Page 40 of Bastard Bartender

Or maybe it was just Nic.

I shake off the idea and go back to enjoying my date.

We finish our food, and since we’re having such a good time, we decide to head to a bar for a nightcap.

When he asks where we should go, I don’t know why, but I just blurt out, “Lounge 702 is a blast.”

“Well then, Lounge 702 it is. How about we leave our cars here and take a cab there?” He nods to the empty glasses sitting in front of both of us. “Probably better if neither one of us drives right now.”

I point at him. “You’re a smart man.”

We get up, and he places his hand on my lower back again as he guides me through the still-crowded restaurant.

Being in Vegas, he hails a cab in seconds, and we head to the north side of town and to my new favorite location.

As we enter, I look straight to the bar, seeing if Nic is working. We haven’t spoken since Saturday when we went on the car ride to the Grand Canyon, so I have no idea if he’s working tonight or not.

When I see another bartender standing there, a wave of disappointment races through me. My shoulders sag forward, and I purse my lips.

“What’s that look for?” Richard asks, and I instantly snap myself out of it, not realizing I was being so transparent.

“Oh, no, sorry. I normally sit at that stool by the service well, but it’s taken. I was just being silly. Come on. We can sit over at that side.”

I head toward a few open seats and slide my knees under the bar.

“Do they have signature drinks like we had at the restaurant, or are you just a—”

“Jack and Seven girl,” Nic says as he slides the drink in front of me.

I can’t hide the huge smile that covers my face at the sight of him. “Hey you. I didn’t think you were working tonight.”

He opens his arms wide to each side. “Here I am. Who’s this?” He points to Richard.

“Nic, I’d like for you to meet my date, Richard.”

“Ah, you meet an R guy!”

My eyes open wide, and if it weren’t so obvious, I would reach across the bar and hit him or at least tell him to shush, but unfortunately, I can’t do either.

“R guy?” Richard asks with a nervous laugh.

“Don’t listen to him. What do you want to drink?” I change the subject.

“I’ll just take a Heineken.”

My eyes meet with Nic’s, and I squint them at him, asking him in silent conversation to keep his mouth shut. Both about my dating experiment and Richard’s drink order. I know he has something to say about a Heineken drinker, but that’s not a thought to share right now.

He slides the bottle across to Richard. “Here you go, Dick.” He accentuates the name.

I purse my mouth, and he winks at me. Richard takes the drink, obviously used to the nickname and letting it roll off his back.

Nic moves on to the next customer and leaves Richard and me to ourselves to continue our date.

Our conversation picks up right where we left off. Before we know it, our drinks are empty, and I’m calling Nic over for refills.

“Another Heineken?” Nic points to the empty green bottle while trying to hide his laugh from me.

I close my eyes, not allowing Nic’s presence to affect me in any way.