Page 11 of Bastard Bartender

“Sure. But I get to pick the place. Valducci’s. Have you heard of it?” I ask, remembering the recommendation Nic from the bar gave just before I left.

“No, but I can look it up. It’s good?”

“A friend suggested it. I’ll see you there at eight?” I suggest.

“It’s a date.”

We hang up, and I stare at my phone for a while, wondering if this is a good idea. I only spoke to the guy for a few minutes at the bar. He seemed nice enough. Maybe we’ll have great conversation. I am intrigued by construction and will enjoy learning more. Plus, he was cute. Not as cute as a certain Hispanic bartender, but few men are.

Damn, Nicolás.

He was a fine-looking man. It’s a good thing his letter isn’t on my list because he has trouble written all over him. Those green eyes against that sinfully tan skin are a recipe for breaking hearts. He’s so suave; I bet he melts panties off of every woman who walks into that place. Still, he steered me in the right direction with finding my man for the night, so I owe him that. If I ever see him again.

“You busy?”

A knock at the door breaks me from my inner thoughts and has me looking up. Tom, my co-worker, is at the door with folders in his hand. He’s been my partner on every project since I started here. With my eye for detail and his ability to put out the small fires that arise, we’ve put on some great shows at the stadium. Needless to say, we make an excellent team.

“I have the contracts for the holiday event if you have time.”

“Yeah, now’s good.” I motion for him to come in.

Instead of taking a seat in front of my desk, he sits directly on it and tilts his body toward me.

“This is perfect actually. I was about to overthink something and could use the distraction.”

“Oh yeah?” His light brow furrows. “Anything I can help with?”

I flip open the manila folder and stare at the contents inside as I respond, “Nothing important. I have a date tonight. A guy I met at that bar you told me about. Very cool place, by the way. I went with Marie.”

“And you met someone,” he says with interest as he adjusts the cuffs of his button-down. His fingers pinch the button a little too hard.

The action catches my line of sight, and I look up to see he’s staring at me, waiting for a retort.

“Yes. I met a guy named Paul, and we’re going out tonight.”

“Good for you.” Tom nods with a grimace.

If I knew him better, I’d think he was actually saying he wasn’t happy for me, but I could be reading way too much into this.

He notices I’m staring at him, which causes him to tap on the open folder and ask, “So, what do you think of the documents?”

I look down and continue reading. “You’re on fire, my man! I’m incredibly lucky to have you on my side. I’d hate to have you as one of those colleagues who competes for attention.”

“Never. We just keep doing what we’re doing, and the doors of possibility will open. Rumor has it, the Garden is looking for a new team.”

I drop the folder in shock. “Madison Square Garden has an opening?” I can’t even hide my enthused interest. Doing this job at the world’s most famous arena would be the ultimate opportunity.

He laughs, and it booms throughout the room. “You have zero chill, Evette. But, yes, I heard their director of operations retired, and they’re looking for someone new, which always means they’re bringing in fresh talent.”

I grin as I shake my head, picking the folder and its contents up off the floor. “New York City would be amazing. The winters would be harsh, but I do look super cute in a down jacket and pom-pom beanie hat.”

“I have no doubt you do.”

“Too bad I’m a newbie to the industry. I suppose it’s for the best. I really like it here.”

He takes a gumdrop candy from the dish on my desk and pops it in his mouth. “Vegas likes having you here too. You know, if you ever want someone to go out with, I’m happy to go to the bars with you. It could be a good thing, having a man around. I can play the jealous boyfriend really well.” He looks in the dish and twists his mouth. “Why are there only green gumdrops in here?”

I move the dish toward me and move the candies around to find a red one buried beneath. “Because I know they’re your favorite, so I try to eat all the other colors.”

He places a hand on his chest and puffs it out. “I knew you loved me.”

“You’re my work husband. It’s only fair I treat you right.”

“That settles it. We should just quit the dating scene and marry one another. The Little White Chapel has a drive-through. We could be husband and wife by dinnertime.” He waggles his brows, and I hit him with the folder. He pretends it hurts as he rolls off the desk and takes a standing position.

“Enough of you. Out of my office while I finish up. I have a date I have to get ready for, and I’d like to sneak out early.”

Tom walks to the door, grinning with those gentle eyes. “Take a look at the contract and let me know if anything is off. Maybe you and I can grab some lunch tomorrow?”

“That sounds great. And I’ll let you know what I think of this.” I hold up the folder he brought in and lift a yellow highlighter in the other. He knows I adore a good highlighted document.

“Have fun tonight.” There’s a kindness to his smile while his eyes seem more serious. “But not too much fun.”

I give him the finger and laugh as he sees himself out.

Tonight, I have a hot date in Sin City. Hopefully, it all goes well.