the vacated table.
“Yup. In fact, I’m headed out. Bring me the tab, and I’ll settle up with you.”
She shook her head with a smile. “A woman inside paid your tab, so you’re good to go.”
Benjamin arched an eyebrow. “Is that so? I should thank her. Which table?”
“Right by the front door. Dark hair. Sitting with a couple of other women.”
“The red couch?”
“Yeah. That’s where she is.”
“Thanks.” He polished off his beer and set the mug on the table. “Both tables are available.”
She smiled at him and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Thanks. I get off in an hour if you want to hang around….”
“Oh, honey. That sure is tempting, but I’ve already got plans.”
“Maybe another time.”
“Sure.” He pulled a fifty-dollar bill from his wallet and handed it to her. “Thanks, again.”
“Thank you.” She tucked the money into her pocket and began clearing the clutter on the tables.
Benjamin headed inside to thank the mystery woman for picking up the tab. This wasn’t the first time this had happened, so he had his, “Thank you for your kindness,” speech cued up and ready to spill before he headed to his truck and called Holly.
Inside, the bar was crowded and noisy. The locals had apparently decided to start the long Memorial Day weekend on Thursday evening.
As he wound around people heading his way toward the entrance, his gaze searched for the red sofa and three women. As he neared, a smile twisted at the corners of his lips.
“Hello, ladies,” he said. “Another bridesmaid outing?”
Holly grinned up at him. “Hey, sailor. New in town?”
Benjamin laughed and scooted next to Holly on the sofa.
“Hi, Benjamin,” Diana said.
“Hey, cutie,” said Bethany. “This is all my doing. Since I moved here, I’ve heard about McP’s, but I’d never been. So, ta-da! We’re here.”
“Where’s Katie?”
“She and Hillary are at a friend’s house for dinner, and her girlfriend’s parents are dropping the girls at the movies,” Holly explained. “Diana and I thought we’d have dinner before we have to pick them up.”
“And I invited myself along and picked the place,” Bethany added.
“How did you know I was here?” he asked.
“Saw your truck in the parking lot,” Holly said. “Walked past the patio and saw you and heard your team.”
“You should have come met them.”
She shrugged. “I didn’t want to intrude.”
He put his arm around his shoulders and squeezed. “You are never an intrusion.”
“Aww,” Bethany said. “That’s sweet.”
Holly leaned into his side. “Sorry you picked my brother, Beth?”
Bethany laughed. “Naw. I’ll keep him.”
“Have you ladies had dinner?” Benjamin asked. “It’s my treat.”
“Actually,” Diana said as she scooted her chair away from the table. “We were just leaving, right, Bethany?”
“Huh?” Bethany said. When Diana jerked her arm, Bethany’s eyes popped open wide and she jumped up. “Er, yes. Leaving. We were.”
Confusion flashed on Holly’s face. “I—”
“You stay,” Diana said, tucking her purse under her arm. “I’ll pick up the girls. Visit with Benjamin.”
“Thanks. I owe you,” Holly said with a smile.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll collect,” Diana said.
As soon as the two women left, Benjamin shifted on the seat until he was angled toward Holly.
“Hey, you,” he said. “This is a nice surprise.”
“I got your text that you were back. Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome.”
She leaned up and kissed him. “Well, I appreciated it.”
“Mmm. You taste good.”
“Hey, C-Note.” A booming, and familiar voice, shouted over the din of the crowd.
Benjamin rested his forehead against hers and groaned.
“Hey, man,” Eric said as he stepped up to where Benjamin and Holly sat. “Been looking for you. Was going to introduce you to a new lady, but I see you did pretty good on your own.”
Benjamin looked at Holly. “Sorry. One of my idiot guys. I may kill him.”
Holly snickered.
He looked up at Eric. “Holly, this is Eric Anderson. Eric, this is Holly, my girlfriend.” He emphasized the last two words.
Eric blinked. “Wow, C-Note. I didn’t know you have a girlfriend.”
“Now, you do, so go away...now, if you don’t want my boot up your ass.”
“Yes, sir.” Eric grinned, saluted, and right before he turned, looked at Holly and said, “Now, we all know why he’s been in a better mood.” With that, he turned and was lost in the crowd within seconds.
“Better mood, huh?” she said.
“Hell, no. Don’t pay any attention to that kid.”
She snuggled tight. “Yes, sir, Master Chief, sir.”
He should have corrected her. He wasn’t a sir, but she looked so cute and flirty, he decided to laugh and let it slide. “Did you get any dinner? Are you hungry?”
She