Page 20 of Daddy's Naughty Bartender
I show them the text. The collective squeal probably registers on the Richter scale.
"He's telling you what to wear," Beth breathes. "That's so?—"
"Controlling?" I suggest.
"Hot," they all say in unison.
"You have something red?" Madison Grace asks.
"The dress from last year’s Christmas party," Linda suggests. "The one with the low back?"
"That's too formal for a wine tasting."
"No such thing as too formal when you're trying to bring a man to his knees," Barbara declares.
"I'm not trying to?—"
"Sure you're not." Elizabeth interrupts and pulls up Pinterest on her phone. "Hair up or down?"
"Up," Beth says immediately. "Shows off her neck. Men like Jason notice necks."
"How do you know what men like Jason notice?"
"Experience," she says primly. "And lots and lots of research."
The next hour is a blur of planning, advice, and increasingly ribald suggestions. By the time we part ways, I have a battle plan, a renewed sense of confidence, and a lingering warmth from their support.
Walking back to the bar, I feel lighter than I have in years. The Naughty Girls are right. I've been in survival mode so long, I've forgotten what living feels like. Maybe it's time to remember.
My phone buzzes again.
Jason: Stop overthinking. Whatever you're worrying about, let it go. Trust me.
How does he always know?
Me: Bossy.
Jason: You have no idea. See you tonight, beautiful.
I smile, tucking my phone away. Tonight. Red dress. Wine tasting. A man who sees through all my defenses and wants me anyway.
"Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone else be strong for you."
Elizabeth's parting words echo as I enter the bar. Susie takes one look at my face and grins.
"Good book club meeting?"
"The best."
"Good. Because lover boy called. Wanted to make sure you weren't working tonight."
"He called the bar?"
"Mmm-hmm. Said something about making sure you didn't find excuses to cancel." She waggles her eyebrows. "I like a man who plans ahead."
So do I, apparently. More than I want to admit.
"I've got tonight covered," Susie continues. "So don't even think about coming in. In fact, I forbid it."
