The karaoke singing stopped and a song played on the speakers. She bobbed her head. “I like this band. They’ve got a way of hitting the groove, while keeping the feel of the song hard and getting the feel of the lyrics across.”

His eyes sparkled and he nodded slightly. “I like them.”

“Dale Krieger and Scotty Norman wrote this song.” She prided herself on knowing the lyrics and writers.

“I didn’t know that.” He leaned on the wall. “I’m impressed.”

“Yeah?” She dragged over a stool and sat beside him. “I listen to them and whatever’s on the radio at work. I work at the Craig’s store,” she said and took a breath. “I guess I like the band because they really seem to get me. They don’t know me, obviously, but it’s like they’re singing my life. They understand how sometimes I feel invisible. I know I’m not a bad person or a lousy girlfriend, but I never feel good enough.”

This time he didn’t reply. He’d probably heard plenty from other people while at the bar, and she annoyed him. She had to. How many times had Sarah told her to be quiet?

“I know I talk too much. I don’t do well with silence, and I hate sitting still,” she said. “I’m annoying you, aren’t I? I get that a lot.” She fidgeted with her ring. “I got this one from my grandmother. It’s not worth anything, but I love it because it reminds me of her.”

“It’s nice.”

At least she’d gotten him to talk. “I like your tattoo.” She touched his hand. “That’s neat. Did it hurt to have the top of your hand inked?” She’d think it would. “I don’t mind needles, but I hate pain. Where did you get them done?”

“Tattoo You.”

“My friend Karey’s boyfriend owns that shop.” She nodded. “I’ve only been there once. It seems nice.” She wasn’t sure what to expect from a tattoo shop, but his seemed decent enough.

“Kurt?”

“No, Jimmy. I like him. He treats Karey well and is polite.” She nodded. “I met Kurt once. He left when I showed up.”

“He’s private.”

She stared at him again. “So are you.” She held out her hand. “My name is Mandy.”

He dipped his head once and shook hands with her. “Jack.”

EXCERPT 2

©2022, Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved

“Hi.” 

She flinched, then put the stick of deodorant down. “Sorry. You startled me. Was lost in my thoughts.” She faced the man speaking to her. Jack clasped his hands together and the lopsided half-smile curled on his lips. “Jack.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you. You looked like you were in the groove.” He remained in his place. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” She leaned her elbow on the box and turned her full attention to him. “You found me.”

“You mentioned the store,” he said. 

“I did.” He’d been listening? Nice. “How are you? Did you have a long night?”

“Long enough,” he said. “Didn’t have to throw anyone out.”

“That’s a plus.” She wasn’t sure what to do with her hands. Part of her wanted to reach out to him. The rest of her had to remember she was in public and at work. “Are you shopping? Can I help you find something? We just put a bunch of new stock on the shelves. I can help you if you’d like.” She needed to stop talking. “Sorry.”

“Why?”

“I don’t always know when to stop while I’m ahead.” She cleared her voice to sort herself out. “May I help you find something?”

“Not exactly.” He squeezed his fingers. “I have a question.”

“Sure.” She stood upright and tucked her hands into the front of her smock. “What can I do for you?”

He sighed and his fingers trembled. “I signed up for a cooking class tonight.”

“Very nice. I’d love to try those. I’m a terrible cook, but I’ve never been brave enough to sign up for a class,” she said. “What are you going to learn to make?”

He tensed, but dipped his head slightly. “Salmon steaks and roasted potatoes.”

Her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t realized she was hungry until now. “Sounds delicious.”

“It does.” He squeezed his fingers again. “Would you like to join me?”

“At the class?” She hesitated. It almost sounded like he’d asked her out on a date. Sort of. “Tonight?”

“If you’re busy, then don’t worry about it.” He closed his eyes. “It’s okay.”

“No, I’d like to go.” She touched his hand. The sparks shot from her fingers to her heart, then to her pussy. The man had a quiet strength and stability about him. “Sounds like a great time.”