Page 45 of Stick to the Plan
“The commute to work is fantastic too!” Anna shuts the door and settles back into her seat.
Asher places the bottles on the counter and scrutinizes the handle of Fireball skeptically. “What the hell are you girls drinking?”
Anna and I exchange a glance, then shout “Angry Balls” again in unison before crumbling into laughter on the counter.
Ok, maybe I’m tipsy too.
Anna walks Asher through the recipe, and soon we have fresh drinks in our hands.
“So what are we angry about?” Asher stands with his hands braced on the counter, muscular forearms on full display. A blond eyebrow arches over an icy blue eye as he eyes the drinks dubiously.
I laugh again. “You don’t have to be angry to drink angry balls. You just need to like apple pie. Here, try it.” I push my drink across the counter to him.
Normally, I keep a professional distance from the staff. As Pop’s business manager, I often end up being the bad guy, and it’s just easier when you are not friendly. Asher’s different, though. He was our first hire, he’d helped us grow the business.As head bartender, we often include him in discussions and decisions. Also, did I mention I’m tipsy?
“Ok, yes, that is delicious; I will start recommending that. So, how is that new boyfriend of yours?”
Dropping my head into my hands, I grunt indelicately. “He’s not my boyfriend! He is a client,” Anna gives a snort of disbelief, “whom I am casually seeing.” I glare at Anna. Traitor.
Asher is shaking his head. “Bullshit. There is nothing casual about how that man looks at you.”
“That’s what I’m saying!” Anna flails her arm wide at Asher as she takes another sip of her drink.
“We agreed - exclusivity but no strings. When he goes home, it’s over.” I nod with confidence I’m not feeling, and drown my doubts in liquor.
“But darlin’, if you have actual feelings for the man, why not give it a real shot? You’ve been so happy lately. Why end it?” Anna’s eyes are full of sympathy. And cartoon hearts.
“For what it’s worth, I think he’s a stand-up guy. We’ve chatted a few times when you’ve come for dinner or stopped in for paperwork.” Asher shrugs.
“It doesn’t matter. He lives in Ireland. His family is in Ireland. Hell, his job is in Ireland. When this project is over, he will be returning to…”
“Ireland,” they say in unison.
“Exactly. There’s no point getting attached.” My heart twists. Colin is heading to that environmental conference this week and being here alone is going to feel so weird. If I’m this affected at the thought of a week apart, how am I going to take it when he leaves for good?
“Well, ladies, I better head back downstairs. Thanks for the break from the hoards of horny women.” He shudders as he heads to the door.
“Hey!” I yell after him. “Those horny women pay all our bills. Better get that smile back in place.”
Asher turns back, his signature toothpaste smile in place. “How’s that, boss?”
Laughing, we send him off and finish our second round. I fish my cell from the back pocket of my jeans. “I better get a ride home. Wasn’t planning on drinking this much.”
Me
Hey - can you pick me up at Pop?
I take another slug of my drink while I wait for a response. The three dots appear almost immediately.
Colin
You OK? What happened?
His response makes me smile. His first reaction is so protective and caring. My heart flutters.
Me
Yea - ended up having a couple drinks with Anna and shouldn’t drive.
