Page 31 of Slapshot
“Just describe it to me.”
“It’s cidery.”
I laugh.
“Just try it. We’ve swapped spit. I think you’re good to drink after me.”
The bartender chuckles from behind the bar and I glare at Lex and then take a small sip of his cider, mostly to shut him up. But the non-alcoholic option is good too.
“Is this locally made?” I ask the bartender.
“Yeah. Made here in Vermont.”
“Can I try a few more?” I ask. “Sample sizes.”
“Sure. I’ll grab a flight with our most popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders.”
“More research?” Lex asks.
“Yeah, and I just really want to try them.” I pull out my phone and set it on top of the bar. Then bring up their website.
Lex leans in to see it better. “What are we looking for exactly?”
“Well, they have a website, so that’s step one.”
“I like how they’ve got the menu right on the home page.”
“Yeah, that is smart,” I agree.
Lex pulls out his phone and we huddle together, bouncing between screens. He brings up their social media pages while I look through their online reviews and ratings, and search through their online presence, including the Burlington tourism page. A food and wine vlog that did a feature on a Riesling that’s only available here.
Lex’s food comes and he eats while I compile some rough notes on the back of a napkin.
“You could use the notes app in your phone,” he says around a bite of his burger.
“I think better with a pen and paper.”
I’m finishing up when a deep voice starts crooning into the bar area. I swivel in my chair to face the stage in the corner.
“Killer first date, Kaitlyn. How’d you know I like live music?” Lex turns with me, his glass resting on his thigh.
“This isn’t a date.”
“Feels like one though, right?”
I roll my eyes. I’m focusing all of my efforts on reminding myself this is anything but a date.
The guy singing has a great voice and we listen through his first song. He gets a loud round of applause. He grins a little shyly, tips his salt and pepper head, and goes into his next song. A slower one that sets a mood over the bar.
“Wanna dance?” Lex asks.
“No.” I turn back to face the bar. The bartender is nearby and judging by the smirk, I’m pretty sure he’s enjoying watching me squirm on this non-date that feels a hell of a lot like a date.
“Suit yourself.” Lex pushes out of his seat.
The spot next to me that he’s been occupying for the last hour goes cold and quiet.
“He isn’t?” I ask the bartender.
