Chapter 25 #2
“Damn,” Lexi says, watching as people rush in. The televisions are out for the games, something we put away on weekends. There’s a sports club they can watch games on if they want. “I guess people missed you.”
I share a smile with her as I raise my brow at the after work crowd.
“Hey, Silva. Can I get a beer, please? Glad you’re back,” Shep says, climbing onto a chair.
“Who's at the shop?” I tease him as I get to work.
“I have staff,” he scoffs. “I’m here for just one, and then I have to go make sure they’re working. I’ll do the paperwork tonight.”
Alcohol and heavy machinery probably don’t mix, so that’s just as well.
“I’m beginning to feel a lot like chopped liver, Shep,” Lexi says, mixing a rum and coke as she teases him.
“Ew. You’re not that at all. She’s been gone, Lexi. I’ve seen you around,” he says.
Shep isn’t at the bar very often, so I don’t think that’s what this is at all. Hiding a smile, I get lost in the conversations around me. Slinging drinks is easy, and the crowd is always fun to watch.
“Silva,” Emmett grunts, getting my attention as I jerk my head toward him.
I’m currently elbows deep in melon ball shots. He can come to me. Blowing out a breath, he comes behind the bar, leaning in to speak to me.
“Those alphas are back. Am I allowed to let them in?” he asks.
“The alphas that are currently living in my home and helped me through my heat?” I ask, glancing at him. “You’re kidding, right?”
His lips twitch but other than that, he doesn’t give an inch.
“Oooh. You’re mean, Emmett,” I laugh. People turn toward the sound, but I ignore them. I’m fairly good at that for the most part. Ignoring, that is.
“I work by the book,” he smirks.
“Note to self, Emmett’s petty may rival mine,” I gasp as I giggle.
“Don’t die, Boss. Please breathe.”
“Let them in,” I say, shaking my head. “But only if there’s coffee and food. That’s what I was promised.”
“They have both,” Emmett says, walking away.
“What was that about?” Lexi asks, leaning toward me.
“He didn’t want to let Izzy and the guys in,” I say, trying to quiet the butterflies in my stomach.
“Why?” she asks, confused. “He knows they’re living with you.”
“Because he’s petty and is still mad that they fucked with me,” I explain.
“That’s my man,” she grins proudly.
“Crazy as hell,” I sigh. I fucking love her.
Putting out the shots, I nod at the customer in front of me, putting the shots on her tab. Apparently, the teachers decided to come here to celebrate that there’s no school tomorrow. Something about a teacher planning day.
“Security is tough here,” Kyren smirks, placing a coffee cup in front of me.
“Mmmm. Come to mama,” I groan, snatching the coffee and taking a sip. “How do you know my coffee order, stalker?”
“I texted Syrus,” he grins. “Did they do it right?”
If he had said the order was for me anywhere in town, they’d have told him my order. The advantages of being a coffee addict in Widows Peak.
“It’s perfect,” I moan happily, taking another sip before hiding it under the bar.
“I also got you a buffalo chicken wrap. It’s cut down the middle and you can put it away to eat whenever you want,” Kyren adds, placing the bag in front of me.
“Oh, it’s from the grocery store,” Lexi moans. “They have the best deli and sandwich counter. Good job.”
“Yeah?” he asks, his chest puffing with pride as I take the bag.
“Yeah—”
“Go eat, Silva,” Lexi interrupts. “I’ll grab Briar to fill in while you do. She’s practicing for the weekend.”
She waves at Briar as she swings from the fly pole, before shooing me away.
Well, I am really hungry. Why not?
“I guess I’m having dinner,” I shrug, grabbing my things.
Kyren meets me at the end of the bar, walking me to a table where Izzy and Harlan are. Syrus should be getting off work soon unless…
Sitting down, I pull my phone out as I do. There’s a message waiting for me from Sy, explaining that someone did call out.
Me
Boo. Are you working till four in the morning then?
Syrus
Yeah. I’m still going to follow you home. It means they’re going to cover my morning shift and I’ll be able to sleep in with you.
Me
I have a harem of stalkers. Look at that.
“Syrus?” Izzy asks as I put my phone down on the table. “I might need to kill anyone else that puts a smile on your face like that.”
“Yes,” I say, showing him. “He’s stuck late at work.”
“Your psychopath is showing, Izzy,” Harlan says idly, watching me unwrap my food.
“It’s adorable,” I reply, taking a bite and my eyes immediately begin to shut as I moan happily.
There’s just enough spice, and blue cheese sauce with it helps to round it out.
“I’ll get you a glass of water,” Kyren says, taking off for the bar.
“I could have gone,” I mumble as I chew.
“It’s too much fun watching you eat,” Harlan smirks. “Syrus was pissed when he found out you hadn’t eaten. He suggested the wrap.”
“So good,” I agree.
“We want to take care of you as long as you let us,” he says.
“Speak for yourself,” Izzy mutters. “I want to take care of her even when she won’t let us.”
Thank goodness I finished swallowing, because I definitely would have choked.
“Glad to hear it,” I grin, shaking my head.
Welcome to my crazy little life. I love it here.