The Glowing Rose is a tavern on the outskirts of town. Just past it, little over a mile, the road runs out. If a body were traveling through those heavily wooded parts, they’d see the border of another country soon enough. The old timers, though, have a hard time leaving their homes.
“I’ve spent all my life looking for paradise,” Mildred the barkeep told the out-of-towner. “Why the hell would I be interested in leaving my happy little watering hole for the unknown?” The out-of-towner shook her head, lips turned down in a frown and shoulders raised so they brushed against peacock feather earrings. She took a sip of her nearly empty glass of rosé.
“I’ve tried leaving home for years and always end up right back here.” She drained the last drops of her dry, sweet wine.
“Need another?” Mildred asked.
“Sure, why not? I’ve got a little time left to kill. May as well spend it tipsy and in your pleasant company.”
“Well, don’t get too noodly. We really don’t have a taxi service that comes all the way out here. Mildred took the out-of-towner’s glass as she made change for a departing customer.
“Oh, no. I didn’t drive here. I’m waiting for someone to pick me up.”
“Alright then, I’ll pour you another round of our local swill.”
“Wait, what? That rosé is made here? Not a syrah or grenache did I see on the ride up.” Mildred smiled as she leaned in close.
“You’re not the only one that keeps secrets, sweetie.” Allie Langley had no retort for Mildred Molina as a well-filled flute appeared on the bar before her.
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