The White Lily

Chapter 16

Kenji was the only one brave enough to sit with me for most meals. I attempted to be friendly for Wyatt's sake. It was hard. Everyone was annoying. I was used to meals at the League; quiet and mostly peaceful.

Kenji smiled at me. "Got any plans today, Iris?"

I shook my head. "I never do, Kenji. My papers were approved yesterday, so I can finally go on missions with all of you."

He smiled. "Hey, that's great! How down would you be for some bonding time with the boys?"

I frowned. "I suppose that would depend on what you mean by that."

Kenji smiled wider. "There's this bar we always go to, usually when we need to rekindle our love for each other," he said laughing. "I wanted to invite you with. Get to know the boys before Colton sends us on a mission."

I nodded. Sounded harmless enough. "What kind of bar?"

He forced a smile. "It's a country bar. You gotta wear cowgirl clothes."

I had an idea of what to wear. "Boots and denim right?"

Kenji nodded and stood. "I'll go tell the boys that you're down. You can meet us there." He handed me a piece of paper on it. "Can tell one of the taxis the place, they'll know where it is."

I smiled and took the paper. Lola's. Hm.

**********

I hailed a taxi from the base, the sea air strong and comforting for my nerves. I've only been to bars in Greece or Russia, and almost always with Winter.

I wore knee high, chunky, black heeled boots, with a denim mini skirt, and a black cropped tank top. That was all I had that was remotely country and I didn't have the means to go shopping either.

I slid into the taxi and politely asked him to take me to Lola's. He smiled and nodded and drove me in silence.

It was a brisk drive, maybe fifteen or so minutes.

When we arrived, I passed him a wad of cash and let him keep the change. I slid out of the taxi and walked up to the entrance. The team was nowhere to be found. Maybe I was early? I shrugged and walked in.

Country music was blaring in the speakers and people were dancing in rhythm to the music. A seat at the bar was open, so I sat myself on the seat and hailed a bartender.

She gave me a kind smile. "Hey there, little lady, what can I get for ya tonight?"

"Do you know how to make a Siren?"

She laughed and nodded. "A Greek? Never woulda guessed. I don't have Greek alcohol but I can make it with substitutes. Is that alright?"

I smiled and nodded. She turned around to work her magic.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and my heart dropped. I turned to see a strange man with a cowboy hat smiling at me.

"Hello, darlin'. Drinkin' alone tonight? Mind if I join ya?" He slid onto the seat next to me without waiting for a response. He passed me a beer. "Drink, it's on me."

I pushed it away and tried to smile. "No thanks. I don't drink piss water."

He frowned. "Don't gotta be rude, lil lady. Just a kind gesture." He sipped his beer and pushed the one he offered me to the side. "Whatcha drinkin' anyway."

"A Siren."

He nodded. "Don't know what that is but I'm sure it's good. Can't handle straight alcohol?"

I glared at him. "I can, I just choose not to when I am trying to have a good time."

He grumbled. "Why don't you come dance with me? I'll show you a good time." He grabbed my arm and pulled me off my stool.