Chapter 2 Halo #2
“Nope, been steady though. Heartbreaker’s been busting her ass, shit, mean butt, as that new waitress called in and quit. And Peanut’s not feeling well, so since I was here having dinner with some buddies, told Heartbreaker I’d help out by bussing and taking the garbage out. Hope that’s okay?”
Realizing both the kid and I are watching her, she smiles my way. Then she answers, I believe she called him Kon.
“Dude, why wouldn’t it be okay? I’ll make sure Tink and Taz know so they can take care of you for being so kind. Oh, crap, this is a new friend. Kon, meet Halo. Halo, this is Konstantin, who’s a friend of the club.”
I watch as Kon’s shoulders go back a bit.
He seems to be trying to look bigger, but shit, next to me he looks like a scrawny kid.
He must read the vibes coming off me ’cause he doesn’t extend his hand, instead he puts up a closed fist for knuckles.
I’m shocked as he seems to get me as I knock knuckles with him.
“Nice to meet you, Halo. Go on in. I got to get this garbage dumped then get back inside. See ya both in there.”
I nod with my eyes on Kon, and when I turn I see Dottie watching me.
“He looks a bit lost. The kid okay, Dottie?”
“Not really. His family has just gone through a huge shitstorm and they are slowly trying to regroup and recover. I introduced you as Halo, as that’s what everyone calls you. You okay to head inside now, Benji?”
Again, she calls me Benji, which I like.
I nod as I pull the door farther open and walk inside after her.
As we get farther in, I can hear the noise and music from the bar area.
First person I see is a very skinny woman and, damn, she looks really sick.
Dottie walks over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder, which has the woman jumping. I hear her gasp.
“Oh damn, Dottie, you scared the crap out of me. What’s up? Didn’t expect to see you here tonight. Oh, wow, are you on a date?”
I hear Dottie suck in air and guess a date with me isn’t such a good thing from her reaction. Though before I can hear Dottie’s words, I speak up.
“Sorry, but doubt this woman would ever date someone like me. Can you point out where the restrooms are? I’d like to wash my hands.”
The woman points me in the direction of the bathrooms, knowing the women would talk while I’m taking care of business.
I watch her grab Dottie’s arm while winking, so guess that’s her subtle way of telling Dottie I’m on my way back.
I keep scanning and looking around but can feel my body is still on alert.
Damn, will I ever be able to truly relax?
When I join them again, after Dottie introduces Peanut to me, we are told to take the table off to the side, in the back.
I can see why she did it because it’s out of the way and one of the quieter tables on the restaurant side.
Dottie tells her thanks then we move toward the table.
I move around Dottie, taking a seat on the side that is up against the wall.
Military training and life in general has me doing this whenever I’m in similar situations.
Looking at the woman across from me, I can tell she understands.
Just as Dottie goes to sit, I hear a long whistle before I see a smokin’ redhead grinning.
She’s standing at the edge of the row looking at our table, eyes filled with mischief.
“Forget to tell me something, prospect?”
Dottie just shakes her head, I guess knowing the woman is trying to get under her skin. I quietly watch their interaction but say nothing. Before Dottie can even introduce me, the redhead takes it upon herself to do the introductions.
“Hey there, tough guy, I’m Heartbreaker. I’m one of Dottie’s club sisters. And you are?”
Not sure how to respond, I just wait, taking in a deep breath. After a few minutes I try to do what normal folks do, even though it takes a lot from me. “Hi, I’m Halo. Nice to meet ya, Heartbreaker.”
Just as she goes to reply, Kon comes up and puts a hand on her shoulder. His eyes meet mine and he doesn’t hold back.
“Sorry, my man, but this one dates no one until I approve them. Since I’m too young for her, we agreed I’d have a say in who she sees.”
Heartbreaker is giggling and snorting a bit while Kon smiles down at her.
I guess in the real world this would be considered cute, the way they are together.
I can tell it’s harmless as their affection is apparent to the naked eye.
Though just from what I’m seeing, thinking sometimes Kon might take it a bit too far, like right now. I catch Kon’s eyes and grin his way.
“Got ya, brother, she’s hands off. I bet Heartbreaker stops traffic everywhere she goes, though don’t tell anyone, but I kind of got my eyes on this beauty right in front of me here, so you have no worries.”
Both Heartbreaker and Dottie drop their mouths open and Dottie gasps, shocked by my words.
Shit, I’m also surprised as I glance at Dottie, who just stares at me with those golden-brown eyes of hers.
The world seems to disappear and it’s only the two of us at the table in the room at the restaurant.
Well, until someone clears their throat.
Then I’m brought back to the present, which has Dottie’s eyes watching me for my reaction.
All I can do is stare at that gorgeous face, feeling out of sorts, and don’t know why.
She slowly smiles my way and instantly I feel a warmth deep in my chest I’ve never felt before.
Even more, I feel alive, and for some crazy reason, I feel I can trust Dottie, which makes me feel safe for the first time in a very long time.
Not to mention scared to fuckin’ death of these emotions running through my heart and body.