The Side Effects of You by Anna Black

know where he’d be. Only a person who was interested in company would say something like that.”
    â€œWhen did you become an expert on dating?”
    â€œI’m not. I could just tell.” She smiled at me.
    â€œWell, I’m not going to go. I mean, I’m not dressed.”
    â€œMa, you’ve walked over to Sammie’s before in your uniform. He saw you in your uniform, so you should go while he’s still there.”
    â€œYou think so?”
    â€œYes, Mama. I’ll watch the desk until Lacey gets here. Nothing is going on.”
    â€œOkay.” I hurried to freshen up my face a little. I had on makeup from my shift, but I had to touch it up a little. I freshened my breath and headed over to the restaurant. When I walked in, I saw my guest sitting at the bar.
    I approached him nervously. “Is this seat taken?”
    He turned to me. “Hey, no. Have a seat. I am glad you came in. I was hoping you’d come.”
    â€œWell, my daughter told me you came down, looking for me. I was taking a much-needed nap.”
    â€œI heard that. What are you having?” he offered.
    â€œUmm, I’m not really a drinker, but I do like Zinfandel.”
    â€œSo you are into those sweet wines? How about you try a Moscato?” he suggested with a smile. “It is sweet, but is a bit tastier than Zinfandel.”
    I smiled back. “Why don’t you order for me? I’m open to try it.” I didn’t know what had come over me. I was instantly attracted to him.
    He signaled to the barmaid, and it hit me that I didn’t know his name. He had checked in during another shift, so I didn’t know his name or his room number.
    â€œSo what is your name?” I asked.
    â€œJayden. Jayden Pierce,” he said. His chestnut-brown eyes danced, and the lighting made his face look like a Milky Way. I just wanted to lick him.
    â€œI’m Josephina, but everyone calls me Josie.”
    â€œI know your name. You’re still wearing your name tag.”
    I looked down at my blouse, and sure enough, there it was. We laughed. “I was in such a hurry to catch you, I guess I forgot.”
    â€œNo worries,” he said.
    The barmaid finally made it over. Wiping her hands, she asked, “Another round?”
    â€œYes, and a Moscato for the lady.”
    â€œSure.” She moved quickly. I knew most of the staff and didn’t recognize her. She was a new face.
    â€œSo, how long are you in town for?” I asked Jayden.
    â€œForever. I took a new job here, at a law firm not too far from here. I had my sights on Houston, but the offer I got here was sweeter than the Houston offer, so I sucked it up and came back to Chicago. Decided I’d take the bad with the good, and I moved back. My parents live in a high-rise with a painful sofa bed, and at six feet three, I declined their offer to stay there. My best friend has a family and four kids, so that wouldn’t work. Since the firm is footing the bill, I’m going to be at the Hilton until I find a place.”
    â€œWow. That is interesting. But what do you mean by the ‘bad with the good’? What could you possibly say is bad about the city of Chicago? It’s a wonderful city. I’d enjoy it more if I didn’t work so much.”
    â€œThere is so much good that I can’t begin to name, but the bad is the brutal winters. I was focused on Houston because I was looking forward to warmer winters, but I guess it was meant for me to come back home—”
    â€œHere you go,” the barmaid interrupted, placing our drinks in front of us. “Can I get you a menu, ma’am?”
    â€œYes. I need something to eat.” I realized I hadn’t seen Sam. “And is Samantha here?”
    â€œYes. She’s in the kitchen. Do you have a complaint?”
    â€œOh no. She is a friend of mine. Can you let her know that Josie is here?”
    â€œSure, and I’ll be