The Real

I swore I heard a mottled scoff behind me. “I’m not sure about this place. I haven’t been here in years, it was the first bar I could think of in the neighborhood when you called me.” That was a lie, but I wasn’t about to take him anywhere near the bars Cameron and I frequented on Milwaukee.

“It’s fine. I used to live in this neighborhood years ago.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I had a place just down the street. Are you new to the area?”

“No, I’ve been here a since I graduated from Northwestern. I live just down the street in a three-flat right across from Wicker, the dog park side.”

“What a coincidence I was of the park as well.”

“Small world,” I said.

“Yes, it is,” he agreed.

“Are you going to ask her sign next?”

Neither Terry nor I had said it and in searching for the source, I looked behind me and saw a set of stairs. My phone buzzed on the table and I hit ignore before I spoke.

“Anyway, it’s great to finally meet you. I’ve been reading up, and I have to say I’m impressed with your bio.”

Terry grinned. “Thanks. I’m just going to admit now, I’m kind of nervous about this whole thing, I wanted you to know you’re my first. You’ll have to guide me through this.”

I sat up straight on my stool. “I’m an old pro at this point, I’ll take care of you. I promise.”

“Good to hear, I’ve been anxious to have a more in-depth conversation other than online and phone calls. Let me buy you a drink.” He motioned for the bartender and that was when I saw Cameron appear from a table just behind the small staircase.

“And old pro huh? Funny, I got a different impression.” A slight slur accompanied his words as he came into full view.

My chest screamed as I got a whiff of his cologne. He was dressed in his well-fitted suit and wool trench coat. My lips parted when he glanced my way, his eyes full of fire and accusation. I went pale as he slid out a free chair at our table and leaned in on it. Terry drew confused brows as I stood, momentarily speechless.

I

couldn’t take my eyes off Cameron who was slightly disheveled, his tie loose at his collar. His hair looked like he’d been running fingers through it and hadn’t shaved in days. A shadow coasted along his features as I sank back in my seat, my insides coming apart at his nearness.

Cameron went on, his gaze lingering on me before he addressed Terry. “I couldn’t help overhearing and I’m sorry for the interruption.” He spoke that time with a definite slur. “But I’m in need of an opinion.”

“Please don’t,” I said leaning in on a whisper. My whole body jerked when his green eyes flew to mine. “Hi.”

It took every bit of my willpower not to cry.

“Humor me, please,” he asked, his attention back on Terry. He was intimidating as he loomed over the table, his jaw ticking, his posture stone. “For the sake of argument, I would love to run a scenario by you and then I’ll let you continue your time with this stinging woman.”

“You mean stunning?” Terry said seeming to clue himself in on the situation by the amount of a tension in the air. Though I was mortified he seemed oddly amused as his eyes flicked between Cameron and me. “So, what do you say . . .?”

“Terry,” he offered.

“Terry, thank you Terry, nice to meet you,” he said as he nearly tripped over the leg of the chair making himself at home before extending his hand. Terry took it and they shook across the space.

“Cameron,” I said on a bark, “this isn’t an appropriate time.”

He ignored me completely. “Just hear me out,” he said to Terry.

“Let’s hear him out Abbie,” Terry said with a wink my way. I cringed. Cameron’s eyes flared, but he went on.

“Let’s say you met this stunning woman, and you agree to take things slow, but there are rules.”

“I’m following,” Terry said crossing his arms.