It was a beautiful night. There was a light breeze in the air, but it was still warm enough to not need a jacket. I decided to turn my walk to the mailbox into an enjoyable evening stroll. I knew I’d eventually pass by a store where I could pick up some gin and tonic to bring back to my room. Despite the fact that my cheating ex-husband had just tracked me down and stolen my car, I felt surprisingly calm.

It was almost like his taking the car back freed me from his grip. Sure, that money was comforting to have, but it came with a heavy emotional price tag. I was glad to be rid of it. I’d been working full time at the café and my tips were getting bigger each day. I knew I’d be fine. I’d be better than fine without any attachment to Matt.

It felt pretty amazing to realize he was loosing his grip on me. Telling him to send through the divorce papers felt even better. I hadn’t realized it, but in the last week, I didn’t think of Matt once.

It was Kane who consumed my mind and heart now.

As I walked down a side street, a saw a tiny pub I hadn’t noticed before. I took a few steps back and peeked in the front window. It wasn’t too busy and had a certain old fashioned charm to it. I decided to go in and have a drink.

I walked in and went straight to the bathroom to fix up my hair and makeup first. Then, feeling freshened up, I grabbed a seat at the counter. The bartender came over and I ordered the gin and tonic I’d been craving all night.

I took my first sip and that’s when it hit me. It had only been a little over a week since I’d arrived in Pismo Beach, but it was like I was already a new woman. When I first showed up and went to the brewery for food and a beer, I’d been so nervous.

Terrified!

I dreaded that I had to go in and eat on my own. Tonight, I just walked right in, sat at the bar, and ordered a drink like it was nothing. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t even thought twice about it.

My job at the café was doing more for my confidence than I realized. Not only was it giving me a steady cash flow, but it seemed to have been working wonders on my self-esteem. I felt like I had purpose, like I was a part of something. I loved working with Sandra and the rest of the staff and getting to serve all kinds of different people. With each shift I could feel myself getting better at it, and Sandra never failed to see it and encourage me.

I knew it was just a waitressing job, and I couldn’t even imagine what my family or old friends would say if they found out I was a waitress, but that didn’t matter. I loved it.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a man walk in and look for a seat at the bar. All of them were taken except for the one beside me that I’d put my purse on. I moved it off and hung it on the back of my chair. He smiled and thanked me as he took the seat. I told him it was no problem as I reached back into my purse to grab my phone.

Still no word from Kane, but both Sandra and Paul had texted to make sure I got my car back. I sent them back the same message saying things were all good. I thought it was a vague enough answer and would do the job until I explained in person what happened. I was still in the gin and tonic processing phase, and was ready for my second.

“And bring another gin and tonic for the beautiful woman sitting next to me,” the guy said to the bartender. I looked at him with a curious, raised eyebrow. I couldn’t figure out if he’d just read my mind, or if I’d spoken my thoughts aloud.

“I hope you don’t mind. I noticed you just finished your drink, and I was worried you’d leave before I had the chance to say hello.”

He was undeniably charming.

I smiled and thanked him. The bartender put our drinks down in front of us and we raised them to cheers.

“That’s quite the purse you have. I bet it says a lot about you,” he said.

“Oh really? Like what? That I shop at gas stations?”

“Well, I just noticed how colorful it is. A colorful purse for a bright and stunning young lady.”

“Oh, well thank you,” I said, a little embarrassed.

“I like it. You never know where you’ll find things of beauty, you just have to be open to finding them,” he said.

This guy was smooth.

I turned to face him as he was obviously trying to have a conversation with me. He seemed nice and was very handsome. I wondered who he was. He was laying the cheesy compliments on thick. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t making me smile though. The attention felt nice.

I could tell he wasn’t a local. He was lacking that sexy, relaxed surfer style. He was fair skinned and dressed in jeans and a blazer, which was attractive but smarter than what the local guys tended to wear.

“I just arrived in Pismo Beach today,” he said.

Knew it.

“I work for a big tech company. I’m here for work.” Not that there’s anything wrong with the tech world, but I could have guessed that was where he was from just by looking at him. He certainly didn’t come from the Beach Body Automotive and Marine Repair world.

Regardless, he was charming, and next thing I knew, we were three drinks in with each other. With each drink we got a little closer, and the physical touches became more frequent.

“I can’t get over how stunning you are,” he said, letting his hand rest on my knee. “What do you say we get out of here?”

He leaned in closer and put his hand on my upper thigh.

“But I’m not done my drink yet,” I said.

He was a nice guy but something stopped me from falling for his offer. I knew I should give him a chance, and I was trying to, but I just couldn’t. It was weird. I was having a perfectly enjoyable time with him. I couldn’t deny that much. His compliments and flirts were hitting me right where I needed. And for the first time in my life, I was a free woman. I could do whatever I wanted. I could do whoever I wanted. It was finally my turn to sow some wild oats.

I was no expert at picking up men in bars, but it was impossible to ignore that things with this guy were heating up. But the second he suggested leaving, I froze. I knew I didn’t want to leave with him. I didn’t want to be with him.

He stood up from his seat and leaned in to me, his lips touching my ear.

“I’ll be right back for you, you irresistible woman.”

I watched as he made his way toward the men’s room.

I couldn’t blame him for thinking he was going to get with me. I was totally responsible for giving him all the green lights. With each drink, my green lights only became more frequent.

I knew I should have wanted to sleep with him. He was ready and willing. But I just wasn’t. I couldn’t even imagine it. I wanted to leave before he got back, but I hesitated too long and he was back before I could escape.

Before sitting back down, he kissed me on the neck.

“Looks like you’re done your drink,” he said with a look that said he was sure he was about to get laid.

When he kissed me, Kane’s face flashed before my eyes. The look on his face before he orgasmed inside me. I almost burst into tears at the memory. It brought back so many emotions.

“I really need to get going. I work early tomorrow,” I said, retreating from his next advance.

“I can come help you relax,” he said as he reached around my waist and put his mouth on the back of my neck again.

“I said, no, buddy.”

“Oh come on,” he insisted, this time letting his hands slide up over my breasts.

That’s when I got mad. Who the fuck did this guy think he was. Maybe Kane was gone forever, maybe I’d never see him again, but until I knew for sure, I was going to consider myself his girl and I wasn’t going to let this guy get away with any more liberties.

With all my might, I drove my elbow into his stomach, sending him doubled over in pain.

“I said, no thank you.”

I got up from my seat as he struggled to get his wind back.

“What the fuck, lady? I just bought you three drinks.”

He put his hand on my arm and I looked down at it. For the first time I noticed the tan line on his finger, right where a wedding ring should have been.

“Well, maybe you should have bought them for your wife, asshole,” I said, driving my knee into his nuts.

I fell back, knocking over a table and sending glass crashing all over. I couldn’t believe it. It was the second time in less than two weeks that I’d sent a guy falling into a table full of glass.

I reached into my purse and took out the twenty dollar bill I’d taken from the envelope.

“Here, consider yourself reimbursed.”

Then I flicked back my hair, grabbed my purse, and strode out of the bar.