On the Rocks (Mixology #2)(5)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Carly laughed dryly. “They are nothing compared to Colin’s work issues.”

“He’s been better about that though.” I had to give the guy some credit. He understood having Maddy was worth changing his ways. She deserved to be treated like the queen she was, not a side item. Don’t get me wrong, my feelings for Maddy were completely platonic, but she was my best friend for a reason. An awesome girl deserves a guy who realizes just how great she is.

“So I’ve heard.” Carly took another long sip of her drink. The motion brought my attention to her pink glossy lips.

I decided to go out on a limb despite the fact that it would probably annoy Maddy. “Hey, why don’t I give you my number in case you want to give Maddy and Colin some space sometime?” The line hadn’t sounded quite that lame when I first thought of it.

“Space?” She eyed me skeptically.

“Yeah. We can hang out or something.”

“Oh. Sure.” She smiled. “Colin would love to get me out of his hair for a night. Just let me know when and where.”

“Can I get your number? That might make it easier.” I pulled out my phone.

“Sure.” She read it off to me, and I dialed her.

“Thanks.” She typed something on her phone. I hoped she was adding me as a contact. I knew things wouldn’t go anywhere with Carly, especially since Maddy would probably get annoyed if they did, but it couldn’t hurt to spend some time hanging out with a pretty girl. Especially one who wasn’t a tourist.

“What are you thanking him for?” Maddy finally returned. The off season was definitely over. The crowds were back.

“For giving me his phone number.” Carly gave Maddy this wide eyed look I couldn’t read. I’m sure it was some sort of girl code.

I understood the look Maddy gave me loud and clear. It was tread carefully. “Oh did he?”

I pushed my empty glass toward Maddy. “On that note, I’m out of here.” I touched Carly’s shoulder gently. “Great seeing you again. Have a nice night.” I winked at Maddy and left before she could respond.

I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but I had a good feeling about it. It was time for a change.

Chapter Three

Carly

“Now that Macon’s gone you can tell me what’s really going on with you.” I’d found Maddy holding onto to the sink in the bathroom like it was a life line. I was pretty sure she’d just been sick. I’d held my tongue until Macon had disappeared from view.

She didn’t reply at first. I set aside my drink. I wasn’t having another because I had to drive home.

Maddy understood without me telling her. She was like that, always anticipating someone’s needs. “Want a soda or something?”

“How about a water?”

“I think I can manage that.” She filled a glass from a bottle of water and set it down in front of me.

“Don’t think that getting me water gets you out of talking to me.”

“No, but they do.” She nodded toward a group of women heading over to the bar. They looked to be in their thirties. It was probably a girls-weekend group.

“Fine, but you’re telling me eventually.” I didn’t know Maddy that well, but I knew her well enough to care. I also had a feeling whatever was up involved my brother. Considering he was the only member of the family I was on speaking terms with, I needed to do what I could to help.

“What can I get you?” Maddy snapped back into bartender mode, and I watched. Maybe she’d be able to get me a job at the Grille too. If I was really going to be staying around I’d need one. She hadn’t said anything about me hanging out with Macon yet. I hoped that meant she didn’t care. I wasn’t dumb enough to let something actually happen between us, he had player written all over him, but hanging out could be fun. It had been awhile since I’d been out with a guy, and I’d never been out with one as gorgeous as Macon. Those blue eyes of his were hypnotizing.

“Hey, beautiful night isn’t it?”

I turned to see a guy that looked to be in his late twenties sitting next to me. “Yeah. It’s pretty.”

“It’s the kind of night where you just want to go for a walk and get lost on the beach.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” I swirled around the straw in my water.

He leaned in toward me. “So what do you say? Want to join me?”

Seriously? Like I was just going to walk off with a perfect stranger? “I’m going to pass, but thanks.” I turned away and caught Maddy’s eye.

By the time I turned back the stool was empty.

Maddy laughed. “Colin can stop worrying about you. You can handle men.”

“So can you.” I tugged down on my dress a little. I wasn’t in the mood to attract any more attention. “I lost count of how many guys hit on you tonight.”

She laughed. “What can I say? It’s an art and part of the job.”

“I need to learn from you. You have so much confidence. It’s crazy.”

“Only behind the bar. It’s like I can handle anything back here.”

“Do you think I could learn?”

“To bartend?” She wiped down the counter. “Yeah, of course.”

“Maybe I’ll take some lessons from you sometime.”

“Sure, anytime.” She turned away as another crowd walked up to bar. I definitely now understood how she could make so much in tips. The patio was packed.

I felt someone tug on my ponytail and knew exactly who it was. “Finally done with work?”

Colin took a seat in the stool vacated by creepy beach walk guy. “Yeah, I figured I’d check and see how you girls were doing.”

“Maddy’s pretty busy.” I looked over to where she was balancing some glasses.

He watched her, his eyes following her every move. “She seems to like busy.”

“Not like anyone else I know.”

He laughed. “We do have a lot in common.”

“She’s kind of perfect for you.”

“I’m glad you think so.” He smiled as Maddy waved. She was busy serving customers, but no one could have missed the expression of excitement that crossed her face when she saw him.

“Is there a particular reason why?”

“I’ll show you when I get the chance.”

“Are you trying to be mysterious?”

“Maybe.” He grinned before turning his eyes right back to Maddy.