Page 18 of Paradise West
Jack laughed. “It’s a crazy free-for-all in October that everyone should experience at least once in their life. Think of it as Mardi Gras with fewer inhibitions. After that experience, you’ll probably never want to be around it again.”
“Huh,” Charli grunted as she took in the surroundings. Art had been right—a lot had changed since she’d last been here. She looked down at their still-clasped hands and the corner of her lips twitched up. Jack hadn’t released her hand and it surprised her that she didn’t want him to.
As they approached the intersection at Whitehead Street, Jack led her under the eaves and through the doorway of a disreputable-looking building on the corner. He grinned at her over his shoulder as he led her into the bar. “This is the oldest bar on the island and it’s where you’ll find the locals hanging out.”
Charli stared up at the colorful sign on the wall inside the entry for a moment, her head tilted. “The Spent Pickle?” she asked, her nose crinkling.
Jack chuckled. “Just trust me. You’ll be a regular in no time.” He dropped her hand and stepped to the side so she could make her way to the bar, pressing his hand to her lower back again as he guided her to a stool. She shivered—his hands on her sent pulses of energy through her body. She took a deep, steadying breath as he settled onto the stool next to her.
“Jack!” the bartender bellowed. “It’s been a while, buddy.” He walked over and shook Jack’s hand.
“How’re you doing, Steve?” Jack replied. He motioned to his side. “This is Charli, Dottie’s niece. She’s new to the island.”
The old bartender’s face lit up. “Yeah, I’ve heard all the latest gossip. I’m Steve Zimber. I own this place,” he said as he shot his hand toward Charli. “I’m sorry about your aunt. She was a great lady and talked about you every chance she got. You’re from up north, right?”
Charli smiled and clasped his hand. “Boston,” she answered, then gestured around them. “This is quite a place you have here.”
Steve puffed his chest up and grinned, showing off a thousand-watt smile. “Best bar on the island,” he bragged. “What can I get you?”
“Well, based on the name of the bar, I’m guessing you make a killer Bloody Mary.” At Steve’s enthusiastic nod, she continued, “Well, that sounds a little too spicy for me right now. What else do you recommend?” Charli asked.
Jack leaned toward her. “Steve’s mojitos are legendary if you want something light.”
“Oh, that sounds good!” Charli looked to Steve. “I’ll have one of those, please.”
“Sure thing.” Steve gave her a firm nod and turned to Jack. “How about you? The usual?”
“Yep,” Jack said with a grin. Steve grunted and moved across the bar to get the order ready.
Charli gave him a questioning glance. “What’s your usual?”
“Tequila on the rocks with a twist of lime.” Jack turned a bit toward her. “They have a house tequila that’s famous on the island.”
“I’ll remember that,” Charli said with a grin. She set her phone and wristlet on the bar in front of her and put her hand on his arm. “Mmmmm...I really need to use the bathroom. Would you keep an eye on these for me?”
“Sure,” Jack answered, staring absently at her hand on his arm.
“Thanks!” She gave his arm a light squeeze. “If it rings, will you answer for me?”
Jack’s eyes shot to hers with a wary expression. “Okaaaay.”
Charli released a throaty laugh. “Don’t look so worried, Jack. No one will be calling me.”
Jack grunted and grabbed the drink that Steve had just delivered.
Charli hurried to the restroom. As she washed her hands, she studied herself closely in the mirror, noticing that the dark circles under her eyes that had been her constant companion for over three years, had practically disappeared overnight. Funny what a full night’s sleep and a relative lack of stress could do for you.
As she was drying her hands, she heard her phone go off—the ring tone was very distinct and Charli immediately knew who was calling her. She rushed out the door but knew she wouldn’t make it before it went to voicemail. “Jack, would you answer that? I don’t want to miss her call,” she shouted from across the bar.
With that trademark carefree grin, Jack picked up the phone. “This is Charli’s phone. How can I help you?” He was quiet as he listened on the other end—his dimples deepened and his grin grew into a full, breathtaking smile that made Charli’s heart pound.
“Well, hi there, Annette. I’m Jack. What can I do for you?”
Charli rolled her eyes when Jack laughed at the reaction. She could only imagine her assistant’s response when Jack’s voice had come through the speaker.
“Really? Well, that’s good information. I’ll keep that in mind, so thanks for the tip.” Jack’s eyes danced. “Speaking of Charli, she’s back from the bathroom now and eyeing me pretty hard, so I’ll hand the phone over to her. It was nice talking to you, Annette.”
Charli plucked the phone from his hands. “Hey, Annette.”
