Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“I didn’t know,” Dash said, still lovingly staring at me. “And yes, it’s weird. But it straightens out some of my confusion. I’ll talk about somewhere I want to go and say the street name, but they always correct me. It’s not easy to navigate around here.”
“Draft for you,” the bartender said with a strong Italian accent, handing the beer over. “Another vodka soda for you. Do I still keep them coming?” A new cocktail glass was placed in front of Dash, who responded with a thumbs-up while finishing the remainder of his previous drink. “You ready to order food? Or are you here for the game?”
“Both.” Dash kept his eyes pointed toward me. “Dallas vs Phoenix. The Mavericks are expected to sweep. We might have some people from school join us,” he said. This was a date to mark since Dash never spoke of sports. “We’ll have a little bit of home. The sign outside says this place has the best pizza in Chicago. What do you want?” he asked me, finally turning his attention to the bartender, ready to order.
“Somethin’ with a variety of meats. I like it all,” I said, lifting the beer for a pretty decent size swallow.
“I got cha,” he said and left us having no idea what we’d ordered. Another Chicago way.
“Who’s comin’?” I asked.
“Just a few people I’ve met,” Dash explained. “I invited them casually. I doubt they’ll come.”
“Well, you’re mistaken then.” A female voice drew both our attention as I draped my arm over the ledge behind Dash. Without hesitation, she dropped down in the booth, scooting toward me, a guy trailing her. “Pierce is on his way.” She regarded me with direct curiosity in that particular way lawyers had at looking at something. “I’m Mandy.” She extended her hand for a formal handshake. I hadn’t expected that but obliged. “This is my husband, Denver.” I understood his acknowledgement way better when I received a nod.
“This is my guy, Beau,” Dash stated proudly.
“Thank God you’re here,” Mandy said with flair while looking at me. “We thought he was insane with the way he talked about you all of the time.”
“We’ve all heard the story of how you met,” Denver added, lifting a hand to gain the bartender’s attention. “We got trapped one night at your condo, hearing about all the years he waited on you.” Denver turned a playful stare at Mandy. “I’d’ve moved on, for sure.” She knocked him in the chest with the back of her hand.
Well, this was news to me. Since Dash had me on call most evenings and into the night, he never mentioned having friends over or that he wasn’t right there with me all night. I tilted my chin toward Dash, but didn’t get much of a reply. My guy was on his way to a solid drunk. “They came over a couple of times. Always late. Study sessions.”
“That turned into quite the party,” Mandy added. “Dash knows how to have a good time. We played guess the name of the song and indulged ourselves into oblivion.” Something caught her attention as she spoke and never missed a conversational beat as she added, “Hey, Jay, we’re here. The group’s together again.” Their confidence levels were insane. Jay ordered a drink at the bar then took the seat next to Dash.
“Hey, buddy. I’m Jay. I’m glad you’re here.” Jay’s hand also came across the table, forcing my arm from around Dash to shake his. “Beau, right? We’ve all heard about you. Maybe our team lead can focus now.”
“Ha ha,” Dash responded, sitting up a little straighter. “I’m already carrying you all.”
“Grey Goose and tonic, extra lime?” a new waitress asked at the head of the table.
“That’s mine,” Mandy said. She waggled her fingers to get her drink.
The waitress passed that over and set Denver’s drink in front of him. “Goose Island for you. The volume on the game is going up.”
As if she had mind control, the TV’s volume increased, and the game began. Less than minutes later, our pizza was delivered to the table. After a thank you, I pretty much didn’t say another word for the evening. I attempted to keep up with their discussions; they were incredibly intellectual, and so far out of my intelligence league. The needling poking around my head wanted me to worry, and I would. Though, maybe not. Dash needed this regardless of how well I fit into his crowd.
I was damned good at silence, which I planned to be, all of the time.
10: The Taste
Dash
July 3rd, 2006
Grant Park, Chicago
My belly was rarely ever full, but today it was after a fun afternoon at the Taste of Chicago. We sampled many different cuisines from the area, and listened to several local live bands perform. I was certain this was the best day I’d had since arriving in Illinois. So much so, I said the words aloud, taking tastes of the gelato from both my mini cup and Beau’s.