I walked into the tavern, Sydney's, and glanced at the clientele. Most were lined up at the bar, with a crowd around the pool table and a couple playing air hockey against each other.
A spot opened up at the bar, so I took it. I reached into my pocket for a cigarette before spotting the No Smoking sign behind the cash register next to the neon highlighted crucifix. I sighed and folded my hands on the bar and glanced at the tv. A basketball game was on, but the sound was down, likely due to the chattering crowd. I watched on of the players miss a free throw and then turned back to the register.
Instead of the machine, I found a stunning redhead with deep chocolate eyes smiling at me.
"Hi, Handsome. What can I get you?"
"Flaming Dr Pepper," I said.
She nodded, gathered the ingredients a
