On the Rocks

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  Mary grabbed my arm as soon as I walked in. “Isn’t this exciting?” Her huge grin matched the tone of her voice. She was genuinely excited for Maddy.

  “Very. I hope it all goes well.” I smoothed out my hair. I hadn’t taken the time to do much of anything with it.

  “It will. Are you going to be out there with her?”

  “Yeah. I’m telling her Max said I can shadow her for longer than usual.”

  “Nice. I’m going to make sure I get out there in time.”

  “Good. See you in a few.”

  She released my arm, and I walked off.

  “Hey, Carly.” Maddy looked up from the bar. She was putting a garnish on someone’s drink. From what I’d learned from my favorite polo shirt wearing instructor, the drink was in an Old-Fashioned glass.

  “Hey.” I tried to keep my voice level. I didn’t want to let on that I knew something big was coming.

  “I’m glad you’re here. It looks like it’s going to be a large crowd tonight.”

  “Yeah, it’s always crowded on Fridays.” I checked to make sure the kegs were full the way Maddy explained I needed to do. I had to find something to do so I didn’t lose my mind.

  “But I guess Max found a new singer. He hadn’t found anyone decent since Lyle left.” She looked down when she mentioned the name of the musician who used to perform once a week at the Grille. She’d had a bit of a crush on him when she was already dating Colin. I’d called her out on it. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it was probably the only awkward thing between us.

  “Yeah? I can’t wait to hear him or her.”

  “Hey, can I get a round of blow job shots?” a guy around our age asked.

  I blushed. Maddy didn’t blink. “Sure, one for each of you?”

  “Yup, if you can manage.” He grinned.

  “You’re so funny,” I said sarcastically. For once I didn’t feel like being quiet. No one was going to talk to Maddy inappropriately the night of her engagement.

  He turned his leer to me. “Why don’t you pour the shots, sugar?”

  “Sugar? Seriously?” I raised an eyebrow. “Can’t you think of a better one?”

  “I knew you had it in you.” Maddy laughed. “Why don’t we make them together?”

  Of course that got the guys howling. We turned our backs. And she pulled down two bottles. “It’s just Bailey’s and Kahlua.”

  “Then what makes it a blow job?”

  “The whipped cream.”

  I made a face. “Why would guys order that?”

  “To make us uncomfortable.”

  “Ah… I see.”

  She leaned in. “Don’t worry. We’ll make them uncomfortable right back.”

  I carefully measured out the liquors. I’d finally accepted that I didn’t have a particularly accurate eye for measuring things. Maybe I’d learn eventually. Maddy covered all four with whipped cream.

  She set them down in front of them. “All right, you guys only get them if you take them the right way.”

  I covered my mouth with my hand. Oh my.

  “Can’t you show us how that works, hun?” the ring leader asked.

  “She’s hun and not sugar? I guess I should feel special.”

  Maddy nudged me. I was on a role. “Nope. You ordered them.”

  The guy cocked an eyebrow. “What? You really want to see how good I am with my mouth?”

  I was dying, seriously dying. This was too much.

  Maddy leaned forward. “Yes, as a matter of fact we do.”

  “I’ll show you.”

  “Camera,” Maddy mouthed and nodded toward the back of the bar. I got the hint and found what she was hinting at. One of those old school instant develop cameras sat on the bottom shelf.

  I got ready. As soon as the guy bent down to take the shot with his mouth I took a picture. I took another right after to show the whipped cream mustache.

  He wiped his mouth. “Hey!”

  I laughed. And held up the pictures that were starting to develop. “Maybe you can find a better use for your mouth later.”

  His friends laughed at him.

  He wiped his mouth again even though the residue of the whipped topping was gone. “Maybe I can find a better use of yours.”

  Maddy stared him down. “I don’t think her boyfriend would like that.” She winked at me.

  The guy leaned over the bar. “I don’t see him.”

