SEVENTEEN - WYNETTE

The swizzle sticks in the drinks were in the shape of green cactuses, because it was only natural that they would be. When I told Teagan that she could choose where we would meet, I don't know what other outcomes I should have anticipated.

The pub was a jumble of kitsch and Wild West cliches, and the walls of its Mission-style interior were littered with rusted saws, horse bridles, globe-less lamps, and a lot of other stuff that I couldn't even begin to name. The stools that ran along the long bar were a faded crimson color, and the seats were made of an uncomfortable molded plastic that had been carved and etched to resemble saddles.

If I had made an effort, I could not have appeared any more out of place than I did.

"I'm speechless because I can't believe you wore a suit." Teagan rolled her eyes and then used her teeth to remove the sliver of strawberry that was attached to her swizzle stick. "And she placed an order for a mocktail."

I immediately shot back in a defensive manner, "I