Page 6 of Player For Hire
Lonegan’s was a staple at this end of Kensington Boulevard. There were a few other smaller bars in the area, but we catered to the blue and white-collar types with a pub atmosphere bonus.
We served lunch food and pub specials and the occasional brunch, but the evenings were more about mingling and drinking with a few appetizers to prevent over-imbibing. Tonight’s menu was lighter fare, since it was all about the women.
Probably why the hard cider was doing so well.
The scent of fries wafted my way as one of our waitresses breezed by, picking up the tray of margaritas Callahan had been making. I leaned back. “Cordelia, those fries smell amazing.”
“Keep your paws off them. Though I’m sure you could probably charm one or two out of the table of women I’m delivering to.”
I grinned. “And which table would that be?”
“Keep it in your pants,” Callahan muttered. “At least until we get past eight, then you can go on your break.”
“You’re all heart.” I dug my phone out of my pocket. “Man, it’s seven already? One more hour of the half-priced drinks to go.”
“The Loneritas are definitely a hit,” Cordelia said. “I swear I’m going to taste like tequila and raspberries when I get home tonight.”
“Tommy won’t be mad at it,” I said and waggled my eyebrows at her. Tommy was Cordelia’s new man.
She pinked up. “We’ll see if he deserves a taste.”
I laughed and pulled down a glass. One of our regulars was coming up to the bar and I knew she’d want a Negroni. She was a stunner and a ballbuster, and one of my favorite people at The Heights. “Hey, Iona. Your usual?”
Iona climbed onto the bar stool and tugged her friend up beside her. “It’s crazy in here.”
“Not like you to come in late.”
“I know. I was too annoyed with the sorority girls in here earlier.”
“Ah, yeah. Twenty-first birthday.” They’d been very loud and shitty tippers, but overall, they’d been entertaining, even if they had caused a logjam at the bar. They’d pregamed on the half-priced drinks and moved on to the club down the street, thankfully.
Iona rolled her eyes. “We grabbed a bite and came back because we love you.”
“Aww. Well, you made it in time for at least one or two drinks before the full price menu starts up again.”
“You’re worth a full price, darlin’.” Iona gave me a wicked smile. “I hear you’ve already met my college bestie.” She had to raise her voice over the chatter around her.
I barely recognized her from the woman in the elevator. Her russet hair curled over her shoulder in heavy waves and her blue eyes were shimmery with something smoky and mysterious. Gone was the fresh-faced girl next door, and in her place, was a glammed-up version. She still had a bit of that sweetness under the finery though.
I wasn’t sure why I preferred the girl I’d met earlier. Not generally my speed.
I loved all women, but usually, I preferred the professional types who came into the bar. They knew the score and came in for some fun, not forever.
“Sure, nice to see you again, Naomi.” I grinned at her and pulled the fixings for Iona’s favorite drink. “What can I get you?”
“Oh, um. What’s the special tonight?”
“Lonagarita.” I grinned. “Pretty much a raspberry margarita with a bit of a twist. Or we have our spring hard cider. Or you can try one of my favorites.”
“What’s your favorite?” Her smile was still that same shy one from the elevator.
“Peachy Keen.”
“I like the sound of that.”
I turned for my favorite bourbon off the shelf. “We get the peach jam from Brothers Three. It’s sweet and smoky.” I set a heavy bottomed glass in front of Iona, then set a matching one in front of Naomi. Two very different drinks, but perfect for our smoke-colored tumblers. I finished off the Negroni with a fresh orange peel and pushed it toward Iona.
I pulled the jam out from the mini fridge in front of me and set it beside the second glass. “I think you’ll like it. It’s kinda like you tonight. Springtime fresh with those witchy eyes.”