Shaken Not Stirred (Mixology #1)(39)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Had a great time. I didn’t want to wake you up.

There was only one logical explanation for the twenty dollars—it had to be cab fare, but there was no way I was going to let him get away with it.

I pulled my phone out and texted him. Twenty dollars? Do you really think that covers what we did last night?

I left the money on the counter and walked outside. He hadn’t left a key, so I figured he just wanted me to close the door behind me. I wondered what his company would think if they knew he was doing that.

I knew the walk home would be long, but it sounded much more appealing than taking a cab. The weather was still warm in late September, but the early hour made it a pleasant walk. I was twenty minutes in when my phone rang.

“Why hello.”

“It’s cab money, Maddy. Please tell me you’re joking and didn’t actually think it was something else.” The panic in his voice was comical.

“Considering I didn’t get any compensation for the weekend, I figured you knew I wasn’t a prostitute.”

“Maddy!”

“What? You’re the one who left me a note with money thanking me for a great night.”

“I didn’t thank you. I just noted how good a time I had.”

“Very big difference.”

He sighed. “Next time please keep your jokes to my voicemail.”

“Why?” I suddenly felt some panic of my own. “Did someone else read it?”

“Yeah, someone I work with.”

“Lovely.”

“Lovely isn’t exactly the word I used. I had to explain that my girlfriend has an interesting sense of humor.”

“Girlfriend, is it?”

“Yes. Do you have a problem with me using that term?”

“Not exactly, but we never discussed it.”

“Discussed it? What is this, eighth grade? Listen, I have to go. I’ll stop by to visit you at work tonight.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you another night.”

“I thought you’re working every night this week to make up for taking the weekend off?”

“I am.”

“So your plan was to wait a week to see me again? I’ll be lucky if I make it through today.” His voice softened. “I miss you already.”

I felt the same way, but it seemed way too sappy to admit it. “All right, I guess I’ll see you later then.”

A car sped by with the windows down. An unidentifiable pop song blared from the windows.

“Wait. Where are you?” he asked suspiciously.

“I’m about halfway home.”

“Halfway home. You’re walking? Didn’t this whole conversation start out because I left you cab money? I didn’t want you walking home, Maddy.”

“I don’t mind the walk. Use the twenty for something more useful.”

“Yeah, something really useful—I’ll use it to over-tip that bartender I’m sleeping with.”

“See now you’re back to the insinuation we started with. You can’t use ‘tipping’ and ‘sleeping with’ in the same sentence.”

“Will you text me when you get home?”

“Very funny. It’s broad daylight.”

“On a busy road. Please just text me. I feel bad enough about not driving you home myself.”

“I guess this means you won’t be inviting me to stay over on weekdays again.”

“Oh, I will be. I’ll just have to come up with a better solution.”

“Don’t you need to get back to work?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Have a great day, Maddy.”

“You too.”

I slipped my phone back in my bag. I was walking up the outdoor stairs when I realized I’d left my suitcase at Colin’s place. I texted him as soon as I pushed open the door. I’m alive. Please bring my suitcase by tonight if you can. XOXO Maddy.

He didn’t write back at first, so I made myself a cup of green tea and poured myself a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Macon had picked it up as a joke—and it sounded perfect.

I was washing off my dish when Colin texted back. Glad you’re alive. There’s no reason to bring over your suitcase. You can bring it when I drop you off tomorrow morning. ?

Did you just wink at me?

Yes.

Go back to work.

You are much bossier by text.

Maybe if you actually do work now, I’ll see you later.

I’ll find a way to see you anyway, but you’re right.

I laughed. Colin passed the first test of dating me. He had a sense of humor.

***

“Do you want to go diving tomorrow?” Macon surprised me by coming by work on a Monday night. The only guaranteed visit was on Thursdays, but he never came so early in the week.

“Sure. I don’t have anything else going on.”

“Will you be home at seven thirty, or…”

“Yes. I’ll be home.” I was glad I’d worn my glasses home from Colin’s. Thanks to extra contacts, I didn’t need my stuff back right away.

“Cool. Not that I care where you sleep, but I haven’t seen you in days.”

“Is that why you’re here? Checking on me?”

Macon smiled. “Just saying hello to my long lost friend.”

“It was only a weekend.”

“A weekend and a Sunday night. Traditionally, a weekend away involves getting home at some point on Sunday.”

“Were you worried about me?” I cut up some limes, getting ready to hand off a large order of Coronas to a new waitress.

“Not worried, just surprised. You still haven’t filled me in. All I know is you got his kid sister wasted.”

“Her name’s Carly, and she was one of the highlights of the weekend.”

“I’m guessing the other highlight has something to do with you not coming home last night?”

I turned, feeling awkward discussing my sex life with Macon. For all the joking we did about it, it felt strange to talk about me getting some. “Yes. That’s the other highlight.”

“How was it? Obviously it wasn’t awful if you spent an extra night.”

“Why do you care?” I handed over the Coronas and reluctantly turned back to Macon.

“I don’t really.”

“Okay, good. So how did the date with Mary go?”

“It didn’t.”

“Oh. Why?”

“She said her sitter called in sick, but I think she was making up an excuse.”

“Really? Why?”