Page 45 of Love You
“No one. I’m focusing on work and buying a house.”
“Yeah? Where you looking?”
Win leaned over the bar, snatched the oil and vinegar from a condiment basket, and poured a little of both on his salad. “I’d like the lake but don’t know if I can swing the prices over there.”
“Reggie Brown is trying to sell his place on the river. He wants to leave Glory Junction for one of those senior communities. The place needs work but it’s got good bones and the views . . .” Boden let out a whistle.
“Really? What kind of place is it?” Reggie was an old-timer, whose wife died a few years ago. Win only knew him through his parents and had no idea where he lived.
“Log cabin. Reggie built it himself.”
“No kidding. How much does he want for it?” Win wouldn’t mind living on the river, though some of the houses with water access weren’t on county roads. You either needed a plow or a snow mobile in the winter.
“Don’t know but you should talk to him. Maybe you can swing a deal before he lists it.”
“I might just do that.” Win took a bite of his burger and Boden moved on to help another customer.
Win was halfway through his dinner when Candace sidled up to him and cocked her hip against the bar. “So how have you been, stranger?”
“I’m doing okay, Candace. How ’bout you?”
“I’m single now.” She slid closer so that her hip brushed against him.
“That’s what I heard. I’m sorry about you and Dale.”
“I’m not,” she said, and he was flummoxed on how to respond.
“Well, I’m glad it hasn’t been too tough for you. Divorces can get hairy.” At least they didn’t have kids. Win tried to make eye contact with Boden, hoping the barkeep would rescue his ass because he knew what was coming.
She took the stool next to his, which confirmed his fears. “What are you drinking? It looks good.”
It was beer, for Christ’s sake. “Sierra Nevada.” He supposed that was a hint to order her one but he didn’t want to encourage her. He just wanted to finish his dinner in peace.
He was just about to casually mention that he was seeing someone when Dale came into the bar. Craning his neck around the room, he spotted Candace and stomped over, looking mean as a grizzly bear.
Shit.
“Well, that didn’t take long. You’re screwing Garner now?” Dale said it loud enough that people as far away as Reno could hear him.
“Shut up, Dale, you’re making a scene.” Candace scooted even closer to Win. He got the impression that she was enjoying Dale’s “scene.”
“She was just saying hi, Dale.”
Dale was a big-ass dude, who used to be an offensive tackle on Glory Junction High’s football team. Since then, most of his muscle had gone to fat but he was still a beast.
“I wasn’t talking to you, Garner. I was talking to my wife.”
“I’m not your wife anymore. And I’m free to see whomever I want.” Candace rested her hand on Win’s leg.
Why me?
“We’re not seeing each other, Dale. I was here having dinner and a beer and Candace came over to say hi. That’s all.”
They had an audience for sure but no one stepped in to confirm Win’s story. And Boden had freaking disappeared.
“Is he telling the truth, Candace?”
“It’s none of your business.”
