Shaken Not Stirred (Mixology) (7 page)

Outside I let out a sigh of relief. It’s not
like I had a death wish, but I needed my time alone.

I unlocked my bike and hopped on. The best
part of riding a bicycle is that it doesn’t take any gas. Oh, and
you can usually maneuver your way around traffic.

I turned right out of the Grille and headed
toward home. I loved the feel of the wind in my hair, and I
relaxed. I still had a ways to go when I saw the car heading
straight at me. I veered to the side, stopping before I flipped
over the handlebars.

“Damn you, Macon.” I steadied myself as Macon
rolled down his window. “You could have killed me.”

“I was just making sure you were awake.”

“Awake? I’d prefer breathing.” I finally
calmed down enough to get off the bike.

“Stop complaining, you knew I wouldn’t hit
you.” Wordlessly, he secured my bike onto his bike rack.

“He called you, didn’t he?” Max couldn’t
leave it alone.

“Of course he did. You could get killed
riding that thing at night.”

“The only one who came close to killing me
was you.” I settled into the passenger seat.

“I was trying to prove the point. It’s
dangerous.”

“Only when someone purposely tries to run me
off the road. I’m hoping you’re the only one who would do
that.”

“I bet there are more. You probably have
enemies.”

“Enemies that are driving around the Outer
Banks at night?” I turned down the AC that was blaring and freezing
my legs.

“They might be really committed to the act of
killing you.”

“You are so morbid.”

“No, just lightening the mood.”

“Keep it up. You’re doing a great job.”

“Want to keep lightening it?

“Only if it’s safe.”

“It’s safe. I have a guy I want to set you up
with.” Macon kept his eyes on the road and a neutral expression on
his face.

“Like a blind date? Is this a joke?”

“Not a joke. I guess it’s not completely
blind because my friend is the one who asked me to set it up.”

“Your friend? What friend?” My skin prickled.
I knew most of Macon’s friends in the area, and none of them were
the type I’d date, or that he’d set me up with.

“Just one of the guys who works at the shop
with me.”

“Why’d he ask you to set us up?” I asked
suspiciously.

“He’s seen you around.”

“Why do I get the feeling you’re hiding
something from me?”

“You don’t trust me, do you?” He turned the
AC back up. He could be so infuriating sometimes.

“Not when it comes to my dating life.”

He turned into our condo lot. “Come on, I
think you’ll like him.”

“What’s his name?”

“Ralph.”

“Seriously? You expect me to go on a date
with a guy named Ralph?” I slammed my door accidently and cringed.
Macon was pretty protective of his car and would normally snap at
me for it.

“You can’t be serious. A girl named Maddy is
going to make fun of someone’s name.”

“Maddy’s just a nickname. Maddison is a fine
name.”

“Yes, if you’re the capital of
Wisconsin.”

“Very funny.” I started upstairs without
waiting for him. I knew he’d follow right behind me. “It’s not even
spelled the same.”

“So what do you say?”

“To what?” I unlocked the door.

“Will you go out with Ralph tomorrow
night?”

I turned to look at Macon. “Why is this so
important to you?”

“Because you’re important, and I want you to
find happiness.”

“Okay, now I’m definitely not going.”

“Did you tell her about the date we lined up
for her?” Brody asked from his place on the beige leather
couch.

“Wait, you’re in on this too? What’s going
on?”

“Nothing, Maddy. We just think you guys would
make a good match.”

“Not a chance.” I took off for my room.

“Please, Maddy. He’s going to be really
disappointed.”

I spun around. “Is he at least cute?”

“Want to see a picture?” Macon whipped out
his phone.

“You have a picture of him on your
phone?”

“Just some dumb ones from work.”

“Fine.” I grabbed the phone.

“Wow, this is Ralph?” A guy straight off my
college roommates’ surfer boy calendar stared back at me.

“Yeah. Not bad, huh?”

“I’ll go out with him.”

They both laughed. “And the truth comes out.
It’s all about the looks.”

“What? Like you guys don’t decide to date, or
in your case, Macon, sleep with, girls because of their
appearance?”

“Of course we do.” Macon didn’t bother to
defend himself.

“I’ll go on one date.”

“Great, Ralph is going to be thrilled.”

