with Yogi before we’d even had our first drink. Being the same breed did not make them the same dog with the same fetishes.For shame, Molly. For shame!I would bring Eli a special toy the next time I saw him to make up for it. Just not a hair band.

Two drinks, three sushi rolls, and an order of spinach and artichoke dip later, I forgot all about the mix-up. The ugly incident with Killian behind us as well, we enjoyed the rest of the evening. We toasted the successful potty training of one of Esther’s twin nieces. We contemplated the necessity of buying a new dress for the anniversary party and whether it was too early to ask Timothy as my date—the consensus was yes to both.

But try as I might to make it stop, I was hyperaware of Jude’s every move. I watched when he leaned over the bar to kiss his date, girlfriend,whatevergoodbye. I listened as he suggested drinks based on a woman’s preferences for “sweet but not too sweet” cocktail. I observed how seamlessly he worked the busy bar and dealt with thirsty and increasingly inebriated customers without ever losing his cool. His competence as a bartender…sommelier…was evident. And he seemed happy. Nothing about his behavior or body language implied he mourned the baseball career that wasn’t. Things had turned out okay for him in the end, like he’d said.

“What are you smiling about?” Esther said, breaking me out of my contemplation.

I touched a finger to my lips. “Nothing.”

She raised an eyebrow. “If you say so.” She stood. “Going to use the loo one more time.”

With some restraint, I managed to refrain from asking her to repeat herself. It was just…theloo. The British lingo never got old.

I slipped my credit card back in my purse and hoped Jude wouldn’t see our 50 percent tip until we’d already left. The crowd had emptied out, and he was currently wiping down the bar in a circular fashion. I walked over to him and sat down.

“Mole,” he said without looking up.

“How’d you know it was me?”

He slowly raised his head. “Your smell.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks again for stepping in tonight.”

“Not a problem.” He went back to his cleaning.

“You’ll probably use these words against me, but you’re a decent guy, Jude Stark.”

His hands stopped moving. “I will definitely use those words against you, Molly Blum.”

We locked eyes, neither of us blinking. And then he smiled.

My balance faltered, and I slipped halfway off the stool.

He steadied me with his hand.

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