Page 30 of Until Next Time
“River didn’t tell you? Stephanie is coming. Isn’t that just so fun?” She says, her voice laced with fake peppiness as she pulls out of the driveway.
“No, he absolutely did not tell me. Is she going as his date? Like Dawsen’s date?” I’m searching for my phone frantically because I plan on sending my brother a very strongly worded text.
“No, I honestly don’t even think Daws knows. Your asshole of a brother has been hanging out with her apparently and he invited her.” I stare out the window, my ears feel hot.
I feel my ears get hot. “Whats in the flask?” I ask, spinning open the top. Casey reaches over and gives my knee a little love pat. “Your favorite.” I can smell the wine and I’m instantly grateful for my best friend who breaks all the flask rules by putting Cabernet Sauvignon in a flask made for the hard stuff.
“Don’t you think it’s kind of gross that your brother is getting with the same girl Dawsen gets with? Like, that’s just gross, right?” Casey is almost as annoyed with the whole situation as I am it seems like.
“Casey, I really don’t want to picture or think about either of them doing anything with that woman for both entirely different reasons.” She leans forward and adjusts the volume knob on the stereo.
“You’re right, let’s just not.” We both shiver and shake off those thoughts immediately.
* * *
We get to Echo Hall and I stash the now empty flask in the glove box. I don’t really know how much a flask holds, but I’m definitely feeling it in my knees as we make our way to the entrance.
“What time is Max supposed to get here?” Casey asks, breaking my train of thought about my wobbly wine legs.
“I’m not sure exactly. He was going to send me a text when he leaves the office. He wasn’t sure how long the meeting was going to take.”
“Oh look what we have here.” Casey says sarcastically waving her finger towards the entrance of the venue where River and Stephanie are walking up.
“Joy.” I say dryly.
“What’s up sis, and sister’s friend.” River drawls as we catch up to them in the line that’s now forming outside the doors of Echo Hall. I roll my eyes and Casey gives River a sucker punch to the shoulder. River grabs his shoulder, “Ouch, Damn girl. Who pissed in your cheerios this morning?” Casey whips her braid around her shoulder and folds her arms across her chest asshe raises her eyebrows at my brother, “You are disgusting and annoying.” She blows out a breath and I feel awkward just being around the tension these two put out sometimes. I lean forward and offer my hand to Stephanie because I don’t want to give her a hug.
“Hi Stephanie, I’m Birdie, I don’t know if you remember me from Dawsen’s winery…” I am rambling when she cuts me off, “I know who you are. Hi.” She takes my fingers and gives them a half assed shake and with that greeting I can tell she’s still not a fan of mine and she’s still definitely on my shit list.
I don’t have a shit list, but this bitch will most definitely be at the top of it whenever I get around to making it.
* * *
The doors finally opened, thank the good Lord above because the conversational dynamics I was working with were getting dicey while we waited in the line wrapped around the old building. Max had texted me that he’d be here in about thirty minutes, so we wandered in and grabbed a few tables near the front of the stage. Luckily we were some of the first in, so we scoped out some of the best seats in the house. Dawsen isn’t here yet and I hate that I’ve noticed and I hate even more the amount of times my head has swiveled to the entrance. And I hate even more that my head is swiveling to look for a man that is not even my date.
I decide I need to keep my flask buzz going so I decide to head to the bar, but before I do, I ask Casey, River and even Stephanie if I can get them anything. Casey and River are arguing about some band I’ve never heard before and the integrity of their music. Stephanie honestly looks bored, and I’venoticed that maybe her head is swiveling to the door for the same reason as mine, which gives me a rush of jealous rage.
I’m disgusting.
I put it out of my mind as I recite the drink orders so I don’t forget by the time I get to the bar. One long island iced tea, Titos on the rocks, and one Pabst Blue Ribbon.
I wish I could say the PBR is for River, but that boy loves a nice tropical trip to Long Island, if you know what I mean. Casey is my redneckin’, PBR drinkin’, cowgirl and I think that makes her all the more adorable.
* * *
I managed to wedge between two linebacker sized men at the bar to put in our drink order. While I was waiting for the bartender to mix and pour, I felt a hand at the small of my back. I turned around to see Max standing there, looking so good. He has this very business and polished vibe about him that screams success. He’s also definitely hot, and he’s hard not to notice. He’s wearing a navy blue suit, and he’s unbuttoned the top two buttons on his white collared shirt underneath, revealing a peek of tan skin.
I grabbed his drink order and insisted that he go over to the group to say hello and I’d bring the drinks once they were ready. I noticed at least three different girls watch him walk by, and I give myself a mental hype up, reminding myself that I’ve got a hot, successful man that is interested in me and that I should appreciate that.
I don’t miss the way that I didn’t feel an ounce of jealousy from those girls taking a good look at Max. But just the thought of Dawsen being in here with Stephanie makes my skin burn.
22
Dawsen
I rolled in as the opening band was finishing up their set. I spotted Birdie and everyone else near the front of the crowd, but I decided to grab a drink and just watch from the back of the house for a bit.
Echo Hall is one of my favorite spots in Saddlebrooke. It was an old printing press and I love thinking about all the stories these walls have printed. I would love to own this place someday. The owner and I have became pretty good buddies ever since Southbound became their primary wine supplier. I keep telling him when he’s ready to sell, I call dibs. Ever since re-branding the winery and having so much success with the mercantile, I’m always looking for new opportunities. I love being part of revitalizing this town that I love so much.
