One More Time

nder that was supposed to work alongside me that night didn't show, so I was drenched in sweat by the time one in the morning rolled around. I tried to get my manager to call in Lindy so I could have some help, but part of me was glad he didn't. Being the only bartender meant I got one hundred percent of the tips.

And with being so close to having my own place to move into, I was going to need all the money I could get to furnish it.

“The two of you are much quieter than your brothers,” I said.

“Hard to get a word in edgewise with those three,” Tanner said.

“Well, would the two of you like another drink?” I asked.

“What do you recommend?” Tyler asked.

“I make a kick-ass LIT but, I’ll warn you, it’s fucking strong.”

I saw Tanner grin as he shot a glance over at his brother.

“Two LITs then,” Tyler said. “And do your worst.”

I concocted their third drink of the night and I made sure to make it strong. I handed them their small glasses, and they looked at me with this mischievous glimmer in their eyes. It was a very misleading drink, a Long Island Iced Tea. It came in a small glass and people didn’t think it to be a stiff drink.

Until they took their first sip and realized it was made solely of liquor. Five different kinds to be exact.

The way that I made it, there isn't even any soda to top it off.

“So?” I asked. “What do you think?”

“I think you should know that we’re a little jealous,” Tyler said.

“What? Can’t make a drink that good?” I asked with a wink.

“Come on Emma. You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Tanner said.

I was frozen as my eyes darted between the two brothers. Their gazes were hooked onto me, their eyes dancing around my face. I tried not to show my shock, but I knew I wasn't doing a good job of it.

At least the air had been cleared.

“Why are you jealous?” I asked.

“She’s asking us why we’re jealous,” Tyler said, grinning at his twin.

“Adam told me she was intelligent,” Tanner said.

“We don’t like it when women play dumb, beautiful,” Tyler said.

“I’m not playing dumb,” I said.

My eyes locked onto Tyler’s as he leaned forward onto the bar.

“They got to fuck you, and we haven’t been graced with that same opportunity,” Tyler said.

“Well,” I said, my mouth taking over before my brain could catch up. “I’m sure something can be arranged. You know, if your hearts are truly broken up over it.”

“And who do we have here?”

Of course, my mother, who had been gone for two days, would resurface at this very moment. Tyler and Tanner looked over at her as she approached the bar, their eyes looking her up and down before a small grimace crossed their faces. I tried to stifle a giggle as my mother leaned against the bar, her tits hanging out and her shorts riding too far up between her legs.

“Let me guess. Grove Brothers?” she asked.

But all Tyler and Tanner did was sit there and study her.