Bad Seed

“I do.”

“What’s it called?”

“Second Wind Construction,” he said.

“Anyone need another beer? I need another beer,” Hollis said.

“I could use one,” Grant said.

“Me, too,” Jane said.

I threw back my third drink and handed the glass to Hollis. He eyed me carefully before shrugging his shoulders, then he disappeared into the growing crowd. I could feel the warmth of the alcohol flooding my veins, and suddenly I was painfully aware of the way Grant was looking at me.

I avoided his gaze, but I also felt something creeping closer to me underneath the table.

“Okay, now that he’s gone. Why are you really here?” Jane asked.

“He told you. My business is—”

“I might look dumb, but I’m not,” Jane said.

“Jane, calm down,” I said.

“I want to know why Grant’s popped back up on the radar. Why can’t I know that?”

“Because you always think there’s a story when there’s not. It’s the journalist in you.”

“So you’re a writer?” Grant asked.

“Yep. Work for the town newspaper. Full time.”

“Impressive. Do you do P.R. work?”

“I can,” she said.

“I’m looking for a P.R. representative for my company. Wanna send me your resume?” Grant asked.

“Wanna tell me why you’re really in town?” Jane asked.

“I needed to get away for a little bit, and I decided to check in on some people. That so hard to believe?” Grant asked.

I watched Jane squint her eyes as Hollis came back to the table.

“Three beers and another appletini for the recently-single lady.”

“Thanks, I think,” I said.

“I’ll take it for now,” Jane said.

“What? The beer?” Hollis asked.

“No. Yo

u,” she said with a grin.

“Can you two not do that in front of me?” I asked.

“Can we do it behind you?” Jane asked.