Chapter 52
Chapter Fifty-Two
Mila
Iknow I probably shouldn’t be here right now, but Kash has a client that’s going to make him late, and I haven’t seen Mara outside of work, so we decided to meet up for a drink.
I’m tired, ready to fall asleep as I wait for her at some dive bar, making me suddenly miss the Gravel Pit.
Don’t get me wrong—the Gravel Pit isn’t exactly a five-star establishment but compared to the torn vinyl on the booths and soggy floorboards, I don’t think I have to worry about needing a tetanus shot when I leave there.
Checking my phone for the third time, I look for any new messages from her.
The last one she sent was to confirm we were meeting at eight.
She said she had some exciting news and wanted to share it with me.
Given that it’s almost eight thirty, if she’s not here in the next ten minutes, I’m going home.
I’ve been so tired lately that it makes me wonder if all the hours I’ve been working are starting to catch up with me.
Kash has been after me to slow down a bit since I have Kate and can delegate tasks to her, but he knows as well as I do that not only am I a control freak and like things a certain way, but I also can’t just have someone run the bakery side in my absence.
Whatever Mara wants to tell me better be amazing
The soda I’ve been nursing is basically water at this point, and if she’s not here soon, I’m calling it a night. A long soak in the tub, followed by a massage from Kash sounds amazing right about now.
“You look like you could use this.” The bartender sits a drink in front of me. It’s dark, and smells kind of fruity. He’s checked on me every so often, and I’m grateful because he’s already chased off two wannabe suitors. He’s been friendly, even a little flirty, but he has nothing on my Casanova.
After glancing up at him, I eye the drink skeptically. I’m not a huge drinker and tend to stick to margaritas. “What is it?”
“House special. We call it a Pretty Bird.” He smiles. “It’s dark rum, lime and pineapple juice with some other stuff.”
“Thanks. How much do I owe you?”
“On the house. You look bored, and we’re slow.” Looking me up and down, he tilts his head. “Are you waiting for a date or…?” He trails off.
“God no. I have a boyfriend.” I laugh. “I’m actually waiting for my sister.”
Another customer shouts out a name, and he turns to him. “Hold your horses. I’m coming!” he hollers, then turns back to me. “Let me know if you need anything else.” He winks, leaving me to wait again.
Eyeing the small glass, I lift it and take a sip from the straw, barely fighting back a grimace when the drink hits my tastebuds. Whatever is in this is strong and kind of bitter; it’s definitely not sweet.
I look toward the front entrance again, and of course, no Mara.
She’s usually punctual, so it throws me off that she’s not here yet.
I spend the next ten minutes bobbing my head to whatever is playing from the speakers overhead and taking very small sips from my glass.
I’ve already sent her two texts without response, and I’m getting even more tired.
When it becomes clear she’s ditched me for whatever reason, I decide I’m done waiting.
Leaving some cash on the bar, I wave to the bartender and head toward the bathrooms. I just want to splash some water on my face before driving home.
I don’t want to call Kash and bother him when he’s working with a client, and Noah has school tomorrow, so Cora is out.
The bathroom door flies open, and the girl coming out almost knocks me over. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry.” She giggles. “Are you okay?”
Leaning a hand on the wall, I nod my head. “Yeah. I’m good.”
“Okay. Sorry again!” she calls as she walks past, leaving me in stunned silence.
My head feels fuzzy, and I guess I’m more tired than I originally thought.
I might have to get a glass of water or some coffee.
Turning on the faucet, I cup my hands under the stream and bring the water to my face.
Splashing some on my cheeks, I take a deep breath and eye my reflection.
Or at least, I try to. My vision spins, and I grip the sink to keep from swaying.
The water isn’t helping, but maybe some coffee will perk me up. My steps are slow as I make my way back through the doorway. As soon as I open the door and step into the hallway, I run into a hard body.
“Whoa. Easy there. You okay?” The bartender looks me up and down.
“Yeah.” I take a deep breath, then blow the air out with a shudder. “Actually. Maybe not.”
As he steps closer to me, I realize he looks familiar, but I can’t place where I’ve seen him before. Mara is usually out more than me, so maybe he’s one of her friends. He’s tall, almost as tall as Kash, but I can’t focus on that anymore. My limbs feel heavy, and my vision is cutting out.
“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine, Mila.”
Unable to hold myself up any longer, I drop to my knees.
One final thought passes through my mind before everything goes black.
I never told him my name.