Page 30 of Shifting Sands

Me: It was much tamer than Friday night.

Sexy Bartender: Nothing wrong with tame.

Me: How about you? Did you have to drive any more shameless, wanton, drunk barflies home?

Damn it.Why did I type that? I try to Unsend it, but it’s too late. The message shows as Read before I can take it back.

Sexy Bartender: Nope. Unless old George counts as a wanton barfly.

I laugh to myself.

Me: Are you working tonight?

Sexy Bartender: Yeah, it’s Cody’s last night, my manager is out, and we’re short a bartender, so unfortunately, I have to work the bar again. Actually, I’ll be working all week.

Me: You must be exhausted.

Sexy Bartender: I can handle it. What are you and the girls getting into?

Me: They left this morning, so I’m on my own.

Sexy Bartender: I’ll probably sleep in tomorrow, but if you’re free on Tuesday, I’d love to take you to lunch.

Me: I have a ticket to tour Bald Head Island, but I could swing by and see you after the ferry drops me off at two. I could bring a late lunch?

Sexy Bartender: I’ll be at the garage by then. But you’re welcome to drop by to say hi. It’s the Axles & Anchors shop on East Beach Ave.

Me: Okay. See you Tuesday.

I place my phone back into my pocket as Aunt Ida’s house comes into view. Just then, I hear Sabel’s voice and look up to see her crossing the street.

“Hi, Brandee! I was just about to meet Avie and Amiya for Sunday brunch. Would you like to join us?”

I glance at her pale blue skirt and blazer before looking down at my leggings. “I’m not really dressed for it,” I reply.

She waves me off. “You look fine! I’m still in my church clothes, and I was just about to go inside and change into something comfortable myself.”

“In that case, I’d love to come. I’m starving,” I admit.

Her smile widens. “Wonderful! I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.”

I hurry inside and check that the cats’ bowls are full, and then I pull off my jacket and change from my sweatshirt to an oversized sweater and run a brush through my hair. When I make it back to the porch, Sabel and Avie are in Sabel’s car, waiting at the curb.

“Hi! I’m so glad you can join us,” Avie says as I hop into the back seat.

“Me too. Where’s Leia?” I ask.

“Sebby and Sebastian took her fishing.”

I chuckle. “She’s going to be a well-rounded little girl—ballet and tutus on Saturdays, and fishing and overalls on Sundays.”

Avie nods. “It’s definitely an interesting childhood.”

That’s the best kind.

Brew

“Damn, you look like hell.”

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