Birthright

“Was he your ride?”

“No, thankfully. I took an Uber here. Lesson learned in the past.”

“I’ll have to make sure you get home safely, then.”

“No, that’s all right.” She glances up at me, and there is suspicion in her eyes. “I got myself here, and I can find my own way home.”

“I insist.”

“No.” She speaks firmly. “I can’t let you do that.”

“Since he’s been escorted out,” I say, “the club will get you a cab, no charge. Don’t worry about that. I just don’t want your whole night ruined. By the way, I’m Nate.” I hold out my hand, and she takes it briefly.

“Cherry,” she says, “and if you make any comments like the ones he made, I might have you escorted out, too.”

“Never,” I reply, glad I didn’t have a chance to say something asinine about her name. “So, will you please stay? At least for one more drink?”

She glances at her phone, seems to ponder my request for a moment, and then looks back at me. Her tongue darts out over her lips, and I feel my stomach tighten.

“All right. One drink.”

“Wonderful.” I smile at her, and she smiles back. It’s tentative, but I’ll take it. I turn to the bartender. “Hey, Jude!”

Immediately, the patrons sitting at the bar begin to sing.

“Hey Jude, don’t make it bad…”

Jude places his hand over his heart and belts out a few lines himself as he walks over to me with a big grin on his face.

“That has to drive you crazy,” Cherry says, snickering.

“You get used to it,” Jude replies with a shrug. “Occupational hazard and all. What can I get ya, boss?”

“Bourbon,” I reply, “and whatever the lady wants.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Cherry says.

“I do. I need to make up for the asshole you came in here with.”

“It’s not necessary,” she says. “Besides, I’m beginning to get used to assholes.”

“I hope I don’t fall into that category.”

“Not yet.” She eyes me, but her mouth is turned up as she presses her lips together.

Oh, so it’s going to be banter, is it?

My dick twitches.

“I’ll have to be on my best behavior,” I say with a polite nod.

“You’ve got tonight won,” Cherry says, “but the bar was set rather low.”

I have to stop myself from saying, “I think it’s rising.” It would be crass and over the top, but I can’t help thinking it.

“I guess internet dating isn’t going well for you,” I say instead.

“It is not.” Cherry holds her hands up in front of her as if surrendering.