Page 31 of Silver Fake

I chuckle, shaking my head and clinking my bottle gently against Wyatt's. "To finding a way," I repeat, a hint of sarcasm lacing my tone.

I take a long sip, allowing the cool liquid to calm the sudden fluttering in my chest. Setting the bottle down, I look Wyatt directly in the eyes and ask, "Do you really think Lisa has feelings for me?"

It's a genuine question.

I've always prided myself on being able to read people, to understand why they do what they do. But Lisa... she's a total mystery. Throughout the day, our playful banter felt like we were flirting, and at times I thought she might be into me too. But there was something holding her back, like an invisible barrier I couldn't quite put my finger on.

Wyatt laughs. "Why else would she agree to such a ridiculous plan? "

I shrug. "She's always been one to enjoy a challenge, and she probably thought helping her boss in a tricky situation was part of her job." I take another sip of my beer, trying to hide the uncertainty in my voice. "Or maybe she just wanted to have some fun at my expense." The thought is more bitter than the beer, but I force a smile, attempting to keep the mood light. "Who knows?"

Wyatt chuckles and takes another slow sip of his beer. He places the bottle down on the table and looks me squarely in the eyes.

"Look, in the end, only Lisa can answer that question for sure," he says. "But I've been your wingman since the ninth grade, and I know when a woman is interested in a man. And in my humble opinion, Lisa is interested in you." He slaps me on the shoulder. "So, take it easy, man. Stop overthinking and see where this ride goes."

That's when I realize I left out the part about her hating me.

"Well, there's actually a bit more to it than that."

Wyatt's curiosity is piqued now. "Oh?"

"If I'm being honest, I haven't exactly been the best boss," I admit.

I can feel Wyatt's eyes on me, but I can't bring myself to meet his gaze. Not yet. "I was never unprofessional. But I intentionally kept my distance. I thought I was protecting her, you know? Making sure no one ever accused us of something inappropriate. But apparently she thought I...hated her."

Wyatt gives me a sympathetic look. "We all make mistakes. You thought you were doing the right thing. Can't fault you for that." He takes a long swig of his beer before setting it down with a thud. "And who knows? Maybe after this weekend, she'll change her mind."

I can't help but smile as I think of the way Lisa's eyes light up when she's arguing a point, refusing to back down even when she's outnumbered. It's a trait I admire, that fierce determination. And it's one of those things that's making me fall for her, even though I'd been trying so hard not to.

I chuckle and shake my head. "You don't know Lisa. Once she's made up her mind, she's as unmovable as a freight train."

Just as the words leave my mouth, the bartender approaches our table.

The bartender, a brawny man with a bushy beard and tattoos snaking up his arms, leans against the counter. He surveys us with a steady gaze, his eyes twinkling under the dim bar lighting. "Another round, gentlemen?"

For a moment, I study the bartender. There's something eerily familiar about him, but I can't quite place it. His broad shoulders, the tattoos, the beard -- they stir a memory, but it remains just out of reach. Then it hits me.

"Good to see you again, Brett," I reach out to shake his hand.

The man takes my hand slowly as he gives me a confused look.

"John," I remind him. "We met earlier today back at Denise's house. I didn't realize you owned this place."

The bartender's face splits into a grin and he bursts out laughing.

"Ah, you must've met my twin brother. We get that a lot." He wipes a tear of laughter from his eye and extends his hand for a shake. "I'm actually Bash. But it's nice to meet you, John."

His laughter is infectious, and despite the earlier intensity of our conversation, I find myself laughing along with him.

"Must be interesting having an identical twin," I say, offering a friendly grin. However, in response to his question, I lightly pat the table and push myself up slightly, indicating our imminent departure. "But actually, I was just about to head out."

Bash nods in understanding, offering a warm smile in return. "No problem, John. You gentlemen have a good night," he says, stepping away and leaving Wyatt and I to conclude our evening.

Wyatt extends his hand for a farewell shake. "Tell Lisa I said hi," he says with a smirk. "And have fun on your date tomorrow."

* * *

I leave the bar and head back to the hotel. Walking into the room, it's quiet, and there is low light coming from one lamp near the couch where I see Lisa.