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She blew out a breath. “You don’t talk, much, do you?”
“Might say that at times as well.”
“Yeah, seems like you’re a lot of might there.”
Who was this guy? He wasn’t a local. Timmy over in the corner was eyeing the newcomer as if he was trying to figure out what his deal was. And Sid, who’d grabbed her ass moments befoe, snuck in a couple of glances, too. Probably trying to figure out if the new guy would buy him a drink.
From the corner of the room, the Packers scored another touchdown on the big screen Roy had installed a month back. A grumble went up along with a weak cheer. Bets were being made, she knew. The game had to compete with Johnny Cash’s singing.
Mr. Might-Say didn’t turn to watch the game. He seemed intent on enjoying his beer. In the kitchen, Willis dropped a tray of dishes. The clatter echoed through the bar, but the guy at the bar didn’t even look around. He scooted over a touch when Maggie came up to order another martini for Ms. Tyler—and eye the cowboy. Maggie plucked at her thin, low-cut, tight T-shirt. He didn’t return her stare, just gazed down into his mug and nursed his beer. He downed the last gulp and raised a hand to order another.
Lucy was just pulling the stranger his beer when Sid came over and leaned on the bar. “Come on, baby. Betcha I could give you the ride of your life.” He grinned. He’d had three too many, and she’d had enough, too. Serving the stranger, she called into the back, “Roy, a little help out here.”
“I’m coming.” Roy pushed out of the back room. Burly and bearded, not many of the drunks gave Roy any problems in Roy’s bar. He glanced from Sid to Lucy. She drummed her fingers on the bar. Rubbing his beard, Roy asked, “What’s the trouble?”
She jerked a thumb at Sid. “He’s in no shape to drive home.” She left off the ‘again’ from the complaint. She also didn’t want trouble if Sid did try to drive home and wrecked himself—or someone else.
Roy shook his head. “I’ll get him some coffee.”
“Great, a wide-awake drunk,” Lucy muttered.
Leaning on the bar, Sid was now staring at the cowboy. “Do I know you?”
The cowboy shook his head. “Don’t think so.”
Sid straightened, and Lucy could see the fight brewing. Sid was going from the grabby stage to the belligerent stage. Heading around to the other side of the bar, Lucy grabbed Sid’s arm. “Come on and sit down. Roy’s bringing you coffee.”
Sid pulled away from her. He bumped the cowboy’s elbow, spilling the man’s beer on him. Lucy gave a groan. The cowboy climbed off his bar stool and faced Sid. “Seems like you ought to listen to the lady.”
Pushing his face into the cowboy’s, Sid pushed the man’s broad chest. “I don’t have to—”
The move came so fast Lucy barely saw it. One second, Sid was bunching his hand into a fist and pulling it back, the next he sprawled face down on the bar, one arm twisted up behind him and yelling.
Roy came out of the back fast. The cowboy threw up his hands and backed off, but Sid reached for the mug on the bar—and Lucy knew he was going to glass the cowboy. He’d done it before. She stepped in and punched first. Her knuckles connect with Sid’s nose. Burning pain shot up her arm. Sid howled, dropped the mug and clutched his nose.
She heard Ms. Tyler yell, “That’s right, honey. You show them assholes!”
Lucy glanced at the cowboy, who was staring at her now, his blue eyes wide. He grinned and threw his hands in the air. “Don’t look at me, darling. I give up.”
Pointing to the kitchen, Roy muttered, “Need a word, Lucy.”
She wiped her sore hand on her hip. “I need to—”
“Now.” Roy turned and headed into the back. Lucy followed, her stomach knotted. Roy never used that tone unless he was seriously ticked.
She stepped into the kitchen. Willis glanced at her and went back to washing dishes. Roy crossed his arm. “What the hell are you thinking punching out a regular like Sid?”
“Sid was about to brain that cowboy.”
“So you punch Sid? What if he decides to sue me now?”
“You’d rather have that cowboy going after you for getting Sid so drunk he brains the man with a mug? Or have someone come after us for serving Sid when he’s—”
“Us?” Roy shook his head. “I knew it was a mistake to hire Dave Ennis’ daughter.”
Face hot, Lucy shook her head. “Roy—”
“You’re fired.” He pointed to the door. “Get your things and get out. And do me a favor and find another bar if you start drinking as much as your old man did.”
