Sea Breeze 03 - While It Lasts

because she was off the radar.
    I had pulled out the blue jean mini skirt that Josh had loved so much and put it on as a source of co mfort. I completed my honky- tonking outfit with cowboy boots a nd a shiny black halter- top. I was going to dance with attractive men and drink enough tequila to make the pain go away. Cage may have thrown me aside once he got tired of me but I wasn’t undesirable. Many guys would be thrilled to have my attention.
    I jerked the door open . As I stepped into the smoky bar , I searched for Becca Lynn. She’d texted me and told me to come meet her here if I was up for some fun. I noticed her dancing with a guy with a black Stetson and a pair of tight jeans. Becca Lynn was rubbing every p art of her body against his as the live band played an old country song that reminded me of Daddy’s Hank Williams Jr . albums.
    Nelly was at the bar and I headed over to order my first shot of the night.
    “Didn’t ‘ spect to see you back here after Jeremy came to peel you off the flo or the last time you stopped in. ” Nelly’s concerned frown bothered me. Did everyone in town stick their noses in my business?
    “I need a drink , Nelly,” I told her as I sat down on the empty stool in front of her.
    She sighed, “ Alrighty girl, reckon you’re a woman now.” S he grabbed a shot glass and poured Jose Cuervo silver into the glass then slid it over to me.
    “You wanting lime and salt with that?”
    “No. This is fine,” I replied and slung it back. The heat burned all the w ay down my throat. I put the glass back down and pushed it back to her.
    “Easy now , sugar,” she chided and filled the glass again before sliding it back to me.
    “I just need two to get me loosened up.”
    I took the glass and downed it quickly. The burn was less intense but it was still there.
    “This ‘ cause Jeremy left for school?” Nelly asked , leaning her elbows on the bar and studying me. Her long black hair was peppered with gra y and pulled back into a ponytail. Hard living hadn’t been good to her and although she was probably around her mid-forties she looked older. Her skin was weathered and hard looking.
    “No. This time it isn’t because of a Beasley boy,” I informed her , sliding my glass to her. “Just one more,” I told her.
    “Who am I gonna call with Jeremy gone if you end up trashed?”
    “I won’t get drunk , I promise. I just need a buzz, Nelly.”
    Her wrinkled lips puckered int o a frown and she poured me one more glass.
    I didn’t wait for her to give it to me. I reached over , picked it up and downed it. The numbness started to set in and Cage York seemed less important. Perfect. I smiled at Nelly and would have kissed her sagging cheek if I could reach her. She’d given me my first relief from the pain since Cage had discarded me.
    Standing up , I had to stop a second to steady myself when the room shifted a little. Once I had my balance I walked out to the dance floor. I’d dance by myself. I didn’t need a man.
    “Eva Brooks, I do believe yo u have been drinking,” a familiar voice drawled and I lifted my gaze from the floor where I’d been focused on not falling over and met the smiling brown eyes of Mark Ganner . Mark had played wide receiver in high school. Josh had often said that Mark was his ‘ go to ’ guy. He could catch a ball no matter how bad the throw.
    “Mark. ” I smiled ; glad to see someone from my past.
    “You look real good, Eva.”
    I reached out and grabbed his arm and leaned on him some. My legs were still a little numb. “Thank you, ” I replied.
    “You wanna dance?” Mark asked
    “YES!”
    Mark laughed and pulled me into his arms. I was thankful for some support.
    “What have you been up to?” h e asked as we moved together to the music.
    “ Nothing. Trying to figure out what happens next.”
    Mark nodded, “Yeah.”
    The song changed and I had more control over my body as the tequila eased through me.
Throwing back my head I laughed and began moving my hips seductively against Mark. The interest in his eyes felt empty. Then again, I was empty. Might as well take what I could get.
    “EVA!” Becca Lynn squealed as the cowboy twirled her around and sidled up next to me and Mark .
    “Look at you already buzzing and dancing with Mark. I’m so proud I could just bust,” Becca cheered. “You be good to her Mark.”
    “She’s in good hands,” Mark assured Becca . S he giggled then threw him a wink before dancing off.
    “You