Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

“Music.”

“Are you a vinyl lover?” I ask.

He nods. “There’s something extra about analog recordings.”

“They have their own personality,” I agree.

“More life,” he whispers. His lips curve upward. “You get it.”

“I have an extensive collection.”

“So you’ve been to Shake it Records?” he asks, mentioning the two-story record store on the Northside with a fairly impressive selection.

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nbsp; “Yeah, I love that place. It’s an easy way to spend a couple of hours.”

The bodies shift, and we find ourselves in front of the bartender.

“Can I help whoever’s next?” the brunette bartender with flowing locks asks.

“Ladies first,” Drew says.

I flash him a smile. “Can I get a Kentucky Bourbon Ale, a cola, and a Stella Artois?”

“Coming right up.” She pours the drinks quickly from the taps. “That’ll be twelve dollars.”

I place a twenty down. “Keep the change.”

“Thank you,” she replies with a smile.

I hesitate, glancing at Drew.

“Is that your table over there?” He nods toward where Petunia and Olive are eyeing us with interest.

“It is.”

“How about I find you after I drop my drinks off?” he asks.

I pause. Ideally, a bar isn’t the best place to meet someone, but my gut tells me I’d regret not getting to know him better. “I’d like that.”

“See you soon, beauty.” He winks as I balance the three drinks and make my way from the bar.

“Girl, what was that?” Petunia asks.

“That was Drew. We met waiting for drinks, and … um, I think he’s going to come and visit.”

“Oh, he has manners then. I like him already,” Olive says.

Biting my lip to keep from smiling, I shrug. “He seems like a nice guy.”

Ten minutes later, Drew appears at our table.

“Good evening, ladies. My new friend, Willow, said it’d be okay if I stopped by for a visit.”

Petunia and Olive glance at one another and smile.

“Please, join us.” Petunia gestures toward the empty seat beside me.