Live This Love Read online

  “Perfect. The umbrella is a nice touch,” she said as she took a sip. “My friends want to party like when we were young and dumb, but someone has to hold it together to get us back to the hotel eventually.”

  Alex smiled. Looking out for others, that’s nice.

  “Something funny?” the woman asked.

  “No, not at all. It just looks like you may have lost a couple of your friends,” Alex said as she nodded at the exit toward the beach. One of the woman’s friends was laughing and strolling away with a stranger, and another from the group was nowhere to be found.

  “Well, let’s hope they’re just going for a little walk on the beach.” And then she saw the woman she’d been avoiding looking around for her. She quickly turned back to the bar and groaned, “Please take a hint and hit on someone else.”

  “Excuse me—” Alex exclaimed.

  “No, no. I didn’t mean you! I’m sorry, one of our friends keeps hitting on me and won’t take a hint,” the woman explained.

  “I kind of noticed you were trying to avoid her earlier and wondered if there was a problem.”

  “No, there’s not a problem,” she sighed. “I don’t really know her that well and don’t want to, I might add, but she is persistent. That’s why I came up here to get a drink and get away for a bit.”

  Liz had been listening to their conversation and chose that moment to walk around the bar and pat the woman’s shoulder. “Let me see what I can do about that.” She intercepted her friend, put her arm around her, and led her back to the patio.

  “What’s she telling her?” the woman asked Alex.

  Alex shook her head and laughed. “There’s not much telling, but probably something like, ‘Let me show you what other karaoke songs we have.’ Liz has a way with women, you might say.”

  “Well, thank you, Liz! By the way, thanks for that first round of drinks. We all appreciated it. And I’m Riley,” she said sticking out her hand to Alex.

  “No problem, but how do you know I’m the one that did that?” Alex asked, taking Riley’s hand.

  “Our waiter told me.”

  “I’m Alex. Nice to meet you, Riley,” she said holding Riley’s hand and looking into her eyes. “A wedding is always a reason to celebrate, and Peaches just wanted to be part of it.”

  “Well, thank you,” Riley said. She didn’t really want to let Alex’s hand go. It felt so warm and strong and her hand fit like it belonged there.

  “When is the ceremony? I hope it’s not tomorrow because I don’t care how young y’all are—I don’t think the brides will be feeling so perky in the morning.” Alex nodded her head to the dance floor.

  Riley turned and saw her friends in a conga line flowing around the dance floor. “Oh wow,” she commented. “There will be some hangovers in their future, but just look how much fun they’re having!”

  Riley watched Alex fill several orders and smile her way occasionally. It was a bit mesmerizing how smooth she was, how at ease with each customer. Riley liked the smiles Alex sent her way. She realized that while she’d been talking and watching Alex it had been a while since she’d seen Kara or Lisa.

  “As much as I’ve been enjoying talking to you, especially without Lee hanging around, I think I’d better go check on Kara and Lisa,” she said. “It won’t be long before we have to catch the ferry back to our hotel.” When she looked at the bartender, they held one another’s eyes a little longer than necessary. “It was really nice to meet you, Alex. You mix a mean sparkling water. I hope to see you again.”

  “It was nice to meet you too, Riley. I hope you find your friends and have a great time in the islands. Come back any time,” Alex said with a big smile on her face that she wasn’t sure why was it there. She almost offered to help find her friends, but the bar was still pretty busy.

  Riley had been up and down the beach several times. The first time she saw Lisa right away and reminded her that they had to catch a ferry back to their hotel on St. Thomas. Lisa told her she’d meet them at the dock. She had actually run into an old friend from college, and they were catching up. She assured Riley she wouldn’t miss the boat.

  As Riley stopped in a few bars along the beach looking for Kara, she couldn’t stop thinking about Alex. She’d heard all the stories about having a fling while on vacation and had never thought it could happen to her until she started talking to the bartender. Alex was more than a bartender, she’d learned from Danny. Not only did she work there but she owned the bar with Liz, was single, and was an “awesome person,” as Danny put it.

  Before leaving she’d have to be sure and thank Liz for getting rid of Lee for her. At least she had a little peace to enjoy her fake drink with Alex. Hmm, with Alex. It wasn’t like she was having a drink with her. It was Alex’s job to mix drinks, pour beer, and be friendly, right? After all she did run a bar, and keeping people there to buy drinks was her business. If she was friendly, folks would stay there longer. Even so, Riley thought she had felt something every time Alex smiled her way. Surely she was imagining it.

  Come on, you’ll be fifty years old in a few months, she thought to herself. Alex is beautiful and owns a bar on an island in paradise for goodness’ sake, she could have her pick any night. She was just being friendly, she’s not interested in you.

  Time was getting away from her as she mused about Alex. She still hadn’t found Kara. She’d texted her several times, but no reply. When her phone finally pinged, she was relieved to see her best friend’s name on the screen.

  Kara: Hey, I saw Lisa and she said you were looking for me. I’ll meet you at the bar.

  All good, wink, wink.

  * * *

  Riley: Of course it is. Ok. Haha.

