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With a final touch of lipstick, I turned to Indy. “I’m ready. As usual, you look like a million bucks.”
She laughed. “So do you. Let’s get off base before Daryn sees you. If we remind him how gorgeous you are, he may reconsider.”
I laughed at her audacity, but we strode from her suite and almost jogged to her vehicle. We were laughing when she peeled out of the parking lot like we were making some kind of grand getaway.
We chatted as we drove toward town and our destination. And when we arrived at Marty’s pub, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The place held a unique charm that had drawn me in time and time again. We parked the car in the lot beside the pub, and as we made our way to the front door, the memories of shared moments flooded my mind.
The exterior of the building was a testament to its rich history. The red brick facade stood tall and proud, exuding a sense of timeless strength. Its modern black door, and square window, hinted at a past life as a fire station and was a nod to the building’s storied past.
Large bay windows flanked the entrance, inviting passersby to peek inside and share in the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The multitude of lights mounted on the ceiling bathed the area ina soft, inviting glow, casting a warm embrace on all who entered.
With each step toward the door, I could hear the distant hum of laughter and conversation, the familiar symphony of voices that filled the pub. Marty’s was more than just a place to unwind; it was a haven for kindred spirits, a sanctuary where we could shed the weight of our responsibilities and simply be ourselves.
My friend and I exchanged knowing glances as we reached for the door handle. Stepping inside, the comforting aroma of hearty pub fare and the cheerful chatter of fellow patrons greeted us. Marty’s was alive with stories and shared experiences, a place where laughter and camaraderie were always on the menu.
As we made our way to a cozy corner table, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the enduring bond of friendship that had brought us here. Marty’s pub was more than just a place; it was a reflection of the enduring spirit of the hunter family, a place where we could find solace, support, and a shared sense of purpose.
With a smile, I settled into my chair, ready to embrace the warmth and comfort of Marty’s pub, knowing that a few laughs and good company would lighten the weight of the night’s events.
Indy declined the invitation of a man seeking to sit at our table. She always garnered a certain amount of attention, whether empowered or human, and I shook my head when Jacob approached. He swayed a little on his feet and was clearly inebriated.
“Indego Frost. You get more beautiful every time I see you.” He slurred his speech slightly as he tipped his drink to her.
She smiled sweetly, but there was an edge to her voice. “Thankfully, we don’t see each other that often.”
He laughed. “You are such a delight. One of these days, you will see the advantages of dating an older man.”
She took a sip of her drink. “It isn’t a man’s age. I appreciate acertain amount of experience. I just prefer a man with some... scruples.”
Jacob winked. “They are overrated. You can have a lot more fun when you are less... strict about certain things.”
Indy huffed. “I’m sure.”
Jacob raised his glass to an older woman who called his name from a table near the far wall. He sauntered off with a smile, spilling some of his drink when he walked.
I swirled my glass of wine before having a sip. “Somebody has another admirer.”
Indy sighed. “Jacob is harmless, but he took Alaric’s death hard. While I have no love lost for Alaric. He and Jacob had been friends since they were toddlers. Their parents were in business together. He is rich because of Alaric’s family.”
I stared at Jacob as he touched the shoulder of the older woman who called him over; it was clear she was enamored with the older warlock, but while he laughed at something she said and flirted outrageously, his eyes continued to wander over the room.
Indy motioned to the bartender, then pointed to her drink. She would only have one with alcohol as she was driving and the man with a black cotton dress shirt with the Marty’s pub logo, nodded to her before grabbing a can and placing it on the bar. He signaled to the waitress, and she made her way toward him.
Marty’s daughter grabbed the can and a glass of ice and two beers, loading her tray before she made her rounds to us.
We finished the drinks and while I only had one large glass of wine, I had always been a bit of a lightweight, and I pushed the tall-stemmed glass away when I finished it. “I am done.”
Indy didn’t finish her non-alcoholic drink and stood. “Let’s go. If we are lucky, we can grab some Twinkies at the convenience store before we head back.”
I stood and grabbed my purse, knowing that neither of us would be offered a bar tab. Indy linked arms with me as westrolled, and I felt like my spirits were soaring. It was ironic how easily a good friendship could turn a rotten day into an amazing evening. “Don’t they serve Twinkies at the base?”
She huffed. “Can you believe they don’t? Something about them not having enough nutritional value?”
I laughed. “No kidding?”
We exited the pub and were almost to our vehicle when growls erupted around us.
CHAPTER 15
