Chapter Twenty-Two
Jake
The Next Night
As I navigate through the bar, I wave at several people I know. Even though Callahan’s is nearly an hour from Brookhaven, the bar is miles above Rusty Nail Tavern, our local watering hole.
I didn’t even bother stopping by there on my way out of town. The same people will be there, regardless. It’s the place where the down-on-your-luck drunks go to get plowed.
When I first graduated from high school, some of us would go there hoping to find someone to buy us alcohol. The customers were usually falling down, some even pissing themselves. We quickly discovered staying sober wasn’t so bad, and the place was too depressing to return to.
The band on stage plays a familiar cover song as the people on the dance floor laugh and dance to the music.
As I get near the bar, I wave at Dominic and Xavier. “Hey, guys.”
“Jake.” Xavier pats my back. “How’s it hanging?”
“Low and to the left.”
“Right on.” He laughs and waves the bartender over for a drink. “What can I get you?”
“One beer, and then I’m switching to water.” I smile. “I’ve got a badge to protect.”
“We’re responsible drinkers.” Xavier winks. “Not as responsible as you, but I limit myself and don’t drink and drive under the influence.”
“God, I feel like a total buzzkill. Back in Columbia, I rarely went out because this is what happened. Either the friends got weird around me, or they got drunk off their ass and drove anyway. Some of the cops weren’t any better. I’ve known too many that believed they were above the law.”
“It’s fine.” Dominic crosses his arms over his chest. “I get that these conversations aren’t always pleasant.”
“No.” I shrug as Xavier orders another beer and my drink. “They aren’t.”
Xavier slaps my shoulder. “We’ve got your back. You don’t have to worry about us making it weird or dropping you.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you coming over on Sunday? We’re having another game.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t miss it. Sundays are still my day off.”
“That’s great.” After he pays for our drinks, Xavier says, “I’m going to check on Sam.”
“Good. Distract Sam because Bella will be here later.” Dominic grins. Sam, one of Bella’s brothers, is not on board with their relationship. The idea is warming on him, but he still isn’t thrilled with the thought of one of his best friends being with his sister.
“On it,” he laughs as he changes course.
“Thank you for stepping in with Brock. I appreciate it. I think having you there discouraged him from making a scene.”
“It was nothing. It’s part of my job. Besides, Bella doesn’t deserve to be treated with disrespect. No woman does.”
Fifteen minutes later, I’m discussing the control panel on my dishwasher randomly sticking in lock mode with Sam and wondering when I turned into an old man.
A couple of girls have asked me to dance, one offered to buy me a drink, and another whispered in my ear that she’d gladly take me back to her place for a little fun. Before she stumbled on one of her heels and nearly ate the floor.
But I’d rather figure out how to fix my dishwasher than entertain one of them.
And that includes Ruby. I don’t know what Emily thought she saw, but there’s no sexual tension between Ruby and I. But the fact that Emily said she was willing to set us up….
I can’t even think about it. I rub the heel of my palm over my heart. I either have indigestion, or I’m having a heart attack.
Tabitha, the girl who offered the good time is now circling Dominic. She places her hand on his chest and licks her lips.
“Hey, handsome.” Her mouth turns up at the corners. “You’re the most gorgeous man in the place. I’d love to get to know you better.” She bites her bottom lip and sways toward him. “I’d like to get to know certain parts of you better. If you catch my meaning.”
She’s barking up the wrong tree. Dominic is head over heels in love with Bella, and there’s zero chance he’ll screw that up for anything.
Unfortunately, that’s when Bella and Emily march across the bar floor.
Shi-i-it. I cringe as they dodge other patrons with their eyes zoned in on Dominic. Bella’s gaze remains on the back of Tabitha’s head with such intensity I’m surprised when her red hair doesn’t flame to life.
Before I can break away from Sam and intervene, he brings up a video of a guy fixing a dishwasher control panel and shoves it in front of my face. “Have you tried this? I’ve watched several of his videos.”
Tabitha glares at the two girls, says something with a sneer, and stalks off with her head held high. The expression on her face turns my stomach. Not only is she livid, but her eyes are glazed from the alcohol she’s drunk, and she’s pissed enough to do something stupid.
Something stupid like driving.
“Send me the link.” I nod to Sam and step into Tabitha’s path. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she spits out between clenched teeth. “Your friend’s girlfriend….” She emphasizes the word to sound like a slur. “Is a bitch.”
“I’m sure she was just staking her claim so that you and the other girls at the bar are aware he’s taken.”
“Well, if she’s concerned, she should make sure her man doesn’t flirt with other girls.” She sways on her feet again.
“Did Dominic flirt with you? From where I was standing, it didn’t sound like he was encouraging you.”
“Screw you.” She glares at me as her anger shifts to a new target. Me. That’s better than being directed at Bella. “Get out of the way. I’m going home.”
I grab her shoulder, gently but with enough authority that she doesn’t keep moving. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I glance around in time to catch Emily’s narrowed gaze, shooting daggers at us, and groan.
Now, I’m the bad guy. Again. Jesus. Can things get any worse?
“Why?” Tabitha’s eyes roam over me. “Did you change your mind and decide you want to come home with me?”
“Listen, …” I return my attention to her. “I appreciate your interest, but you’ve had too much to drink, and you’re not thinking clearly. Do you have a designated driver?”
“Screw you,” she spats at me while lunging forward, pressing her hands into my chest, but the movement knocks her off balance and into me. “You’re like all the other men. Thinking you’re too good for me.”
I straighten her on her feet. “Now is not the time to discuss this.” Who was she with earlier tonight? I scan the bar looking for someone I recognize that she’s talked to that isn’t male. Surely, she has a friend here who can drive her home.
A blonde-haired woman skirts past a couple and shoves my chest with both hands. “Stay away from Tabitha. She doesn’t need another asshole taking advantage of her.”
Tabitha raises her eyebrows as her eyes travel up and down me. “You never said. Who’re you?”
“My name is Jake Thompson. I’m a police officer in Brookhaven.”
“Oh….” She steps back as if realizing that she was threatening to drive drunk in front of a police officer. “Shit.”
Once I’m assured by Tabitha’s friend that she won’t let her drink and drive, I turn in search of Emily, but she’s nowhere to be seen. Of course, she left before I could explain myself.
Why would she stick around and think the best of me when she never has?
I need to talk to her. To try one last time before giving up for good. What’s the worst thing that could happen? She laughs in my face. That’s better than ignoring me. I’m fucking tired of that.
I grab Dominic’s shoulder. “Where’s Emily?”
“She left.” Bella glares at me from around Dominic. “What’s up with you and Tabitha? Making plans for later tonight? You did see her propositioning Dominic, right?”
Seriously? She’s going to jump on my ass too?
“That’s bullshit.” I stomp off. I’m tired of defending my honor and begging people to believe I’m not a player. Or not a player anymore.
I can’t even remember the last time I had sex.