  * * *

  As she headed back to Peaches, she thought they might be cutting it a little close to catch their ferry, but surely there would be others.

  Alex cleared off the empty tables as folks headed to the dock to catch the last ferry of the day. A few people remained that were staying on St. John. It had been a good evening and night. The bar never was too crowded, but it was full and everyone seemed to have a good time.

  * * *

  After Riley left, Alex would find her mind drifting back to the redhead and her amazing eyes. She could feel Riley watching her as she filled orders and helped customers. She couldn’t help looking over at her and smiling. Alex thought she could get lost in those eyes and they’d never let her go. Maybe she wouldn’t want them to.

  * * *

  “What are you thinking?” Alex chided herself. She could tell Riley wasn’t the kind of woman for a vacation fling. Even if she was, she was busy with her friends. And what would she want with a bartender?

  * * *

  “Hey, Alex,” Danny yelled. “These ladies need to talk to you.”

  * * *

  Alex went over to the table where she found Riley’s friends. “Do you know where Riley went? I saw her talking to you earlier,” the one she thought Riley had called Kim slurred.

  * * *

  “She went to look for a couple of your party that had left,” Alex told her.

  * * *

  “Okay. We were heading back to catch the ferry and didn’t want to leave her. If she comes back here, will you tell her we all went back to the hotel, please?” Kim said while swaying a little.

  * * *

  “Are you sure you can make it? I’d be happy to send someone to the dock with you,” Alex said.

  * * *

  “We’re okay,” Kerry said. “Yes, we’ve all had a little too much to drink but not so much that we can’t walk,” she added with a smile. “Thanks for such a fun night. You’ve got a great place here. Hopefully we’ll be back before we head home.”

  * * *

  “Congrats to y’all, by the way, on the wedding,” Alex said. “Thanks for coming to Peaches. We loved having your whole group.”

  * * *

  They waved goodbye and made their way out of the bar and up the street. Alex looked
at her watch and hoped Riley would come back by.

  * * *

  She was busy cleaning up tables, tidying up what she could and checking the receipts and inventory. She guessed that Riley had met her friends back at the dock. She admitted to herself that she was a little disappointed.

  * * *

  “What’s the sad look for?” Liz asked.

  * * *

  “What sad look?”

  * * *

  “The one on your face. I was watching how deep in thought you were, and then your face fell. It wouldn’t have to do with that pretty little redhead I saved earlier, would it?” Liz said with raised eyebrows. “You know, the one that was chatting you up at the bar and couldn’t keep her eyes off you.”

  * * *

  Alex just looked at Liz.

  * * *

  “That’s why I so kindly distracted her friend,” Liz said, as though this were the most obvious thing in the world. “I saw how she looked at you, and I hoped you’d go for it after our discussion earlier.”

  * * *

  “She had to go find her other friend. I guess she found her and caught the ferry because her friends left a while ago. She must not have been as interested as you thought,” Alex said quietly.

  * * *

  “So that is the reason for the long face,” Liz said.

  * * *

  “Okay, I’ll admit I was hoping she’d come back by, but I guess I missed my chance,” Alex said.

  * * *

  Liz’s sympathetic look transformed into a look of excitement so quickly that Alex had to wonder if she was feeling okay.

  * * *

  “Well, here’s your second chance.” Liz nodded toward the back of the bar. “Your mysterious redhead just walked through the patio door. Don’t mess this one up, honey,” she said, and busied herself with the cash drawer.

  Two

  Riley walked into the bar and looked around for her friends, but they were nowhere to be found. That was odd, she thought. Weren’t they all going to walk to the dock to catch the ferry?

  She noticed the bartender, Alex, at the bar, so Riley walked over. “Hey, I don’t guess you’d know where my friends are? I thought we were leaving here together to catch the ferry.”

  Alex looked up and seemed excited to see her. “Oh, hey. They left some time ago and asked me to tell you they’d meet you at the hotel.”

  “At the hotel? I thought we were walking to the dock together.”

  “I thought you must’ve met them at the dock. I’m sure they caught the last ferry,” Alex said.

  Riley’s eyes grew wide. “Last ferry? You mean the ferry doesn’t run all the time?”

  “No, the last one left about a half hour ago.”

  Her heart dropped into her stomach. “So, if there’s no other ferry how do I get back to the hotel? Is there another way?”

  “Uh, not really, Riley. Most of the water taxis don’t run at night.”

  “Seriously? I’m stuck here until morning?” Riley looked around wondering what she should do next. Would she have to sleep on the street? “You’re kidding. Do you all live on this island? There’s not some boat I could catch?”

  “I’m really sorry, but everyone I know has already left for the night,” Alex said.

  Riley stood there for a moment thinking. “Well, I guess I’d better go find me a hotel for the night. Damn, I can’t believe this! I’m the one that tries to make sure everyone gets where we need to be, and I miss the last ferry!” She threw her arms up in the air. “Perfect.”

  Later, Alex couldn’t be sure what made her do it. Maybe it was the woman’s air of hopelessness or her own do-gooder heart. “I tell you what, Riley,” she said. “Have a seat and I’ll pour you a beer. Check in with your friends and see where they are. I’ll call around and see if I can get you a place to stay tonight. How’s that sound?”

