CALDER, ADRIAN

“You know I think I already am, the place gets kinda quiet when she isn’t there, but I gotta say her older sister kind of is my favorite, I rather have her sitting and talking with me all night”  he gave her a soft smile kissing her softly. Taking another deep breath he ran his hands up her legs. “You know I think we should save that storytime to a day that is not your birthday or my opening night, tonight we have fun” he smiled kissing her.

“You should ask Georgie about that. Maybe she’ll hook you up.” She teased, with a little smile. It was incredible how with one sentence the woman who never visited bars was ready to claim a seat just for herself. Leaning in, she smiled through the kiss, very aware of his touch on her legs. It wasn’t really surprising the topic came to an end. She wasn’t someone who had an easy time opening up so she never expected it from anyone else. However, he got really good at distracting her so it really wasn’t an issue. Returning the kiss, she broke it by leaning back, putting just a bit more distance between them but her hands were still on him. “The fact that you think this isn’t fun for me already is a crime. But fine, I’ll bite. How would you like to celebrate this big big day, Mr bar owner? The sky’s the limit.”

CALDER, ADRIAN

He laughed “ so you are saying your sister doesn’t have a ego? that girl makes fun of me every second she can and tend to call herself my best costumer, or is ego something going in your family? “he was obviously joking. He did not mind it. “She did, “he sighed “I love my sister, but our relationship is complicated”

“I mean, we all do. Hers isn’t out of order. She just likes to talk. You’ll get used to it. I’ll mention better tips to her. You know, to make it up to you and she’ll earn the title of best customer fair and square.” Georgie’s rambles probably wouldn’t get any better now that she knew about their little shenanigan. But she didn’t have to mention that, right? Looking at him for a moment, she was genuinely interested. The word ‘complicated’ even sparked some concern. But it still felt like a leap when she spoke. “How come?”

LAZANO, DANIEL

Daniel wasn’t sure why he decided to walk home, it wasn’t like his place was near, but then he had an excuse not to do his work out which he usually loved to do, but today he was not in the mood. As he heard a voice, he slightly recognized he looked up seeing the woman clearly in need of help running up to hold the door for her. It took him a moment to realize that it was Georgies older sister. He met her a few times during the time he and Georgie were a couple. “No problem..”

“Thank you!” She called out as she walked past him through the open, leaving the box inside just next to him. Giving it a little kick, it slid further into the store. Evie turned around to lock up the car when she turned towards the kind stranger - only it wasn’t a stranger. “Oh, hey. Daniel.” Fishing the key out of her pocket, she pressed the button, and the car locked remotely. Just enough time to make an awkward little pause exist. And just enough time to remember Georgie’s recap about the last time they saw each other. “How have you been?”

CALDER, ADRIAN

“Are you really? she seem tinier though” he laughed taking a deep breath as he just enjoyed being there with her in her presence. “ Do your brother often get into fights like that?” he asked  as he let his hand stroke the side of her waist. He kissed her jawline softly moving his lips to hers for a moment. “My sister was here tonight as well and my brother” he nodded “ haven’t seen my sister in years so that was nice” he and his sister had quite a rough relationship since their father died and had a lot to talk about, but he was happy to see her tonight.

“That’s just my huge ego, sucking the air out of every room. It makes me appear bigger.” She joked with a chuckle before shaking her head, becoming a bit more serious. “He’s a good guy but he’s going through something and I don’t think I can really help him.” As close as they were and as much as Evie loved Nate, it didn’t go unnoticed that he seemed to keep the whole topic at a distance from her, seeking comfort in Georgie. And as much as Evie worried, she was just happy he had someone to talk to. Upon hearing about his own family, she perked up, listening even more intently while gently playing with the hair at the back of his head. “That sounds like a long time. Did she come here all the way from New York?”

The large box was obstructing her view as Evie picked it out of the small transporter which adorned her store’s logo. When she first opened second chances, she used to pick up her loot with her own car but it quickly became too small. So an old transporter became a part of the family. Every warehouse sale she visited to buy some new pieces to upcycle and sell was brought in with its assistance and she would never go back. She was just about to reach the front door when she noticed someone walking towards her in the corner of her field of vision. “Excuse me?” She asked, fully aware of how ridiculous she must’ve looked with a box half her size, clothes always falling out of the top. “Do you have a second to hold the door for me?”

CALDER, ADRIAN

“That tiny girl who can’t stop talking is your sister?” he chuckled “ yeah she comes in here at times, she spoken about you a few times, never thought it would be you though” he smiled. “She is a sweet girl, I enjoy her being around” even thought he and Georgina never really hung out more than one time outside of the bar he did consider her a friend. “I am not sending you away, we still haven’t celebrated your birthday” he smiled kissing her back as he lifted her up and placed her on top of the bar counter.

