Page 2 of Gypsy's Lady
“Princess, I see how this is going.” The bartender edged closer with the shaker and glass, gaze darting back and forth, probably trying to gauge the possibility for an explosive encounter should he come too near. “I think I’ve heard enough to make up my mind about the evening.” Doug reached out and tapped the bar,waitinga beat for theglass to be set down and filled. He scooped it up and frowned as the woman flinched back as if he were going to toss it on her.Should probably think about dry-cleaning before you open your mouth. “I’ve decided my time is better spent in different company.” He tipped the glass up, drained it dry, and grimaced at the harsh bite of gin. “I don’t mind a woman who knows her own mind. I enjoy it, actually.The back-and-forth, a satisfying give-and-take that can be found in company with a confident, self-assured woman. What I don’t like? That would be little girls who think they can play the martyr about jobs or relationships to try and prove their worth tothemselveswhen all they’re really looking to do is one-up the next girl in whatever line they imagine they’re in. I want a woman who is interestedin how we, as in sheandI, fit together. Not how she can bend me to edge in alongside her.” He set the glass back on the bar and flipped a couple of bills at the bartender.
“That’s not me needing a woman to change for me, but wanting someone to partner with.” Doug held up a hand, palm facing the princess and realized he couldn’t remember her name.No great loss, that. “And I know a blind double-dateis not where someone expects to find the person they’ll be spending the rest of their life with, but damn woman, why are you here if you aren’t even going to look? You rolled in here so certain of what you wanted that you didn’t stop to see if what I had might be something you needed. So,” he stepped back and tossed Joel a chin lift—one that could have meant anything from “see you later”to “you comin’, bro”—and stared at her, willing her to truly hear him, “I’m going to keep looking. Hope you do the same. You’ll never know when you might stumble into a darkened room and find the beam of light you’ve been dreaming of standing there looking you square in the face.”
He paused on the sidewalk in front of the bar and tipped his head back, looking up at the dim stars overhead. Onlya handfulshonethrough the smog and urban light pollution.I cannot wait until I’m done here.
Norwood and Thornton hadn’t returned to the precinct,andit hadn’t been long before Doug and Joel gave up on any pretense of duty keeping them at their desks, sitting and staring at the door. Finally, the captain had walked out and kicked them out, the IA duo having left long before. He’d told themto be back Monday morning with bellsonbecause they’d be partnering with the gang and organized crime unit for the next two weeks. Just the two ofthemand the captain had been clear with his instructions, deftly ignoring any questions about the other pair. Joel had talked Doug into going out instead of waiting for more than a brief text saying “Headed out of town for a few days”from Nick.
“See anything interesting up there?” Joel’s voice was quietly amused, coming from the side. Doug twisted and stared at him for a moment. “What? You didn’t think you were ditching me so easily, did you? Didn’t you hear the captain? We’re new partners, buddy. I got your back, no matter what.”
“Even if it means you don’t get laid tonight?”
“Maybe especially if it means I don’t get no tail tonight.Did you see the way my date latched onto me when she sat down? Thought I’d have to get some pliers to peel her nails outta my arm.” Joel shuddered exaggeratedly. “Donna wasn’t pleased by your speech.” Doug shrugged and realized he wasn’t certain which woman he was referencing. Joel laughed and thumbed over his shoulder back at the bar. “Donna, your date? She went off on me and the bartender, seemingto think we should have laid you out for her honor. Jesus. I’m glad my little sister never got any of that kind of attitude. She was a true beauty.” He shook his head and then clapped a handonDoug’s shoulder. “I’m thinking a bar with more smoke and a TV.”
“Sounds good. All I need is a beer and a game,andit’s a good night. Well,” he chuckled, “better anyway.”