  Riley looked at Alex as she poured the beer and sighed. “That would be really nice. Thanks, Alex.”

  “No problem. I’ll be right back.” Alex went to the end of the bar and got her phone while Riley texted Kara.

  Riley: Hey, where are you? I’m at the bar and you’re not here.

  Kara: You’re here? I’ve been waiting on you for an hour! I don’t see you.

  Riley: What? I’m sitting at the bar.

  Kara: You’re not at the bar because that’s where I am.

  Riley: I’m at Peaches, sitting at the bar!

  Kara: Peaches!? I’m at the hotel bar!

  Riley: The hotel bar? Why are you at the hotel bar?

  Kara: You said you would meet me at the bar. I’ve been here for an hour waiting on you!

  Riley: Shit! I thought you meant to meet at Peaches and we’d take the ferry back with everyone else.

  Kara: Everyone is here!

  Riley: Great! I’m stuck here because the last ferry left 30 minutes ago while I was waiting on you to get back from your little walk on the beach!

  Kara: Holy shit, Riley!! I’m so sorry! What are you going to do?

  Riley: Alex is calling a couple of places to see if I can get a room for the night. I can’t fucking believe this!

  Kara: Alex? Bartender Alex?

  Riley: Yes.

  Kara: This might not be so bad after all! ;) Let me know where you end up.

  Riley: Not even funny! I’ll see you in the morning when I can catch a boat.

  Breathe, Riley, she said to herself. That’s why you’ve been learning to meditate. She took several deep breaths and let them out slowly with her eyes closed.

  “Are you all right?” Alex asked.

  Riley’s eyes popped open to see Alex standing in front of her. “Yeah, I was just trying to calm down.”

  “Did it work?”

  She pushed out a breath, shakier than the last few. “Not sure yet. It turns out Kara, the one that’s supposed to be my best friend, is waiting for me at the hotel bar.” She picked up her glass and gave the beer a sour look. “I thought she meant this bar obviously.”

  “Maybe you should take a few more of those deep breaths,” said Alex.

  “No, I’m fine,” Riley said, but Alex had begun to look uncomfortable. “Wait, why do you say that?”

  “Well, I’m afraid the places I’d recommend for you to stay tonight are full,” Alex said apologetically as Riley’s face fell and her shoulders sagged defeated. “But I have an idea,” she quickly added. Riley looked up.

  “I happen to live above the bar and have a very comfortable couch. You’re welcome to stay with me,” Alex said.

  “Oh, I couldn’t put you out like that.” Or could I, Riley thought, she’s beautiful and willing to rescue me.

  “You wouldn’t be putting me out. I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want you to,” Alex said.

  Riley narrowed her eyes. “Really?”

  Alex nodded.

  “You’re not the island serial killer or anything like that, right?”

  “No, they caught him last month. You’re safe here,” Alex said with a laugh.

  “Well, if you’re sure they caught him, I gratefully accept your kindness.”

  “Great. I have a few things to finish up here, but I can take you up and show you around first if you want,” Alex said.

  “Show you around where?” Liz walked up to the pair.

  “It seems that my friends and I had a major miscommunication,” Riley explained. “They left me and I missed the last ferry. Alex has graciously offered to let me spend the night and catch the boat in the morning.”

  “Oh she did, did she?” Liz said with raised eyebrows.

  Riley noticed Alex give Liz a weird look, but she forged ahead anyway. “She did, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I promise to bring my friends back and make them spend lots of money in here to make up for it. By the way, thanks for the distraction earlier with Lee.”

  Liz chuckled. “You’re most welcome. Danny and I have this. You two go ahead, and we’ll close up.”

  “You don’t have to,” Alex p
rotested. “It won’t take me long to finish up.”

  “I know it won’t, but I’ve got this. Get Riley settled in. See you both tomorrow,” Liz said and started cleaning up.

  “Right this way.” Alex led her guest to a door at the end of the bar. “You might want to take my hand, it’s a little dark in here and I don’t want you to miss a step.”

  Riley took Alex’s hand and once again noticed how their hands fit perfectly together as she followed her through the door and up a flight of stairs. She couldn’t help but be a little excited. While walking on the beach earlier her mind had wandered to thoughts of Alex, and what she was like. It looked like she was going to get the chance to learn more, and that suited her just fine.

  “Come on in,” Alex said. She unlocked the door and moved aside so Riley could enter.

  Riley found herself in one large room. On the left was a living area with a couch, TV, a couple of chairs, and a table. Directly ahead was the kitchen area, and off to her right were two open doors. There were windows everywhere, making the room look larger than it was. Alex definitely had a beach vibe going, with muted tones of blue, green, and tan. The floors were hardwood with throw rugs of the same colors. It was welcoming, comfy, and homey.

  “What a great place. It’s beautiful—and all those windows!” Riley said.

  “Thanks. On your left you’ll notice the living area and across is the kitchen. This door is to the bathroom, and this one is to the bedroom,” Alex said pointing to each door. “It’s not much, but really it’s perfect for me.”