“Fantastic.”

***

“I’m glad Macon set this up,” Ralph led the
way down the outdoor stairs.

“Yeah, it was nice of him.” I was still
trying to decide if Ralph’s choice of a red print Hawaiian shirt
was serious, or if it was a joke I was supposed to be commenting
on.

“I brought my bike. I thought it would be
more fun.” He stopped in front of a large chrome motorcycle and my
stomach lurched. I hated motorcycles. Macon knew that more than
anyone. I was surprised he hadn’t warned Ralph to leave it at
home.

“Oh. I guess I’m not dressed right then.” I
glanced down at my emerald green sundress, wanting way more
clothing if I was riding on that thing.

“You’re dressed great. You look amazing.”

“Thanks, but shouldn’t I be in a jacket at
least?” When your father’s an ER doc, you kind of get bombarded
with the dangers of motorcycles. I’d made it twenty-two years
without even being tempted to ride on one.

“You can if you want, but I brought you a
helmet.”

“Yeah, I’m going to get something.” I took
the stairs two at a time, already dialing Macon. He and Brody were
both out. I couldn’t believe they hadn’t warned me that Ralph drove
a bike.

I didn’t own a leather jacket, but Brody did.
I’d noticed it when I was in his room once. I found the
four-sizes-too-big jacket and slipped it on after changing into
jeans and a tank. Satisfied with my new outfit, I walked back down.
I may not have looked as good, but it would at least offer some
protection from road rash.

“Oh, you really changed.” Ralph’s face fell
slightly.

“Yeah, I’m ready now.”

“Great. We’re going to Chilli Peppers over in
Kill Devil Hills.”

“That’s a forty-minute drive from here.”

“So? It’ll give you time to enjoy the
ride.”

I sighed. “All right.” Tons of people enjoyed
riding motorcycles. In theory I could be one of them.

“Just get on behind me and hold on.”

I did as he said and tried to remain calm
when he turned on the engine. I could handle forty minutes.

Corolla disappeared behind us as he sped
farther down Highway 12. We drove through Duck, and Kitty Hawk,
each one a little different but still with a seaside feel.

There wasn’t much traffic, so Ralph drove us
at a fast pace. I’m sure my hands were leaving imprints in Ralph’s
stomach because I was holding on so tight. Finally we arrived at
the restaurant, and I let him help me off.

“Wow, you okay?” He must have noticed how
tense I was.

“Yeah, I think so.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d have
thought it was your first time on a bike.”

“It was.”

“Oh.” A funny expression crossed his face. “I
thought you were into bikes.”

“Not at all.”

“I would have picked you up in my car, but
it’s too late now. Let’s enjoy dinner.” He took my hand and led me
inside.

I resisted the snarky reply that wanted to
come out. He hadn’t done it intentionally.

Seated at a center table, I picked up the
menu to peruse.

“You don’t need that.”

“I don’t?” I glanced up at his expressionless
face. I really hoped he wasn’t going where I knew he was.

“No. I’ll order.” He went there.

I held in a groan. I hated when guys did
that, especially on the first date. There was no way he knew what I
wanted. I didn’t even know what I wanted. “That’s okay.”

“No, I insist.” He called the waiter over and
proceeded to order for me. I had to jump in when he asked for mine
to be extra spicy.

“No, mild is fine,” I quickly assured the
waiter.

“You sure?” Ralph cocked his head to the side
as he watched me.

“Absolutely sure.”

The rest of dinner didn’t go any better, and
a sinking suspicion set in. When Ralph suggested a round of mini
golf, I couldn’t let it continue.

“Listen, Ralph. Macon’s messing with us.” I
was already planning revenge in my head.

“What do you mean?” Ralph held open the door
for me, and we started walking back out to the lot.

I stopped, waiting for him to do the same. “I
hate motorcycles, spicy food, and mini golf.”

A look of understanding hit him. “And I bet
you don’t like guys who take control either.”

“The whole ordering for me thing?”

“Yeah.” He tucked his thumbs in the corners
of his pockets.

I clasped my hands together. “What an
asshole.” I tried to get my anger back in place. I had a short
temper and once I lost it, it wasn’t a pretty sight. We’re not
talking anger management level, but I’m not someone you want on
your bad side.

