Chapter 33

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"So what do you think?" Bryce asked Mav, who guzzled his Ezra Brooks as if someone would take it if he didn't swill it fast enough.

Maverick watched his new act, took another swig and grimaced. Whether the grimace was meant for the drink or the act, Bryce couldn't tell. Before Mav could give an opinion, his wife offered hers.

"The music's all right, but they don't look like a country band. Why are they wearing hoodies and sweats? They should dress in western gear. Cowboy hats, boots, bolo ties and whatnot."

Bryce made a mental note to tell Vern to get the band looking like a band.

At least Ashanté looked good. No makeup, but nicely swept hair, and she looked damn fine in those clothes, western or not. If it wasn't for the occasional wobble, he'd never suspect she'd been drinking. Did anyone else notice? He didn't think so.

Note to self: have Vern make sure she doesn't drink at all before a show from now on.

College kids. Sheesh. Did they have to drink all the time? Okay, he had in his college days, but never when something important was going on. Was it really that long ago? He didn't feel that much older than these kids.

Kids. Heh. The business has aged me.

A waitress brought them beer nuts, and he ordered a good stiff drink.

The band segued into Country Girl,  and all the women in the room got up to line dance, joined in a bit by the cowboys.

The sorority girls ordered a pitcher and remained seated, all but one. As the crowd got into the music, Scarlett wound her way over to meet the tall drink of water at her uncle Maverick's table.

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