  “I do.” I saw Macon and decided to play along. I had a feeling Maddy had found out about our secret relationship anyhow. I moved around the bar and ran into Macon’s arms, planting a huge kiss on his lips.

  He kissed me back, laughing as I pulled back. “Miss me already?”

  “Just making a point.” I took his hand as I led him back over to the bar. “See, my mouth is very well used.”

  Macon looked between the guys, three of which still had untouched shots with the whipped cream melting. “Uh, do I want to know what that’s in reference to?”

  “No, you don’t,” Maddy quickly answered.

  “Okay, I’ll trust you on that.”

  “Want your usual?” She asked.

  “Yes, but I want your cute partner here to make it for me.”

  The annoying guy looked at Macon and then at me before shaking his head. “You guys are seriously weird.” He put some cash down, and they walked off.

  “Somehow I doubt they left a big tip,” I laughed.

  “No… but it was worth it.”

  Macon examined one of the shots. “Wait, did those guys order blow jobs from you?”

  “Yeah… and our girl here totally put them in their place. I knew she was a natural.”

  I picked up the untouched shots and poured them out in the sink. “Or you’re just a really good teacher.”

  “Hey, you’re the one taking bartending classes with her.”

  “Speaking of which, where’s my Long Island, woman?”

  “Woman?” I put a hand on my hip. “You didn’t just say that.”

  “Yes I did.” He smirked. I knew he was irking me on purpose, but sometimes it worked too well.

  “Maybe you should make your own.”

  “Carly, are you asking a paying customer to make his own drink?” Max took an empty stool.

  I pulled down the triple sec. I’d have to double check with Maddy on which rum, vodka, and gin to use. “Is Macon really a paying customer?”

  “He better be.” Max attempted to give us all a serious look, but he ended up breaking into a smile. “More importantly, how’s the bartending practice going? You ready for a test?”

  “Uh, Maybe.” Was he really going to make me do this tonight? I was already a bundle of nerves over the proposal.

  “If you can manage Macon’s Long Island I’d say that’s good enough for tonight. Hopefully when I ask you next time I’ll get a resounding yes.”

  I laughed. “I hope so.” I made a mental note to spend more time quizzing myself with my drink app.

  “When’s the new musician starting?” Maddy poured a few glasses of wine and walked back over.

  “Any minute now.”

  “Where’d you find him?” She pressed.

  “It turns out he’s been here all along.” Max stood up. “I’ll see you kids later.” He shot us an ‘oh crap’ look and hurried off.

  “What was that all about?” Maddy asked.

  “No idea.” Macon ran his fingers over a scratch in the bar top. “So, is there any way for a guy to get a drink around here?”

  I laughed. “Sure. I can’t promise it’s going to be as good as Maddy’s, but it’s going to be better than last time.”

  Macon chuckled. “That’s not saying much.”

  I glared at him. “Do you want a drink or not?”

  “Of course I do, but I’m winning tonight.”

  “Are you guys still playing the ‘who can piss each other off more game?’” Maddy shook her head. “I’d have thought once you started sleeping together that would have lost its appe
al.”

  Macon turned to her. “Don’t you get it, it’s gained appeal.”

  “Umm, what are you talking about?” I shot Macon a look. Maybe she hadn’t figured it out on her own.

  “Oh, I forget to tell you. Maddy admitted to knowing that earlier today.”

  I resisted the urge to hit him upside the head.

  “Ok, let’s drop it. Carly, what can I do to help?”

  I decided to let it go. No reason to cause any problems that night. “I think I’ve got this.” I felt a sudden surge of confidence, and I decided to embrace it.

  A few minutes later I set what I hoped was a perfectly mixed Long Island iced tea down in front of Macon. Of course in the time I made that one drink Maddy had mixed at least four, but I refused to compare myself to her.

  Macon took a sip. “Nice going, babe.”

  “Yay!” I jumped up and down.

  Maddy patted me on the back. “See, I told you you’d get there.”

