Chapter 5

It took long enough to get Stone’s attention that I had a chance to look over the display bottles lining the shelf above the bar’s mirrored back. I’d been meaning to try one of the Hoppy beers, but opted for a Sudwerk lager because I missed going to the brewery in Davis and drinking there with my grad school friends.

I started to pay, but Stone cut me off.

“You guys thinking about more than one?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Okay, then, I’ll run a tab and keep a watch on your glasses. You can change the music at the box over there if you don’t like it. You don’t need change. I’ve got it on code tonight.” While he was talking, he’d opened the bottles and slung glasses over the long necks. “You need help with any of this?” He slid the two bottles toward me.

I shook my head, picked up the drinks, and turned, my eyes getting used to the bar darkness as I searched for John. He’d found us a two-person table in a back corner. After I plopped the beers on the table, I sat across from him.