6
Ava blewout a long breath as she stood outside of the bar. She wished that she was tucked inside her cabin working, but she knew that if she’d tried to get out of coming tonight, Viv would have shown up and physically dragged her here.
So, she’d shown up. The plan was to stay for one drink, let her sisters see that she was fine and then go back to the resort.
The large door was heavy and she had to put her shoulder into it to push it open. When she stepped inside, she was immediately struck by how packed the place was. There was music playing, people laughing and talking. There were so many people that she couldn’t even see the back area where the pool tables were.
She was about to text her sister to ask where she was when she heard her name being called. She looked up and saw Viv standing across the room on one of the chairs waving her arms.
Ava felt her cheeks flush at the scene her sister was making, even though she wasn’t the one calling attention to herself. She suffered from relational embarrassment. Ava had always been on the shy side, whereas Viv never shied away from being the center of attention. She thrived on it and embraced it wholeheartedly.
Trying to keep a low profile and not draw any attention to herself Ava weaved her way through the crowd. Even though her head was tilted down, she couldn’t help but notice there was a high ratio of attractive, athletic looking men.
Viv had always maintained that Hope Falls was a quote—penile gold mine—unquote. Her sister might be prone to exaggeration but in this case, she was right on the money.
Not that it mattered to Ava. She wasn’t looking for anyone to date. Butit did strike her that this was the first time in her adult life that she’d been single.
After shouldering her way through the crowd to the table Viv and Audrey were seated at, Viv didn’t even let her sit down before she linked her arm through Ava’s and started tugging her toward the bar. “Let’s get you a drink.”
Ava handed her purse to Audrey who was sitting at the table reading a book. Some things never changed. Audrey had had her face in a book since she learned to read at five years old.
Viv quickly navigated them to the bar where Ava recognized the attractive brunette behind it as the owner’s wife Shelby. She’d only met Shelby a few times but she reminded Ava of Viv. The green-eyed beauty was outgoing, fun, and said exactly what was on her mind.
“Hey chickadee! How are you doin’?” From the concerned look in Shelby’s eyes, it was clear that she’d heard about the wedding not happening.
This was Hope Falls, so it didn’t surprise Ava that Shelby knew about Ian and the wedding. It was a small town where news traveled fast.
“I’m good,” Ava responded honestly.
“What can I get you ladies?”
Viv raised her hand and made the peace sign. “Two shots of fireball and a vodka water.”
Ava had drunk vodka water for as long as she could remember. She figured the drink was for her and the shots must be for Audrey and Viv.
Shelby quickly made the drinks and when Ava tried to pay, Shelby waved the money away with a wink. “On the house.”
Viv grabbed the drinks and when Shelby moved to the end of the bar, Ava stuffed the twenty in the tip jar. As much as she appreciated getting a drink on the house, she didn’t need the charity. Just like she’d left a hefty tip on the table at Sue Ann’s. This town really did take care of their own, it was just Ava didn’t need the support. Her wedding being called off was the best thing that could have happened.
After stuffing the bill in the tip jar, she started to head back to the table when Viv shoved one of the shots in her face.
Ava shook her head. “I don’t want that.”
“You’re taking it.”
Ava saw the look in Viv’s eyes and knew that her sister wouldn’t let it go so she grabbed the glass, clinked it to her sister’s, and tossed it back. The liquid burned as it slid down her throat, but she had to admit that she enjoyed the warm, tingling sensation that followed.
When she set the glass down on the bar top Viv was still holding her shot. She hadn’t taken it and was now handing it to Ava. “Now this one.”
“I’m not taking two shots.” Ava heard that her voice was a little louder than it had been a moment ago.
“Yes.” Viv nodded with complete confidence. “You are.”
Ava stared at the red liquid. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had hard liquor. She was more of a red wine gal. But she also couldn’t remember the last time she’d been out with her sisters after being dumped on her wedding day.
Maybe one more shot wouldn’t hurt.
Fuck it.She grabbed the shot and downed it. When she did, she heard her sister cheer.
