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My brows raise as ain “Dane?”

“I want to thank you for coht,” he says “It’s an honor”

I press , but it’s impossible

“Thank you for asking me,” I say

We share aat each other And all of the anxiety that I had about tonight melts away

Maybe so will come out of this, and maybe it won’t But hoill I know if I don’t try?

Seven

Kaylee

“What is this place?” I ask

I take in the sight before me

A little building nestled in a grove of trees, The Tipsy Cow looks like the bar version of a lady in the streets but a freak in the sheets It’s quaint and unassu cornhole outside, and the string lights dangling off the trees surrounding the building Liveto kick off in the back

It’s sweet—total low-key fun at first glance

It’s the second look that gets me

There’s a sign that says Line Dancing Underway that’s nailed just above the front door It hangs slightly askew A giant beer pong table is poised for use just beyond the cornhole boards, and I think there’s a tourna on a tree And the sheer nuet wild

“This is The Tipsy Cow” Dane sem of Rosewood Ranch Lands”

Gravel crunches under our shoes as eave through the cars andlot

This isn’t necessarily the kind of place I’d think Dane frequents, but what do I really know about hilance at him over my shoulder I don’t know much But I’d like to know more

He’s so easy to be around Our conversation on the way here was effortless We slipped in and out of topics, covering everything frorade teachers to his fear of needles and my love of a well-brined turkey And now that we’re here, I’lad for the drive It served as a shot of liquor to ease my nerves

“Do you come here often?” I ask

“Me? Nah I don’t go anywhere often”

“So, you’re a hermit then That’s nice”

He laughs The sound is warm and full and makes me smile

“I wouldn’t say I’ to like people in social settings,” he says as we make our way up the wooden steps of The Tipsy Cow

“But you pretend to like the him, as he holds the door open for me