[center][h3]🍷🍺🎵📖[color=#A64575]Jason Blackwood[/color]📖🎵🍺🍷[/h3][/center]
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	[color=0054a6]"As a matter of fact,”[/color] the man said to the newcomer. [color=0054a6]“I do."[/color] He gestured broadly at the space around them, the lean crowd, and gave Jason a friendly glance. [color=0054a6]“I suspect you’ve heard of those petite burgers?”[/color] he added, loud enough for Jason to hear.

	Jason tilted his head slightly with a knowing look, raised one finger, and pointed it toward the man as he replied.

	[color=#A64575]“[i]Sliders,[/i]”[/color] he said evenly. [color=#A64575]“Absolutely. A little somethin’ I brought from home.”[/color]

	He grabbed the book of order tickets and a pen and got to work.

	[color=0054a6]“Yes! Sliders,”[/color] the man echoed. He turned toward the newcomer. [color=0054a6]“Small, yummy,”[/color] then back to Jason. [color=0054a6]“A dozen should do.”[/color]

	[color=#A64575]“Of course, I had to get the idea past the owner first…”[/color]

	He glanced toward Sylvie, who was now giving more attention his way. She was wordlessly inquiring about the two imposing men at her bar. Jason gave a subtle gesture with his off hand to indicate all was well, though he did so from behind the concealment of the cash register, so as not to needlessly concern his guests. She gave a relieved nod and returned her attention to the musician. Her subtle smile swiftly returned as she became enthralled once more.

	[color=#A64575]“But! Once I discussed the idea with our cook, and he came up with his own take—which are [i]fantastic,[/i] I must say—she couldn’t say no. She likes them way more than she’s willing to let on. Anyway, I’ll hand off the order and be right back. Would either of you like me to bring anything to drink, or more chips, or…?”[/color]

	Jason looked back and forth between the two men seated before him as he spoke. They weren’t who he was expecting to serve in a place like this, but he had to admit—he was kind of glad they were here. Probably [i]because[/i] they were so out of place. He felt less so with them here, yes, but that wasn’t all there was to it.

	He felt at ease. Like he could just be himself and still belong.

	[i]Was this what he had been seeking?[/i]

	Or was he reading way too much into things…

	Being lonely for so long—it was taking a toll.