Rush sighed, "Probably not."
I nodded.
Two plates of cheesy fries slid in front of us and a frozen mug with ice water was set down in front of Rush. The food looked surprisingly good. I hadn't realized I was so hungry. I needed to keep up with how much I was spending. This was seven dollars. I wasn't going to spend more than twenty dollars tonight. That might mean I only got one drink but Rush said I needed to eat so I was going to eat.
I picked up a fry smothered in cheese and took a bite.
"That's better than peanut butter sandwiches, isn't it?" Rush asked with a teasing grin. I nodded and picked up another fry.
Bethy slid in on her side of the booth carrying two drinks in small little glasses. They were yellow. "I figured I should start you out easy. Tequila is a big girl drink. You're not ready for that yet. This is a lemon drop. It's sweet and yummy."
"Eat a few more fries first," Rush interrupted her.
I took another fry and quickly ate it followed by another. Then I reached for the lemon drop. "Okay, I'm ready," I told Bethy and she picked hers up and grinned. I watched as she put it to her lips and tilted her head back. Then I did the same.
It was really good. Only a small burn in my throat. I liked lemon. That was nice. I put the empty glass down and smiled over at Rush who was watching me.
"Eat," he replied.
I tried not to giggle at him but I couldn't help it. I laughed. He was being ridiculous.
I took another bite of my fries and Bethy reached over and got a few fries too.
"I met some guys at the bar. I pointed you out and they've been watching us since I sat down. You ready to make a new friend?"
Rush moved slightly closer to my side and the warmth from him and the warmth in my stomach made me want to stay right here by my... friend. Which was why I needed to get up. I nodded.
"Let her out, Rush. You can keep the booth warm for us in case we come back," Bethy said.
Rush didn't move right away and I started to think he was ignoring her or he was going to make me eat some more. He finally slid out and stood up.
I wanted to say something to him. Anything to make him smile and stop scowling but I didn't know what to say.
"Be careful. I'm here if you need me," he said in a low whisper as he stepped close to me. I just nodded. My chest tightened and I wanted to crawl back in that booth with him.
"Come on Blaire. Time to use you to get us free drinks and men. You are the hottest sidekick I've ever had. This should be fun. Just don't tell these guys you're nineteen. Tell everyone you're twenty-one."
"Okay."
Bethy pulled me over to two guys who were obviously checking us out. One was tall with long blond hair tucked behind his ears. He looked like he hadn't shaved in a few days and underneath his tight fitting flannel shirt his body seemed impressive. His eyes were on me, then on Bethy, and then back on me. He hadn't made up his mind yet.
The other guy had short dark brown hair that had some curl in it and a pair of really pretty blue eyes. The clear blue kind that makes you want to just sigh. His white tee-shirt didn't leave much to the imagination and his broad chest was nice to look at. He was as blue collar as they come. I'd know a pair of Wranglers anywhere and he wore them well. His eyes were on me. Not moving or shifting. A small smile was on his lips and I decided this wasn't going to be so bad after all.
"Boys, this is Blaire. I got her away from her brother and she now needs a drink."
The one with dark hair stood up and held out his hand, "Dalton. It's nice to meet you Blaire."
I slipped my hand in his and shook it. "It's nice to meet you too Dalton."
"What can I get you to drink?" he asked, a smile spreading across his face in an approving way.
"She wants a lemon drop. It's her thing," Bethy said beside me.
"Hey, Blaire, I'm Nash." The blond said, holding out his hand and I shook it. "Hello, Nash."
"Okay boys, let's not fight. There are two of us. Cool down, Nash. The innocence pouring off her has you in heat," Bethy said in an annoyed tone. "Come dance with me and I'll show you how naughty girls can satisfy that itch."
Bethy had Nash's complete attention now. I covered my mouth to keep from laughing. She was good. Bethy winked at me and led Nash out onto the dance floor.