MANifesting

I had an office in the back, but I liked to be around to say hello to people and keep an eye on things. It was always a laid back vibe, but staying observant was the only way to keep on top of what people were genuinely looking for in a lounge.

After catching up on the week’s supply orders, and scheduling shifts for the next week, I sent a few texts to keep my staff updated.

Every single time my phone made a noise, my heart lurched, hoping it was Allie. I was dying to see her pretty little doll face again.

There was something about her that was just so precious. Delicate. An indescribable part of me wanted to rush in and make everything better for her. Even though I’d sworn off women for a while, she was unlike any woman I’d ever been attracted to.

She was clearly a bit timid. Not the sort of woman who would try to push me around or change me.

To be honest, I wondered if it was something about the men in my family. My mother had always steamrolled straight over any of my father’s decisions, leaving him obviously emasculated and irritated at all times.

Dale had dated a few nice girls in high school, but then as soon as he met Cheryl, his entire life changed and he no longer had a spine. It was disconcerting.

I didn’t think that would ever happen to me, but the last girl I dated a year ago started hinting that she wanted to get serious and wanted me to change certain things about my business.

I’d like to think I’m entirely open to suggestions, but this lounge was perfect for cocktails and snacks. Deborah had wanted to turn it into some kind of dance club. It seemed like she wanted to impress her friends by having some input. It didn’t make any sense. The second I saw she was becoming pushy, I had to end things.

I wasn’t going to have my business ruined by some casual girlfriend. And I was never going to have my life change direction on a dime for anyone.

Several years before Deborah, I dated Tara for only three months before she began talking about moving in together. Hell, no. I felt terrible for ending it, but I just couldn’t stand being bossed around by anyone.

Allie couldn’t be like that. I was sure of it. She radiated sweetness. Every time I closed my eyes, I could picture her…so soft and adorable. Instead of asking her to dinner and possibly freaking her out, I should have kept her with me to talk for a while longer.

Why didn’t I ask for her number?

If she was shy, there was no way she was going to call or text me first. I’d probably blown my one shot since I’d never seen her here before. I hadn’t thought to ask the name of the place where she worked, or anything that would give me a clue how to find her again.

Opening a web browser, I went through the bookmarked page with the information about last night’s singles event. The organizer’s email was right there. Would it be unforgivably creepy if I contacted them asking for Allie’s email?

Staring into space, I considered it, as my eyes tracked my bartender Jackie’s movements as she unloaded the dishwasher, quickly drying glasses and putting them away. Turning back to my laptop, I made a note to order a dozen more martini glasses with the clear and purple stems. Then my ears pricked up.

“Come on, Allie.”

A girl with straight dark hair was pulling someone in the door. “Look, it’s a woman behind the bar. He’s not even working tonight. So let’s get a drink.”

Allie came in behind her friend, looking around nervously. As soon as she saw Jackie behind the bar, her shoulders lowered, and her lips relaxed. “Just one drink,” she said softly.

Her friend led them to the table directly in front of mine. As Allie slipped off her coat, hanging it on the back of the chair, she turned toward me and actually gasped.

“Hi,” I smiled. “Nice to see you again.” Her friend’s head whipped around to stare at me.

Snapping my laptop shut, I stood up and came toward them. “Since Jackie is still setting up the bar, is there anything I could get you ladies?”

“Allie said that you make an incredible orange spice martini.”

I held out my hand. “Kellan. I’m the owner here.”

“Christine,” she grinned.

We both shot Allie a glance. She was biting her lip nervously, her fingers twitching on the table.

Christine looked up to catch my eye, then glanced to the ceiling in a half eye roll. I appreciated her dragging Allie back to see me, but hoped that it wasn’t making her too nervous.

Holding out my hand to Allie, I leaned in to speak softly. “I can’t stop thinking about you. If I make you two a couple of martinis, will you promise not to disappear on me again?”

She nodded as I gave her hand a little squeeze.

“I’ll be right back. Two martinis, my treat, coming right up. ”