Page 71 of Undone

We cross the lot, pushing through the door into the dim space, a loud eighties guitar riff assaulting my ears. The floor’s sticky as we make our way to the bar, shoving through the crowd. I keep a tight hold on Juliet’s hand, nerves firing through me, my chest tight.

I don’t love crowds, especially in a strange place. Juliet squeezes my hand, and I run my thumb over hers, trying to relax a little.

It’ll be fine. Just focus on Juliet, not everyone else.

Finally, we make it to the bar, a blue neon glow reflecting off the shiny metal surface. One barstool’s available, and I pull it out, offering it to Juliet. She takes a seat, leans against the bar, and considers her options. A busty redhead spots us, heading over to take our order.

“What’ll it be?”

“I’ll have tequila on the rocks,” Juliet says.

“And you?” The waitress tips her head at me.

“I’ll take a draft beer. Whatever seasonal beer you have on tap.”

“Coming right up.” She sidles away, in no kind of rush.

“Busy place.” Juliet glances around at the packed space. The television screens flash behind the bar, the light reflecting in the golden flecks of Juliet’s eyes. “You okay?”

She rests her hand on my arm, and I relax a little.

“Yeah. I’m good.” Her fingers feather over my skin, and my lower body tightens. I’d much rather be in bed with Juliet right now, instead of standing around with a bunch of strangers. But the sooner we track Lacey down, the sooner we can get out of here.

“Here y’all go.” The redhead returns, drinks in hand. She slides Juliet’s drink across the bar, then hands me a frosty mug topped with foamy beer. “Y’all starting a tab?”

“Might as well.” I plunk my credit card down on the bar, and she picks it up, slides it into her apron pocket.

“I’ll check on you in a bit. You here for karaoke?”

Juliet shakes her head vehemently.

“No. No way.”

“Aww, come on.” I squeeze her knee. “You have a great voice.”

“I don’t.”

“She does,” I assure the bartender.

“Don’t worry, competition’s not all that stiff here.”

A siren pierces the air, and the ground shakes, the bar rumbling, beer bottles and wineglasses rattling against the metal surface.

“What the—” I wrap my arm around Juliet’s shoulders, vaguely worried about an earthquake.

The bartender doesn’t even flinch, swiping up stray droplets with a dishrag.

“That’s the fire department next door. Y’all must not be from here. Happens all the time.”

No one around us seems particularly bothered, carrying on about their business, chatting and drinking.

“Oh, right. The fire alarm. And no, we’re just passing through.” Juliet takes a sip of her drink, her cheeks flushing pink from the alcohol.

“There are pool tables in the back. Darts too.” The bartender tips her head to the right, and I notice another room full of people.

“Nice. Wanna play pool?” Juliet’s eyes slide to mine, and I nod.

“Sure.”