Page 14 of Rooster

“I got the burger and a beer, but the waitress is slow-moving. I’m not sure if she’ll ever make it back.”

The words had barely left her mouth when Flynn, the bar’s owner, came over to our table with a concerned expression. “I’m sorry to keep you ladies waiting, but our lead waitress called in sick today, and we’re doing our best to get caught up.”

“It’s fine. We don’t mind waiting.”

Flynn was young and handsome with an adorable smile. Keeley and Ryan had mentioned many times that they’d found him attractive, but sadly, he was taken—very taken. Lauren, his fiancé, was a regular at the shop and was a real beauty, so Keeley kept her flirting to a minimum as she smiled and replied, “But it would be great if we could get our drinks.”

“Absolutely. I’ll get right on it.”

Before he darted off, I asked, “Do you mind adding a soda to that order? I was running a little late myself tonight.”

“Sure thing!”

He gave a quick nod, then rushed over to the bar and got busy making our drinks. Ryan let out a little sigh as she grumbled, “Why do all the good ones have to be taken?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I think there’s still some good ones out there.”

“Well, if you find one, feel free to send him my way.”

“I wouldn’t hold your breath.” Ryan leaned over to Keeley as she teased, “I have a feeling she’s already found one andis keeping him all to herself.”

“What in the world makes you say that?”

“I saw that spark in your eye when you talked about that guy who stopped tonight.” Her already raised brow inched even higher. “Something tells me you like this guy.”

I could feel my cheeks warm as they flushed with embarrassment. “Maybe a little.”

“And you’re just now telling us?” Keeley fussed.

“Well, I really haven’t had a chance. Besides, there’s not much to tell.”

“Oh, don’t you go holding back on us now,” Ryan pushed. “Tell us all about him.”

“That’s just it.” I waited as Flynn placed our drinks on the table, and as soon as he was gone, I added, “I don’t know anything about him. Not really.”

I left out a few minor details as I told them about how we’d crossed paths at the movies and how I was instantly enamored but feared I’d never see him again. Both Ryan and Keeley seemed genuinely intrigued when I told them about him stopping to help me with the car. Keeley’s brows furrowed as she asked, “So, he just showed up out of nowhere?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“Hmmm.”

“What?” I pushed.

“Just seems a little odd that he,of all people, would show up out of the blue.”

“Wow.” Ryan rolled her eyes. “Bitter much?”

“It’s not like I don’t have my reasons to be.” Keeley gave Ryan a slight nudge. “And you should get it, too, especially after the way Tony’s been stringing you along.”

“About that...”

Ryan's eyes danced with excitement as she brought her left hand up to her cheek, revealing a stunning diamond engagement ring. Keeley’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she gasped, “Is that what I think it is?”

“Yep.” Ryan nodded with a smile. “He proposed last night!”

“Seriously?”

“I know. I was just as surprised as you are.” I could hear the excitement in her voice as she explained, “He had a feeling I was expecting it, so he held off until he knew I’d never expect it.”

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