“Roman and his brothers own Three Kings—a tattoo parlor that does all the tats for the Blue Angels.”
“Not a tattoo parlor,thetattoo parlor. You want the best art? You come to us.”
“His brother Homer is going to do my back,” Freddy said.
A man with the same shade of hair as Roman’s sidled up next to him and leaned against the pool table.
“This is my younger brother, Virgil,” Roman introduced.
Virgil flashed a grin. “Nice to meet ya.”
“Roman, Virgil, and Homer,” I said. “Interesting names.”
“Our dad’s name is Horace,” Virgil stated. “Has a thing for the classics. You guys want to play a game of pool?”
“Thanks,” Freddy said, “but we’re going to pass. Linden and I are having a girls’ night.”
We said our goodbyes to Roman and Virgil. “You grab us a booth,” I said. “I’ll get the first round.”
I went up to the bar, maneuvering through the throng of people that seemed to grow thicker since I’d arrived. When I got to the bar, I waited patiently for the petite brunette to turn and grab my order. She swiveled, and I grinned in recognition.
“Linden!” she greeted in surprise.
“Mia.” I laughed. “What are you doing here?”
“I work here. Well, I own the place.”
“Youownthis place? Then what are you doing behind the bar?” I demanded. “You should be at home, resting those swollen ankles.”
“Heard loud and clear, Doc.” She chuckled. “One of my bartenders called in sick. Besides, Silas is over at a friend’s house for dinner and homework, and I was lonely. I never thought I’d be the type that wanted to spend all my time with my husband, but there you have it. What are you doing here?”
“I’m here with Freddy. She was in Waco for the day and she suggested Shelly’s.”
“Freddy’s here?” she asked. “Damn, I must’ve been in the office when she came in. I didn’t see her.” She quickly poured two shots of tequila, gave me a plate of limes and two saltshakers, and placed them on a tray. “These are on me.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Sure I do. What do you want to drink?”
“A pint of something good.”
“I got ya.” She removed a glass from the fridge. “Old Ladies girls’ night this week at my house.”
“Great. Sounds fun,” I said, reaching into my back pocket and pulling out some cash.
“On me,” Mia said when I tried to pay her.
“No way,” I said with a laugh.
“Family discount.” She winked.
My heart warmed. “Thanks. Promise me you’ll take it easy? Don’t lift anything heavy? Sit when you’re tired?”
“You sound like Colt,” she said in amusement. “I promise.”
I gave her my well-practiced doctor stare.
“I said I promise. Yeesh.”