Page 6 of Vince
As I look between my friends, there’s obviously something I’m missing. Ryan and Brayden clearly know something Derek and I aren’t privy to. As they just stare at one another in challenge, I break the silence between us. “I don’t know about you—but I’m here to have a drink. Anyone care to join me?” I look around for a waitress and see there are none to be found. May as well just go up to the bar and order one for myself.
“I’ll go,” Derek offers with ease, and I do my best not to snicker. “Besides, your first drink is on me.”
Ryan and Brayden each pull out some cash from their wallets and give us their orders. I don’t miss the fact that Derek passes the shorter line to approach Sydney. From his determined expression, I can tell he’s getting ready to play his A-game.
This should be entertaining, at least.
We wait for a group of girls to grab their orders before Sydney greets us with a smile as she wipes down the counter in front of her. “What can I get for ya?”
If I thought she was a knockout from across the bar, I was seriously mistaken. This woman is downright gorgeous. Her green eyes dance between us as she waits for our response, and I can’t help but notice a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose.
“How’s your night going, Sydney?” Derek drawls in a tone, as if he’s a long-lost friend.
She’s not wearing a nametag, so her green eyes darken as her brows pull together, as if she’s trying to place him somewhere. In a matter of seconds, it’s clear she has no idea who he is. But she pulls out her best customer services skills and pastes on what I’m sure is a fake smile. “Great. What brings you guys in?”
Derek reaches out to pat me on the shoulder. “We’re here for my buddy’s birthday. What time do you get off? Maybe you can help us celebrate.”
Sydney’s green eyes dart to mine and looks me over from head to toe. We’ve never met. But if I’m not mistaken, there’s a flicker of recognition from her. We stare at one another for a moment before she returns her attention to Derek. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m closing tonight. What can I get you two to drink?”
Derek orders shots for everyone and a pitcher of beer, then continues his quest for her attention. “Maybe you can join us on one of your breaks?”
Sydney takes in a sharp breath and releases it slowly as if she’s trying to regain control of her emotions. I swear, I’m a little afraid for what’s about to happen to my dear friend Derek. Her fingers slowly open and close into fists at her sides. In an instant, I can clearly tell she’s taking zero of his bullshit, and I have to say, she’s sexy as hell when she’s pissed—but clearly, I don’t want to be on the receiving end of what’s to come.
Not wanting this to escalate, I slap my palm on his back. “Hey, man. Let’s just get our drinks and get back to the guys. If she wants to join us, that’s cool. But if not, let’s get out of her hair.”
Sydney looks to me pointedly, and her tone turns to ice. “I’ll need to see both of your IDs before I can serve you,birthday boy.”
