Storms of Passion by Lori Power Page B

answer.
    Glancing around the large, mahogany decorated interior, Vivian’s mind blanked. “Ahhh.”
    “Nope, don’t sell that here.” The waitress’ low-pitched words were softened by the friendly smiled she bestowed on Vivian. Truly, this woman could probably take on anything flung her way and the glare she turned to the men seated at the bar clearly indicated she had no time for bullshit. “A beer, perhaps? Whisky? Dan’s not really into fancy umbrella drinks, but I can twist his arm if that’s all you’re use to, honey.”
    Beer or hard liquor? What a choice. Despite what the waitress said about the arm twisting, and Vivian was sure she could do it, she didn’t have the nerve to even ponder the wrath of Dan if she asked for a margarita. Contrary to her friendly wink, Vivian was sure this waitress wouldn’t think twice about tossing her out on her ass if she ordered a virgin Caesar.
    “Whiskey, please. Tall glass with Ginger Ale. Thanks.” Vivian smiled and the woman nodded as she stalked away, her too short shirt hugging her older curvy form.
    Vivian gazed out the window, avoiding her own reflection. A quick glance revealed a face that had the appearance of someone caged. Caught in a net of her own design. She waited for her drink, desperate for something to do with her hands. She really hadn’t thought this through very well. Vivian had been so frustrated by Tuck’s kiss all she wanted was to get out of the close confines of her room. Space, she had needed space.
    Where did Tuck learn to kiss like that? Self-proclaimed computer geeks are not suppose to even know how to kiss, let alone melt a woman in the most perfect of settings, on a beach with a breeze tickling and a picnic at their feet. Who did he think he was?
    “Shall I start a tab for you, hon?” Platinum was back with the drink in hand. “It’ll get busy in here shortly so best to do it now before we’re swamped.”
    “Really?”
    “Oh, yeah. Friday nights the Tavern gets hopping with some local music and everyone comes by. Don’t let the local color fool ya.” She nodded at the men still seated at the bar who every once and awhile cast glances toward Vivian. “They just look hard. They’re dandies underneath.”
    Vivian leaned to glance around the woman. “I’ll have to take your word for it. I’m Vivian, by the way.”
    Pointing to her nametag housed on a sliver of fabric just above the swell of left breast, she said. “Margie. Nice to meet you.” As Margie’s face opened with a winning smile, Vivian noted how the genuine smile took years off her face. “You sit back and relax. You’ll love the music. Everyone does.”
    “Okay.” Vivian heard more conviction from her voice than she actually there would be.
    Try as she might to drink the tall glass of liquor slowly, she downed it. The whiskey was so smooth. The amber liquid slid down her throat like warm honey, tickling her toes from the inside and making her feel fuzzy.
    “You should water this down for me,” Vivian suggested when Margie brought glass number three to the table.
    “Don’t worry. Enjoy this one. You’ll be lucky to get another now that the crowd is arriving.” Margie pointed over her shoulder at the band setting up in the corner.
    Just as the barmaid predicted, the pub filled fast. From the moment the band struck their first note, the party was on. Dancing, laughing, shouting, and carousing erupted in the bar. Vivian soaked it in, unnoticed for once, as she sat in her corner, enjoying the evening and nursing her drink. The cover songs were dispersed with the band’s originals and the crowd loved them. As drink number four arrived, Vivian sang along, letting the atmosphere engulf her.
    She sat straighter, trying to focus her slightly blurred vision. She loved the sound of an acoustic guitar. The strumming of the melody melted her. One of my all-time favorites . Before this song, Vivian didn’t bother to check out the band. She had stayed occupied with