Shaken Not Stirred (Mixology #1)(27)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“No meth or older men.”

“How about younger men? You’re kind of young to be a cougar, but maybe you’re dating a college freshman or something.”

“No younger boys either.” I walked out from behind the bar. “But for the record, you couldn’t pay me enough money to date a guy that young.”

“We’ll see if you’re singing that tune when you’re forty and bored out of your mind.”

“Nope. Not going to happen. And if someone needs a drink, get me.”

“Why? I can serve them.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Fine. Ruin my fun.” He fake pouted.

“I wouldn’t worry. No one’s going to order anything.” I headed outside to the empty patio.

I played with my broken pink phone case before finally hitting the button for home.

“Maddy? Hi!” Mom answered with way too much relief and enthusiasm in her voice. Her greeting meant she thought I was calling to tell her I was coming home.

“Hi, Mom.”

“How are you doing? We’ve been worried about you.”

“I’m doing fine.”

“Oh? Have you started packing? Dad’s got a few research opportunities lined up for you. I know you’re interested in medicine, but Dr. Anderson’s neurology lab could use someone.”

“I’m not coming home.” The words flew out of my mouth far faster than I imagined they would.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not coming home. I like it here. I’m staying.”

“You’re going to continue bartending at a dive bar rather than taking a job with Dr. Anderson?”

“Yes.” I didn’t bother to correct her on the whole dive bar thing. It sounded even more badass that way.

She sighed loudly. “You should talk to your father.”

“Why? Is he going to say anything different than you?”

“No. You know we’re always on the same side.” She’d been saying the same thing since I was a kid. To their credit, my parents had one of those equal relationships.

“I’m staying here.”

“Is it that man?”

“Macon was joking, Mom.”

“Oh, thank God. I refused to believe my beautiful daughter would bother with someone like that.”

“Of course not. I’d pick a sugar daddy who didn’t mix drugs in his basement.”

“Maddison!”

“Sorry.” I chuckled. “Couldn’t resist.”

“I think you’re spending too much time with Macon. But his zany behavior aside, he’s a nice boy, and I still think the two of you would make a good couple.”

“Not a chance, Mom. And if you thought that, why are you letting me live with him? What happened to ‘no living with a man before marriage?’” I rested my elbows on the railing and watched the sound. I couldn’t resist baiting her.

“Because I know you two aren’t sleeping together. Moving on from Macon, is there someone else? Someone keeping you there?”

“No.” I briefly thought of Colin, but he had nothing to do with me staying—or at least I wasn’t going to admit to it yet.

“That was too fast of an answer. You’re hiding something.”

“Hey, Maddy, Cinnamon Boy is here.”

I held my phone against my chest as I glared at Macon. “I said no boy excuses.”

“This isn’t an excuse. Colin’s here.”

“What? He’s an hour early.”

Colin walked out onto the patio still dressed for work in his shirt and tie. “Sorry. I got out of work early and thought I’d come by and give you a ride home. I don’t mind waiting at your place if you need a few minutes to finish packing.”

I put the phone back to my ear. “I have to go. Tell Dad I said hi.”

“Packing? Where are you going? And with whom?” Whom? Only Mom used proper grammar when she talked.

“Just to a wedding, and it’s with a friend. I have to go, Mom.”

“I love you, Maddy. We miss you.” I could hear the strain in her voice, she was hurting.

“Love you too.” I quickly hung up before I could let guilt get me to make a promise about coming home I couldn’t keep.

“Friend? I’m a friend?” Colin frowned. It didn’t look good on him.

“My parents already think I’m staying here for a guy. There is no reason to fuel that fire.”

“Why would it be bad if they thought so? You’re twenty-two. They can’t mind that you date.”

Macon laughed. “They may think she’s dating a middle-aged guy.”

Colin spun on him. “And why would they think that?”

“I had to mess with them.” Macon smirked. “I take it you don’t need me to give you a ride, Maddy?”

“Nope. See you at home.”

He walked inside casting a single glance back at me.

Colin leaned against the railing next to me. “Nice friends you have.”

“That’s just Macon.”

“Did you set them straight? I’d prefer your parents didn’t think I was some creeper taking advantage of their daughter.”

“Why would they think it was you?” I realized how bad my words sounded as soon as they left my mouth. “I mean, they wouldn’t just assume that.”

“I get that you aren’t ready to tell your parents we’re dating. It’s new.” His expression didn’t quite match his words, but I appreciated his attempt to make me feel better.

I pretended to believe him. “Okay, good.” We walked inside so I could grab my stuff and clock out. I stopped by Max’s office to say goodbye before we left.

Max looked up from his cluttered desk. “I’m glad you’re giving it another shot. He seems like a nice boy.”

“I think so too, but I’m taking it slow. Hopefully it will be a good weekend.”

“If nothing else the weather is supposed to be nice.”

“You checked the Raleigh weather?” I rested a hand on the door frame.

He shrugged. “I’m a big fan of The Weather Channel.”

I laughed. “By the way, thanks again. I know this was supposed to be seasonal employment.”

“Of course. You’re a hard worker.”

I smiled before meeting up with Colin at his car.

“What kind of attire do I need for the wedding? Is a sundress enough, or is it more formal?”