“Exactly my thoughts. But you really don’t
like mini golf?”

“No. Especially not here. How many
pirate-themed mini golf courses do you need?”

“We could always go to the dinosaur one.”

“Not much better. That T-rex looks like he
could fall on top of you.”

“You don’t like dangerous things, do
you?”

“Oh. The motorcycle thing? Yeah, blame my
father for it.”

“Okay. If I ever meet him, I will.” He
smiled. “So what do you like? Is there any chance of my salvaging
this date?”

All I wanted to do was get in an actual car
and go home, but I wasn’t that mean. His smile was sweet, and he
was trying. “Ice cream. I like ice cream.”

“You mean you’re not lactose intolerant?”

“Seriously? He said that?”

Ralph laughed. “No, but I’m surprised he
didn’t. Let’s get some ice cream then.”

The next ride on the bike wasn’t so bad. I
relaxed enough, and we stopped for ice cream back in Corolla. I
felt tons better knowing I wouldn’t have to get back on the bike, I
could easily walk the short distance home.

I had just settled in to enjoy my cone of
vanilla soft serve when I noticed an all-too-familiar face walking
toward the register, and he wasn’t alone. So that’s why Colin
hadn’t called back. The girl was pretty, with reddish-brown hair.
She was of average height and wore ballet flats and a puffy skirt.
I at least had to give it to the girl; she had a fun sense of
style. I also now had an answer. I hadn’t read him wrong, I just
hadn’t read her.

“Can we finish these outside?” Knowing my
track record, I’d get caught staring at the couple if we stayed
inside any longer.

“Sure. It’s a nice night for a walk.” Ralph
grabbed a couple of napkins on the way to the door. Points for
thinking ahead.

We walked along the boardwalk, finishing the
last of our cones. The surf was rough, splashing up against the
wood. “Thanks, this was fun.”

“Yeah? I’m glad. Hopefully you can forgive me
for the first half of our date.”

“You’re forgiven.” I smiled. There was
something fun about hanging out with Ralph. There were definitely
no sparks, but he seemed like a sweet guy.

“You ready to go home?” He tossed out the
napkins when we passed a trash bin.

“Yeah, but I think I’m going to walk.”

“Really? You hate bikes that much?”

“It’s a nice night. I’d like the fresh
air.”

“Can I at least walk you home? I feel weird
leaving you here.” His expression fell somewhere between “I care”
and “you’re annoying.” I’m sure being misled by Macon wasn’t much
fun for him either.

“It’s really not an issue. There are tons of
people out.”

“But it’s dark.”

“And there are lights.” I gestured to a
streetlight. Unfortunately, it was flickering, so it didn’t help my
case.

“Are you always this difficult?”

“Usually.”

“Please. Is my company that awful?”

“No.” I finally realized how bad my
insistence could be interpreted. “The company would be nice.”

“Great. Let’s go.”

The walk home was pleasant enough, and he
kept the goodbye hug short. Macon wasn’t anywhere to be seen when I
walked in, but he wasn’t getting away with anything.

***

Pouring a pitcher of water over Macon’s head
while he slept was incredibly satisfying. As was watching his
reaction when he woke up.

“What the fuck, Maddy!”

“What’s the matter? You don’t like water on
your face? I must have forgotten. Kind of like how you forget that
I hated motorcycles?”

He sat up, wiping water off his face. “I take
it you didn’t enjoy your date last night.”

“What the hell was that? Am I blanking out on
something mean I’ve done to you recently? Because usually friends
don’t set each other up on horrible blind dates intentionally.”

“I was giving you perspective, and getting
Ralph back.”

“Perspective? And what were you getting Ralph
back for?”

“He cockblocked me twice last week.”

“Do you have to use that language?”

Macon laughed. “You say every curse word
imaginable, yet you can’t handle the word ‘cock.’”

“I can handle it, I just don’t like it.”

“You can’t handle it. Your face scrunches up
every time I say it.”

“That’s not true.” Although I wished living
with boys didn’t mean listening to crude language.

“Can you even say it? Are you still such a
prude you can’t?”

“I don’t need to use the term.” I crossed my
arms.

“You don’t like ‘dick’ either.”