Chapter Seven | Avalon

“You and the bartender seemed awfully friendly,” Max comments in between bites. I glance up from my plate of pasta, eyeing the dissatisfied expression on the man’s face. I offer a nonchalant shrug.

“We were simply making conversation after I ordered a drink,” I lie, managing to shift my gaze toward Alexander for a split second. I’d also be lying if I said I hadn’t snuck many more glances his way prior to this. I don’t know what it is about him, but the mystery intrigues me to no end.

“Well, he’s clearly not your type anyway,” Max adds. I cock an eyebrow, urging him to go on. “I’m just saying that you swiped on me, so you obviously know attractive when you see it. The bartender is not exactly a modeling candidate.”

“I would beg to differ. Besides, this is coming from a law student? Doesn’t seem like you’re the perfect modeling candidate either,” I point out. I don’t miss the moment Max rolls his eyes.

“You know what I mean. Also, I’m going to be an attorney who could support you. Good luck living off of a bartender’s wages.”

I have to make sure I’m hearing everything correctly. This is the first date and we’re already speaking way too far into the future, not to mention this conversation reeking of a gold digger’s vendetta.

“Well, I support myself just fine with my own career. Plus bartenders make fantastic tips. I did it for a while during college,” I explain. Max seems unimpressed by the comment, not even offering a smile in response.

“Well, you’re a pretty girl. It’s easy for you.”

I try my best to hide the distaste I’m feeling toward this man. In an effort to steer the conversation in another direction, I clear my throat.

“What made you decide on law school?”

Max takes a moment to sip his beer.

“My father was a very successful lawyer in New York and I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Litigation is in my blood.”

I manage a soft smile, happy to be far away from the previous hostility.

“That’s amazing. He’s probably very proud of you,” I comment, taking another bite of the pasta. The creamy alfredo sauce is the best thing about this date so far.

“Well obviously. I’m top of my class.”

There it is again, that arrogant smug response. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

Instead, I focus my stare on Alexander for the fifth time tonight. He’s laughing with an older man behind the bar, amidst a joyous conversation. The trace of a smile lines my lips as I watch the two. I love the way Alexander’s eyes light up when he talks about something passionately.

“Hello?”

I tune back into reality and notice Max’s expectant gaze.

“What?”

“I asked why you chose software engineering, but clearly your mind is somewhere else.”

I ignore the second comment and keep a smile plastered on.

“I’ve been interested in tech since I was little. My father bought me my first pc when I was twelve and I started taking some free coding courses. I think being a software engineer was always my dream,” I explain.

“Very similar to my story, then. My Dad bought me my first law book when I was ten.”

“Wow, that’s-”

“Great parenting? I know. He was setting me up for success from the beginning.”

I take a sip of my water and set the glass back down.

“I was going to say presumptuous. Don’t you ever feel like it’s your dad’s dream you’re pursuing?” I clarify.

Max’s expression shifts as he shakes his head.

“Not at all. It’s no different from your dad buying you a pc.”

“Except I could use a pc for anything. I chose to learn code. You can’t do many other things with a law book.”

Again, Max rolls his eyes.

“I’m becoming a lawyer because I want to. End of discussion,” he says sternly.

The rest of the night is spent discussing Max’s life and ambitions, without ever discussing mine. I count down the minutes until it’s over. Finally, he pays the tab and scoots out his chair, signaling for me to do the same.

“Well, this was really fun,” I lie, offering a smile. Max smirks and places his hand on my lower back.

“It doesn’t have to be over yet. Come back to my place,” he suggests, lowering his hand further.

I back away, shaking my head at the same time.

“I think I’m just going to head home,” I say certainly, receiving an offended expression from Max. He eyes me up and down before letting out a disbelieving chuckle.

“You have got to be kidding me. I bought you dinner and just spent an hour with you! I didn’t know you were such a f*cking tease.”

My mouth drops at the accusation and I take a step forward.

“I don’t have to sleep with you just because we had dinner. That’s not how the world works,” I defend myself.

“Whatever you say, sl*t.”

We’re not far from the bar now, and I feel a comforting hand on my back.

“Learn how to take rejection,” Alexander joins in. Max mutters a few words under his breath and walks out, leaving the two of us in the bar. I turn to Alexander and fight the smile that threatens to line my lips.

“Well that was-”

“The worst date I’ve ever been on? Yeah,” I confirm, finally allowing a chuckle to escape. I reassume my spot at the bar and let out a sigh.

“One more wine?” Alexander asks.

“Yes please.”

He slides the glass over to me seconds later and I take a sip, the cool liquid soothing my throat instantly.

“He didn’t exactly look like a nice guy,” Alexander points out, leaning against the wooden countertop. I groan internally.

“He wasn’t. We spent the entire night talking about him and all his ‘cool’ law school stories. It was terrible.”

“I assume he’s no competition, then?” Alexander says suddenly. I eye the man, trying not to read too far into the joke. Finally, I laugh.

“Max wouldn’t say the same about you. He thought we were ‘awfully friendly’ with each other,” I explain, using quotation marks to frame his exact words. Alexander lets out a hearty laugh and shakes his head.

“Well, your dating app really knows how to pick them.”

“I’m afraid it’s more my mother than the app. She swiped right on Max.”

Alexander smiles.

“I’m sure she’s very excited you’re dating again.”

“Too excited,” I say, earning a chuckle from the man. “She hated Jackson.”

“With good reason, it seems…”

I shrug and chug the rest of the wine.

“Good enough reason, at least.”