Chapter 46

46

From the pages of Truly’s Drink Recipe Book

Get Your Ass Back in The Saddle:

One Shot of Tequila

Let’s say you lost out on a chance that was important to you.

Maybe you wanted something so badly, and it felt so right, but then you let it slip through your fingers.

But you had to.

You had your reasons. After all, you weren’t going to beg him to stick around. He clearly wanted out. And you know what that’s like. Hell, that’s why your last relationship ended. Over work. It would be unladylike to beg him to stay when you would have laughed in the face of a guy who did that to you. Letting him go gracefully is the right thing to do.

This way, you stay friends.

This way, he won’t know how much it hurt.

That’s why it’s time for a straight-up shot of gin.

But fuck gin.

The truth is this: you need a shot of tequila. You need something that burns.

Take one shot of tequila.

It will burn the ache away.

Chase it with the fire in your belly, and then get your ass to work.

Charlotte : Tell me everything.

Truly : I wanted to lean on Jason’s shoulder. He made it clear that shoulder was off-limits.

Charlotte : Grrrr.

Truly : He believes falling in love distracted him, and I’m not going to sit there and try to convince him otherwise. I wasn’t going to make a fool of myself and say no you idiot, that makes no sense. Instead, I said it sounded . . . brilliant

Charlotte : Let me make sure I have this right. Mister Modern Gentleman somehow finessed a breakup to make it seem mutual?

Truly: I suppose he did. Clever guy. But what was I going to do? It was clear he wasn’t ready. So I went along with it and said I agreed, and that’s what we told Malone too.

Charlotte : So you two made it seem like you preemptively broke up so you wouldn’t lose your focus even though your brother is and was totally fine with you two being the couple we all had bets you’d become?

Truly: And you all lost, I guess. Turns out we’re not a couple at all.

Charlotte : I’m sorry, sweetie.

Truly: It’ll be fine. Men, right?

Charlotte : I swear. They don’t always see what’s in front of them. And it sounds like he’s spiraling. His words. I’ve read his columns on it. He actually has given really good advice to men when they spiral, and yet, the ding dong is spiraling. He’s feeding this storm inside him.

Truly: Sounds like he might be, but it doesn’t matter now. Maybe it’s for the best. I can use this time to recalibrate. Figure out if I want to find a new investor, or something else.

Charlotte : So glad you’re diving right back into work and more work and h ey, let’s have another serving of work .

Truly : What should I be doing? I have responsibilities to Gin Joint. I have employees to take care of. And I need to zero in on my expansion plans.

Charlotte : You already run an incredibly successful establishment. Hell, we both run incredibly successful bars. We are kick-ass businesswomen in New York City. So what if you don’t expand? You have a great place in front of you.

Truly : But I lined up my people. I had employees in place. I have a gal who was going to help run the new pub.

Charlotte : Promote her to manager at Gin Joint. Maybe you could work less then.

Truly : I don’t work that much!

Charlotte : How do you say that with a straight face? It’s a Saturday afternoon and you’re at work. Am I right?

Truly: Saturday is my busiest time. It’s normal to work on a Saturday.

Charlotte : Yes. But you also worked Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All day. I bet you work Saturday night too.

Truly: Which reminds me. I still have to go to the stupid wedding with him tonight.

Charlotte : Good thing you’re at work then. You definitely need a shot.