  A large crowd came over, and I helped Maddy out as best I could.

  “Could you cut up some limes for me?”

  “Sure.” I’d messed that up the first time she’d asked me to do. I hadn’t realized that limes and lemons have to be cut differently. This time I got it right, and she thanked me before serving a round of Coronas.

  I was so busy with the drinks I’d forgotten to look for Colin. Because of that I was as surprised as Maddy when I heard his voice over the microphone.

  “Hey everyone, I’m Colin and I’ve got a song to sing to someone special.”

  Maddy set aside the tequilla she was holding and walked around the bar. “What? Colin’s going to sing?”

  “You haven’t heard him sing before have you?”

  “No. I thought he just wrote songs. He never sings them.”

  “Then you’re in for a treat.” I leaned back against the back counter.

  Colin started in on his newest song, Hard to Get. It was obviously all about Maddy. It had his signature mix of sweetness and humor, and I knew Maddy was going to love it.

  “Oh my god.” Maddy wiped a few tears off her face.

  “I didn’t know Colin could sing that well,” Macon whispered.

  “Yeah, we’ve got some musical genes in the family.” I came around to sit next to him.

  “Can you sing too?”

  “Yeah, and I play piano. Kim plays both guitar and piano of course.”

  “Wait. Don’t tell me. Did you guys have one of those sibling bands?”

  “Really, Macon?”

  “What?” He held up his hands in front of him in defense. “I could see it.”

  I laughed, and turned back to watch Colin finish the song.

  Colin set down his guitar and walked over to Maddy. “I have something really important to ask you.”

  I leaned forward on my stool. Macon grabbed my hand. I noticed Brody standing off to the side with a smile.

  “Yes?” Maddy asked tentatively.

  “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He fell down to one knee and opened the box.

  Of course the entire crowd started cheering and clapping. Max and Mary came over, and we all watched with anticipation.

  Maddy teared up and nodded. “Yes.”

  Colin slid the ring on her finger and pulled her into a hug.

  “I’m pregnant.” She said the words loudly enough that the nearest members of the crowd could hear. There were quite a few gasps.

  “You’re what?” Colin’s eyes widened, and I hoped with everything I had that he didn’t act like an idiot and screw everything up.

  “I’m pregnant.” Maddy repeated herself, but this time she looked down.

  He put a hand under her chin and made her look at him. “How pregnant?” He looked at her wide eyed. “Wait, you know what we can discuss that later. This is a good thing. We’re getting married and having a kid… life’s moving in the right direction.”

  I squeezed Macon’s hand. “Wow, that was a nice save, and finally there’s no more secrets.”

  “There’s still one.”

  “No. Not tonight, Macon.”

  “Yeah… I’m just going to get this over with so we can all get back to normal.”

  “Nope. No way.” I cut Macon off before he could get to my brother. I hugged him. “Congratulations!”

  “Thanks. It looks like you’re going to be an aunt, huh?”

  “Yeah…”

  “Why aren’t you more surprised?” Understanding crossed his face. “You knew. That’s why you pushed me to propose this week.”

  “Wait, what?” Maddy asked. “Is that why you told me to wait before I told him?”

  Macon slipped an arm around my shoulder. “Yes, to both of those questions. Carly was trying to make everything perfect for you.”

  “I can’t believe you kept that from me.” Colin seemed to be talking to himself.

  “I’m sleeping with Carly,” Macon blurted out.

  My heart stopped. Had he seriously told my brother just like that?

  “Well, she is your girlfriend now, isn’t she?” Colin smiled.

  Macon and I both looked at Maddy. “You told him?”

  She shook his head, and Colin smiled. “I had a hunch, and Brody confirmed my suspicion.”

  “Where is Brody anyhow?” Maddy glanced around.

  “He’s around here.” I knew exactly what he was getting ready. It went hand in hand with the roses Macon had set up.

