Page 9 of Denim & Diamonds

Thankfully, I got George the maintenance guy to put my escape route back that evening, because I had to sneak out to the bar to return Brock’s shirt.

I made my way down to the ground successfully, but after the mile-long trek to the bar, I discovered that Brock was nowhere to be found.

“What’s got you down, pretty lady?” a man who looked to be in his seventies asked me.

“Oh…” I shook my head. “Nothing. I was looking to return something to the bartender from last night, but he doesn’t seem to be here.”

“Brock Hawkins, you mean?”

“Yeah. He owns the bar, too, right?”

“Yep. He owns half the town.”

“So I’ve heard.”

The man stuck out his hand. “Name’s Hank. I’m not working today, but I bartend a few nights a week.”

I took it. “February.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What about February?”

“That’s my name.February.”

“No kidding. That’s different!”

If I had a nickel for every strange reaction to my name…

The man sipped his beer. “So what’s your interest in Brock? You said you’re returning something to him?”

“His shirt.” My face felt flush as soon as I said it.His shirt.I realized how that sounded and quickly added, “He gave it to me because I was cold. And, anyway, I’m just returning it.”

I needed a drink.

“Well, if you have romantic interest in Brock Hawkins, you certainly wouldn’t be alone. Not only is he quite respected in this town, but many of the single gals have their sights set on him. Not just because he’s a good-looking dude, but as you can imagine, they see dollar signs. Can’t blame him for shying away from all of ’em.”

I hated the idea of women trying to use Brock for his money. I mean…using him for that hot body, maybe. But gold diggers?No.They had to go. “What do you mean when you say Brock shies away from women?”

“Not my place to tell Brock’s business…” He looked over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “He turns alloffersdown, if you know what I mean. But let’s just say he has good reason to be wary of women lately. His last woman left him high and dry.”

“Left him? What happened?”

“Rumor has it his ex wanted a life outside of this small town. Didn’t want to be stuck here. She knew Brock couldn’t leave, with all his businesses and brothers and such. So she left him. Brock hasn’t been seen with anyone since. Brokenhearted, I guess.”

That made me a little sad for the guy. And I also felt kind of wrong talking about him behind his back, so I ended my conversation with Hank. “Well, thanks for the talk.”

“No problem, January.” He winked.

Yeah.I walked over to the bar and called to the bartender on duty. “Excuse me.”

He turned. “What can I get ya?”

“Oh, nothing to drink. But when you see Brock, can you give him this shirt? It belongs to him.” I held it out.

He took it. “Sure thing.”

“Thanks so much.”

Since I’d skipped the alcohol during my quick visit to the bar, I began my walk back to Sierra Wellness completely sober. I deserved a gold star or something, given this disappointment of a night.

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