The Stranger - Unexpected Love: Keri's Story #1 (Short Story) by Maci Grant, Jade Ryan Read Free Book Online

 

    Chapter 1
     
    Keri's life revolved around romance and liquor. Not because she was a dating fiend, or because she was an alcoholic, but because she was the full-time bartender for Love's Lore, a new twist on a dating agency. It was founded by her cousin Marilyn, who was ten years older than twenty-seven year old Keri. Keri had always admired Marilyn, who was tall and willowy, her blonde hair straight and always in place, her bright blue eyes a shade that Keri had never seen replicated. Compared to Keri's thicker frame and mass of carmine waves, she felt like Marilyn was a supermodel, and wondered how they could be related.
    Despite her beauty, Marilyn had been through the wringer when it came to dating, and had tried out everything from Internet dating, to matchmakers. After having some very harrowing experiences with less than honest men, and even some moments of danger, she decided to start her own version of a dating agency.
    A man or woman who was interested in finding a solid committed relationship could join the agency and have access to several hundred local singles who were not just interested in having fun - but wanted something long term. Marilyn carefully screened each candidate, and also put each person through a deep background check. Instead of going out on awkward first dates however, members could send invites to other members, or just show up to mingle, at a local bar the agency owned, called Love's Lore.
    The bar was closed to non-members of the agency and gave the people who joined an opportunity to meet and mingle with other members, without the pressure of a blind date. It was a first step and required before anyone could exchange contact information. Marilyn believed that offering a controlled environment ensured the safety of those who signed up with the agency, and offered the members a sense of security and camaraderie.
    Keri and Marilyn were more like sisters than cousins, as Marilyn had practically raised her while they were growing up. So when Keri's latest relationship dissolved right in front of her, leaving her with no place to live, no car, and very little cash on hand, she offered her the bartender job. The last bartender had been let go because he was too much of a flirt with the ladies. As Marilyn told him, “You're being paid to be here, not paying to be here, so hands off the ladies.” Unfortunately he had not taken direction well and in the end Marilyn let him go.
    Keri had never tended bar before but she figured she could handle mixing a few drinks, and she also had Leo to help her out. Leo had been friends with Marilyn and Keri for as long as either could remember. They had grown up in the same urban neighborhood together, spending their afternoons playing kickball on the streets and hiking the two miles to the nearest playground.
    He had it a little rougher than Keri and Marilyn as his father was a drinker and had very little patience for his mouthy son. Leo was more than mouthy, he was an instigator, and often found himself in the middle of seedy situations that Marilyn would have to bail him out of. As they got older, their friendship only strengthened. If anyone ever threatened Marilyn or Keri, Leo was there to defend them, even when it wasn't necessary.
    He focused on building his strength from the time he was twelve years old and into his adult life. As a result he was a very muscular man, which gave him an intimidating presence despite barely reaching six feet tall. He wore his brown hair loose around his shoulders, and always had a spark of fire in his light brown eyes.
    Naturally, Leo was the first person Marilyn thought of when she wanted extra security for the bar. He was employed as the bouncer, but he was general help as well, as there was not usually any trouble in the bar. He offered advice to Keri on how to mix drinks and would step in for her when she needed a break. Love's Lore had become a family business of sorts, and it was very successful among an elite crowd