The three men look good, and something flutters in my stomach at the sight of them. Jonathan must sense my eyes on him because he glances around, finds me, and gives me a big, warm grin before respectfully returning his attention to my neighbor.
Assuming Sheila knows who they are, I’m surprised she found them without an introduction, but they really do stand out in a crowd, especially when the overwhelming majority of people here are locals that Sheila already knows.
Just as I’m wondering if I should go down and make sure Sheila isn’t saying anything embarrassing or giving the men the third degree, Becca steps between Caz and me, putting her arm around my shoulder.
“Happy birthday to the best bartender in Four Points!”
“Thank you! How are you doing?” I ask, leaning into the side hug.
“I’m good. Thank goodness Lincoln and Lennox are out here helping Scott and me serve drinks. Your birthday’s brought in more customers than a dollar draft beer night.”
“Sorry about that. I’d have never expected such a turnout,” I say, taking another taste of my dirty screw.
“Don’t apologize!” Becca says with a big grin. “My tips are going to be great tonight.”
Becca signals for Barrett and gives him a drink order before turning back to me. “I don’t know if you’ve seen them yet, but those three hot guys are here again tonight. They’re turning into regulars.”
“I saw them,” I say, my eyes darting in their direction.
“Your ex is here, too,” Becca says, “but you probably knew that, didn’t you?”
I nod absently before taking another swallow of my drink. I really didn’t know if Jay would be here or not, but I can’t say I’m surprised.
24
If the invitation still stands
After Becca leaves, Caz excuses herself to go check in with Valerie and see if the servers need any help. I decide that since this is my party, I should probably circulate, so I pick up my drink and head into the crowd.
I start off in Sheila’s direction, but my progress is slow, as everyone I encounter offers birthday greetings and stops to talk for a while. There are people here who only come into Rusty’s about once a month, so I catch up with what’s been going on in their lives, answer their questions about mine, and talk about island news.
When I finally make it to the end of the bar, Sheila’s in conversation with the man sitting next to her, and the Hayes brothers are gone.
“I wondered where you were,” she says, when I say hello.
“I’ve just been enjoying my party,” I say.
“Looks like you’re ready for another drink.” Sheila waves at Tom, who comes over as soon as he finishes pouring a beer.
“Oh, hey, happy birthday, Christine,” he says. His face almost cracks a smile, which I know is Tom’s usual expression for displaying friendliness. “Need a refill?” he asks, nodding at my empty glass. “What was it?”
“A dirty screw,” I say.
“Yeah, Christine needs another dirty screw!” Sheila says, much too loudly.
“Oh my god, I’m really starting to regret ever creating that drink,” I mutter as I shoot her an angry look.
“Christine, I had a talk with those three men, and of course, it’s your body, your choice, but if you don’t spend another night with them, you need to re-examine your priorities in life!”
“My priorities in life? Tom, how many drinks has Sheila had?”
“Two,” he says, as Sheila says, “I’m not drunk, Christine. I just don’t want you to miss out on something and have regrets.”
“Okay, okay. I take it you liked them.”
“If they weren’t already involved with you, I’d have asked them if they were into older women,” she says. I’m not completely sure she’s joking.
Tom sets my drink on the counter, and I take a sip, my throat dry from non-stop talking since I arrived.