I didn't have time to respond before Bethy had hopped up in the Range Rover and closed the door behind her. I climbed back inside and smiled over at Rush who was watching me. "Time to go get our country on," I told him.
Chapter Thirteen
Bethy had given Rush directions to her favorite honky-tonk. It was forty minutes outside of Rosemary. Not exactly surprising. The only country in Rosemary was the country club and that wasn't anything close to what we were walking into.
The bar was large and completely made out of what looked like wood planks. Apparently, it was famous. Probably because there weren't many of these kind of places in this area. Bright florescent beer signs graced the walls outside and inside. Miranda Lambert's "Gun Powder and Lead" was pumping out of the stereo when we walked inside.
"They have live music in about thirty minutes. That's the best time to dance. We have plenty of time to find a good spot and drink us some tequila shots first," Bethy yelled over the noise.
I had never had tequila shots. I hadn't even had beer. Tonight that would change. I was going to be free. Enjoy the night. Rush moved in behind me and his hand settled on my lower back. This was not a friendly position... was it?
I decided against correcting him in here since I'd have to yell over the music. Rush led us over to an empty booth that was further back from the dance floor. He stood back and let me slide in. Bethy slid in across from me and Rush sat down beside me.
Bethy shot him a frown.
"What do you want to drink?" Rush asked, leaning down to my ear so he wouldn't have to yell.
"I'm not sure," I replied, looking at Bethy for guidance. "What do I drink?"
Bethy's eyes went wide and then she laughed. "You haven't been drinking before?"
I shook my head. "I'm not old enough to buy my own alcohol. Are you?" She clapped her hands. "This is gonna be so much fun. And yes, I'm twenty-one or at least my ID says I am." She cut her eyes to Rush. "You need to let her out. I'm taking her to the bar."
Rush didn't budge. He looked back at me, "You've never had alcohol?"
"Nope. But I intend to remedy that tonight," I assured him.
"Then you need to go slow. You won't have a very high tolerance." He reached out and grabbed a waitress' arm. "We need a menu."
Bethy put her hands on her hips. "Why are you ordering food? We're here to drink and dance with cowboys. Not eat."
Rush turned his head toward her so I couldn't see his face but I could tell his shoulders had gotten stiff. "She's never drunk before. She needs to eat first or she'll be bent over puking her guts out and cursing you in two hours time."
Oh. I didn't like to throw up. Not at all.
Bethy rolled her eyes and waved her hand in front of her face as if Rush was an idiot. "Whatever, daddy Rush. I'm going to get me somethin' to drink and I'm getting her something too. So feed her fast."
The waitress was back with a menu before Bethy was done talking. Rush took it and turned back to me opening it up. "Pick something. No matter what diva the drunk says you need to eat first."
I nodded. I didn't want to get sick.
"The cheesy fries look good."
Rush held up the menu and the waitress came running back.
"Cheesy fries. Two orders and a tall glass of water."
Once the waitress nodded and walked off, Rush leaned back and tilted his head to look over at me. "So you're at a honky-tonk. Was it everything you hoped it would be? Because I'll be real honest, this music is painful."
Smiling, I shrugged and looked around. There were guys in cowboy hats and then those that just had on regular clothes. Some had large belt buckles but for the most part they looked like people in my hometown.
"I just got here and I haven't drunk or danced yet, so I'll let you know after that happens."
Rush smirked, "You want to dance?"
I did want to dance but not with Rush. I knew how easily I'd forget that he was just a friend. "Yes, I do. But I need a shot of courage first and I need someone to ask me to dance."
"I thought I just asked," he replied.
I put my elbows on the table and rested my chin on my hand. "You think that's a good idea?" I wanted him to admit this wasn't a good idea.
Rush sighed, "Probably not."
I nodded.
Two plates of cheesy fries slid in front of us and a frozen mug with ice water was set down in front of Rush. The food looked surprisingly good. I hadn't realized I was so hungry. I needed to keep up with how much I was spending. This was seven dollars. I wasn't going to spend more than twenty dollars tonight. That might mean I only got one drink but Rush said I needed to eat so I was going to eat.
I picked up a fry smothered in cheese and took a bite.
"That's better than peanut butter sandwiches, isn't it?" Rush asked with a teasing grin. I nodded and picked up another fry.
Bethy slid in on her side of the booth carrying two drinks in small little glasses. They were yellow. "I figured I should start you out easy. Tequila is a big girl drink. You're not ready for that yet. This is a lemon drop. It's sweet and yummy."
"Eat a few more fries first," Rush interrupted her.
I took another fry and quickly ate it followed by another. Then I reached for the lemon drop. "Okay, I'm ready," I told Bethy and she picked hers up and grinned. I watched as she put it to her lips and tilted her head back. Then I did the same.
It was really good. Only a small burn in my throat. I liked lemon. That was nice. I put the empty glass down and smiled over at Rush who was watching me.
"Eat," he replied.