“Hey, don’t call her tiny.” She squeezed him ever so slightly. “We’re the exact same height.” She couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course, Georgie had the incredible gift of wrapping everyone around her finger with ease. It wasn’t surprising Adrian was on the list. It was even less surprising Georgie would put in the effort. “Oh, did she reveal any red flags? I’ll already confess that I eat all my leftovers cold, and I am obsessed with old rom coms. Everything else she told you is a lie.” Given the fact that he already knew her sister and somehow her brother, well, it did spin this thing in a different direction. Evie didn’t really expect him to be so close to home. “We haven’t properly celebrated your promotion either but I’m open to suggestions.”

CALDER, ADRIAN

To be honest, this was rare for him. He never really thought he would be able be this close to a woman. He had trust issues and flirting wasn’t his thing. How Evie even found him worth her time was a question to him, however he had no idea what her intentions was and neither would she with him. He was hoping that this might be more than just a fling. There was something about her, her maturity, her personality that drew him in every minute. He let out a small laugh as she mentioned her siblings “Your sister? what is her name? and your brother seem like a charming guy really” he joked. He was used to fights so he was not judging her brother, however it was a fun scenario. “ Wow not even our third date yet and I already met the family, what have I got myself into?”

Standing so close, she could almost feel his laugh echo through her. Up close it all seemed more intense. He was really handsome, that thing was clear. But his voice seemed more private like this. And she could smell his cologne and when he smiled, it’s like the room faded just a bit more into nothingness. “Georgie. Well, Georgina. She comes here a lot. And now I get why.” Leaning forward, she left a fleetingly soft kiss on his jawline. “You’d know all about charm.” Standing on her tiptoes, she left another kiss on the tip of his nose. “Hey, no hard feelings.” Her gaze danced between his eyes and lips before it eventually settled on his eyes. “Just send me on my way.” And yet another kiss, this time on the other side of his jaw. “But actually, don’t send me on my way.” Her chin gently bumped his chest before she kissed him.

CALDER, ADRIAN

He placed his hands on her waist “ now what if that was my plan?” he smiled keeping his gaze at the woman. He could not help himself but to lean in and give the woman a soft kiss” have you had a good birthday?” his hand stroke her side as he kept his eyes on her wanting to hear everything about her day. 

“I’d say mission accomplished.” Smiling, she returned the kiss, nodding once to acknowledge his question but before she could offer him an answer, she stole another quick kiss. Quite addictive, that man. “Yeah. It was good.” Her hands wrapped around his waist, interlocking her fingers behind his back as she pulled herself in closer. There was something comforting about being this close. “Had some interesting revelations. Like the fact that apparently, you know my sister. And that guy you helped earlier? The one who started that fight? My brother.” She gave him a little grin. “You were just dying to meet my family, huh?”

WALLACE, GEORGINA

Georgie knew her sister like the palm of her hand and she knew how right she was about that assumption. But if Evie wanted to play the blind card, she would do so gladly. “Whatever you say, Evangeline,” the younger Wallace girl rolled her eyes in amusement with this new discovery and confession regarding her sister. “Alright, no interrogation, but I am so giving him the talk.” she pointed a finger at her sister all serious business now. “Hold up. Are you telling me all of this is because of his dog? Geez, expected more to be honest.” 

Wrapping her whole hand around the finger Georgie was pointing at her, she lightly shook her head with a smile. “I love you, Georgie.” The concern, the excitement - she loved sharing every emotion with her sister. And she loved how if the roles were reversed, she’d do the same thing. Rolling her eyes, she let go and gently slapped the same hand she was holding just a second ago. “Would you prefer we met on tinder?” Clicking her tongue, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, her words coming out a big more shy this time. “You know, it’s really nice. It feels nice, whatever it is. Even if it’s nothing, I think I really needed it. Maybe I needed him to show up.”

CALDER, ADRIAN

He just stood quiet for a moment watching her in awe how she just grabbed a heap of things without any issue. He got back to reality and started to wipe the tables “ this could be a date, if you want it to be, so second date then? or third if we count the dog date” he smiled thinking back to that night. He walked up to her moving behind her wrapping his arms around her from behind. “mhh maybe it is” he kissed her jawline softly

“I think it should count. It sure left an impression.” She admitted with a little grin. Ready to deliver the dishes to their rightful place, she chuckled when she felt his arms wrap around her, coming to a stop. “Careful! I’m carrying fragile goods here.” Gently putting the tray down, she leaned back into him, the smile not once leaving her face. Some kind of part of her was terrified of how easy this felt. But right now it was buried deep deep down and she’d worry about it later. “Hmm” She hummed, her eyes fluttered shut for a moment before she turned around in his arm, her hands wrapping around the back of his neck. “If you keep distracting me, I’ll break my own conditions here.”