  “What’s going on?” Maddy glanced around.

  “This way, babe.” Colin led her back inside. I followed with Macon right behind me.

  The top of the bar was covered with red roses, and in the center was a large plate of chocolate covered strawberries. Colin said they were her favorite.

  “This is the first spot I ever saw you. It’s also the spot where you finally said yes to going out on a date with me.”

  Maddy smiled and started crying again. I’m sure she was on emotion overload. “You’re so sweet.”

  “I’m so lucky to have you. I can’t believe how close I came to losing you last year—and I promise you are always going to come first. Our family will always come first.”

  My heart was going to burst. I was so incredibly happy for them.

  “Should we give them some privacy?” Macon whispered. That’s when I realized the whole main dining area and bar area was empty. Max had cleared it out.

  “Sure. Let’s go.” I slipped my hand into Macon’s before taking one more glance over my shoulder at the happy newly engaged couple.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Carly

  The moment of truth arrived all too quickly. After a quick test where I could tell Max was going easy on me (half of it involved simple shots), Max decided I was ready to run my own bar. I’d expected to spend more time working downstairs first, but he wanted me to be the first one to work the upstairs bar, and I wasn’t going to argue with him. I was lucky he was giving me the chance.

  I dressed up my usual work attire with my favorite three inch red heels. Those shoes always made me feel sexy, and even if no one could see them with me behind the bar, they might help me mentally. Maddy had convinced me that her bartending confidence was all about attitude. She’d been right about everything else so far, so I decided to believe her.

  I arrived at work over an hour before I had to just so I’d have time to get ready. I checked on the supplies and the kegs before I went through the most popular drinks in my head. I was determined that I wasn’t going to have to look anything up unless I was completely desperate. Still, to be safe I had my app ready to go. I also had Maddy’s number ready on speed dial. She was working outside that night, but she promised she’d listen for her phone. I was seriously getting the best sister-in-law.

  I scanned the bottles lining the wall. I wanted to make sure I knew exactly where everything was.

  “Hey, beautiful.” Macon wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.

  “What are you doing here?” I
turned in his arms. I hoped he hadn’t showed up to rile me up. I wasn’t sure I could handle it.

  “I’m here to help of course.”

  “To help?” I hadn’t even considered asking him to help. He’d suffered through weeks of the online course and drink quizzing. He’d definitely done his boyfriend duties.

  “Yeah. I told you I was going to help you with this.”

  “Yeah—by sitting through those bartending classes with me.”

  “Well, I’m here tonight too. I figure I’ll be able to distract the female customers while you work. You’re mostly going to be on your own with the men.”

  “Is the thought of my boyfriend flirting with other women supposed to make me feel better?”

  “Who said I was going to flirt? All I need to do is smile and look pretty.”

  I groaned. “Not everyone likes to sit around and admire you all day.”

  “Nope, that’s just what I want to do to you.”

  “Just stare?”

  “Of course not.” He moved behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist again. “You know the kind of things I want to do to you.”

  My breathing picked up. “If I make it through tonight, do I get to find out?”

  His hands slid lower, eventually cupping my ass. “Of course. We’ll get through the evening.”

  I turned in his arms and kissed him lightly on the lips. “You really are the best.”

  “Remember that next time I do something stupid. Maybe we can count this as a preemptive get out of jail free card.”

  I laughed. “Were you planning to do something bad?”

  “No, but I’m sure I’ll mess up eventually. It’s bound to happen.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome… and just so you know, contrary to what Maddy tells you, I’m not here to make sure guys don’t hit on you.” He grinned.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? Maddy might think so?”

  “She might, but that’s really not why I’m here.”

  “Does it make me anti-feminist if that doesn’t bother me?”

  “No, it makes you a good girlfriend. You don’t like having other guys hit on you. That’s a good thing.”

  “Your flirtations are more than enough.”

  “I know.”

  I laughed. “Okay, let’s do this.”