Page 95 of Debts and Desires
“Hey there,” he smiled. I didn’t want to be rude so, I smiled back.
“Hi.”
“I’m Sawyer. I really liked your singing tonight.”
“Oh, thank you, Sawyer.”
“Anytime. You have a pretty little voice.” I cringed internally at thepretty littlecomment. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked. I held up my beer.
“I’m good, but thank you.”
“What about the next one?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure I’m going to be drinking another one,” I admitted.
“Aw, c’mon, just one more with me.” He winked.
“That’s okay,” I laughed awkwardly. He wasn’t getting the hint and I didn’t know how to make him without coming across as rude. Some men werepersistentuntil you have no choice but to comply or get hurt in return. I looked around, but neither Tyler nor Carter were back yet.
“So, are you stayin’ in Hudsonville?”
“I am.”
“At the inn?”
“No.”
“Where at? There ain’t any places here. You’d have to go a few miles.” I didn’t like that he kept asking me where I was going. It made my stomach churn, especially with how he was eyeing me like a piece of meat.
“With a friend.”
“A friend, huh? Do I know this friend? I bet she isn’t as hot as you,” he grinned.
“He’s a guy. Uh, Carter.”
“Black?! You’re stayin’ withthatpiece of shit?” I cringed. “Look, I know we just met and all, but you can do better. Are you guys together?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but no. We’re not.” I looked around again. Tyler had come back out, but he looked to be stuck helping a customer since the others were busy. Had I not been staring at him, hoping to send an S.O.S. signal that wasn’t working, I would’ve felt bad for him having to work on his night off.
“That’s good. You could do so much better,” he said again. “Someonea little less fuckin’ weird. If you knew his reputation, you’d steer clear.” He took a swig of his drink.
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. So what do you say about comin’ back to my place tonight?”
“I’m quite happy where I am, thanks.”
“Nah. You should stay somewhere else. Better. With me,” he tried again.
“No. Thanks.”
“Aww, c’mon. I promise I don’t bite. Unless you’re into that weird, kinky shit,” he laughed, placing his hand on my arm. “Let’s get you out of here before he comes back and hurts you. You ever hear the stories about him? Dude ain’t good.” I pulled my arm back.
“I’m good. Thanks.”
“C’mon, doll.” He grabbed my arm tighter this time. “Just tryin’ to help you out here. I’ll take you back to my place and show you how a real man is.”
“I said no.” I pulled my arm back again.