WALLACE, GEORGINA

“Please, he is a dude! Dudes never listen to that kind of thing,” Georgie snorted, finding some sort of joy in seeing the desperation on her sister’s face. “You don’t need to say things when they are all obvious. You are so smitten!” She teased, because it was the truth. Evie seemed happy indeed. “Please, I’ve never seen you this happy since Jack and honestly? It was about damn time you got rid of that bad funk he put you under.” Truth was Georgie hated her sister’s ex so much for what he did to her that seeing Evie this happy again was everything she wanted. “Wait. He didn’t even take you on a proper date yet? Do you want me to go and check the terrain for you? Ask him all the important questions, do the traditional Wallace interrogation to check what his true intentions are?”

She rolled her eyes with a little wince. “I can’t possibly be smitten. Smitten gets me in trouble. Smitten keeps me awake at night because he won’t get off my mind. Smitten gives me hope. So I am not smitten, Georgina.” Leaning the cue stick against the table, she did the same, crossing her arms in front of her arms, chewing on her bottom lip. Of course, she was right. Jack has been this big obvious dark cloud over her head for the last couple of years and sometimes she worried she’d never get rid of it. As if he had cursed her with eternal misery and doubt about not being good enough. Turning her head to look at Georgie, she exhaled. “It’s okay. I think we won’t need the interrogation. If anything, I think it should be me asking the questions. Besides, I don’t even know what my intentions are. Why should he? I clearly can’t even get a grip. He came over to let the dogs play and now I want to pull him into some backroom.” Shaking her head, she swatted the air between them. “Pretend I didn’t say that.”

CALDER, ADRIAN

He sighed still with a cheeky smile on his face “ fine, I will let you help” he shook his head a little as he started to grab some of the glasses laying around. “Just grab as many glasses as you can take them to the dishwasher in the back and a coworker will take care of them in the morning”  he chuckled not liking telling her what to do “ and then you come out here and tell me places you like to go so I can take you on a proper date” 

“Aye, aye, Captain.” Reaching for an empty tray that was sitting on top of the bar, she picked it up and began collecting glasses from the nearest table. “Is that the right bar slang? Am I doing it right, boss?” Joking, Evie was stacking up the remains of the evening. Suddenly all the hours she spent working as a waitress at twenty-four in New York just to afford the rent for an apartment the size of a matchbox came in handy. She was just done with a few tables when she turned around with a smile. “Oh, so this isn’t a proper date then?” Heading back to Adrian, she stopped next to him before slowly shuffling towards the back, her eyes still on him. “That almost sounds like a challenge to me.”

CALDER, ADRIAN

The night turned out great , apart of the fight he had to separate, but that was something he was used to. He was saying goodbye to people and started to clean up the bar as he looked up to see Evie giving her a soft smile. He moved around the bar so he could be closer to her “ you leaving? I was hoping to spend some time with you on your birthday” he admitted with a sigh keeping his eyes on her. “Come on, stay, watch me clean, I will drive you home?”

Giving him a once-over, she barely gave it any thought before she nodded in agreement. “Alright.” Slipping out of her jacket, she placed it alongside her purse on one of the barstools next to her. “Under one condition only.” She smiled a little, rolling up the sleeves of her shirt until they hit her elbows. “I won’t just watch, I’ll help.”

WALLACE, GEORGINA

“No it is not, every pool table is the same, some have it’s secrets. And this? This one is my bitch,” the younger girl grinned. But then the realization of what Evie just said came crushing on her and her sister and her friend were getting on like that. “I can not believe that!” She exclaimed, looking around them as her voice gathered the attention of people around them, making her lean closer to her sister. “The guy who literally rocked your word is Adrian. I can’t. Is this why you’ve been so giddy tonight? Oh my God, it is!!!”

“Keep it down! He’s right over there.” She was glancing around, giving the people who turned to look at them awkward little smiles before she leaned in to talk to Georgie. “That’s not what I said.” Although it wasn’t far off. “And I’m not giddy!” Her whisper was almost a plee as she looked over her shoulder to spot Adrian behind the bar, her head snapping back. “Well, maybe a bit. Or a bit more than a bit. I honestly have no idea what we’re even doing. Which is fitting, cause I barely know him anyway.”

WALLACE, GEORGINA

“Well, but I know this tables better than anyone. I have the field advantage on my side, sister.” Georgie grinned. She knew the competitive side her sister had and it was always fun to bring that one out whenever the two were spending some time together. She got her cue stick as well, positioning herself as she waited for Evie to start when the news that the mysterious guy her sister has been seeing is none other than Adrian itself. “Shut up! You’ve been hooking up with Adrian?”

“Georgie, darling, every pool table is the same. Unless it’s a really bad one.” Laughing, she was eyeing the table and getting into position. Evie was ready to strike the formation of balls, bent over, the tip of her tongue poking out their shut lips as she concentrated. However, instead of starting the game, she glanced up in surprise when Georgie announced she seemingly knew Adrian. “Adrian?” She asked a bit baffled before straightening back up. “I shouldn’t even be surprised. You just announced you come here all the time.” Looking towards the bar and then back at Georgie, she found herself coming to a strange conclusion. “Oh god, are you guys friends? Please tell me I didn’t hook up with my little sister’s friend.”