Chapter Fourteen
I powered down the work computer after finalizing our monthly bar profit margins, feeling a sense of relief as I wrap up another cycle of figures.
As always, Beck has ensured that our inventory operations ran as smoothly as possible.
Her attention to detail has always played a crucial role in making my part of the job manageable, and I genuinely appreciate her for that.
Beck’s ability to handle chaotic situations with such calmness is a trait that sets her apart—something I’ve found difficult to envision in my role with Blake, considering he’s always hated math.
He thrives in the lively atmosphere of the bar, where his outgoing personality is well-suited to engaging with customers and managing the fast-paced environment.
I believe he’s exactly where he wants to be.
Together, we’ve created a balance that keeps this place running smoothly.
I walk through the double doors that lead out to the bar and spot Blake off to the side, mixing up some drinks. He glances over his shoulder and asks, “You done for the night?” I nod in response. He fills a metal shaker, turning back to me with a raised eyebrow. “Have you talked to Beck today?”
I crack my neck, watching him work on another drink. “No, not since yesterday at the lake.”
A wry smile creeps across his face as he shakes his head. “So, I guess you two had the talk, huh?”
I lean against the counter, crossing my arms. “Yeah, something like that.”
Blake lets out a scoff. “A man of few words...So now that that’s out of the way, when do you plan on telling B about her?
” He motions toward the bar area behind him.
I quickly turn my head in the direction he’s looking.
There she is. Raina is sitting in the same booth from the first night I laid eyes on her.
My gaze shifts to the person seated directly across from her, and my brows furrow as a wave of heat rushes over me.
I never thought I’d have to see Dipshit again.
I trail behind Blake as he distributes the drinks he mixed at the bar. “How long have they been here?” I ask, curiosity creeping in.
He chuckles softly, “Honestly, I’m not sure…
maybe around thirty minutes. I figured you’d caught them on the cameras.
” I brush aside his comment and fix my gaze on her, silently wishing she’d look up and see the irritation etched on my face, but she remains oblivious.
My hands flex at my sides, tension building inside me.
In a moment of impatience, I pull out my phone and find her contact.
Me: Why did you bring him here?
I glance up from my phone, focusing intently on her.
She takes a sip of her drink while listening to Dipshit ramble on.
Moments later, she sets her drink down and reaches for something beside her.
I watch as she pulls out her phone, a fleeting look of confusion crossing her face before it shifts to a broad grin.
I see her fingers dancing across the screen, and in just a few seconds, my phone vibrates in my hand.
Raina: So this is what it takes for you to reach out to me?
Me: I guess so…are you going to answer my question?
Raina: I wasn’t aware that I couldn’t? I mean this is the only bar around here…and who are you to tell me I can’t?
Me: Ouch. I mean…this is my bar.
Raina: And? So what…are you going to kick us out?
Me: No…unless you want a replay of last time you were here. I’d hate for poor Scottie to get wounded again.
I look up from my phone just in time to see him walking toward the bar.
I step forward, anticipating that he’ll order a drink.
But instead, he doesn’t spare me a glance, breezing right past me to where Blake stands behind the bar.
Blake glances over at me, his lips pressed tight in surprise.
I turn to Raina, who is biting her bottom lip, clearly trying to hold back a smile.
Raina: Do you blame him?…you literally blacked his eye for no reason.
Me: No, it was for a good reason.
Raina: Which was…?
Me: He should have never put his hands on you without your consent.
Raina: So touching is wrong, but stalking is acceptable?
Me: Wtf is that supposed to mean?
Raina: Nothing…So I’ll make a deal with you.
Me: A deal?
Raina: I won’t bring him back here if you take me to your little lake spot you told me about.
Me: Wow…so you’re bribing me?
Raina: It’s your choice…I know Scottie would gladly take me wherever without bribery…
Me: Fine…when?
Raina: This Sunday or Monday…it’s the only days I have off this month.
Me: Monday. I’ll pick you up.
Raina: Can you give me a time? Or should I catch you stalking me in the parking lot across from my apartment again?
Me: 4 p.m. And wear a bathing suit just in case.
Raina: It’s a date. See you then.
Me: This is not a date.
Raina: Right…OKAY…grumpy.
Me: Have a good night with dipshit.
I turn my attention toward her as she slips her phone back into her purse.
For a moment, her green eyes catch the light in my direction with something intriguing, but then she quickly averts her gaze, focusing on Scottie as he approaches the table with drinks.
A heavy sigh escapes my lips. I’m relieved that I won’t have to deal with that fucker after tonight.
Blake leans against the bar counter beside me. “Damn, Ez, she really has you wrapped around her finger, eh?”
I roll my eyes at his careless remark. “Excuse me?” I snap back, my irritation bubbling up.
He chuckles softly, tilting his head. “I’ve known you since we were kids, remember?
You don’t think I can tell when something’s bothering you?
” I glare at the side of Blake’s head, hating it when he’s right.
I fall silent, doing my best to avoid looking in Raina’s direction.
Just her presence stirs something within me.
After all these years of keeping it together, managing my emotions around others, this tiny, feisty blonde seems to break down my defenses.
Now I’ve agreed to take her to our special place—the one I share with the twins.
All I can think about is Beck. How the hell am I supposed to bring this up to her?
I know Blake will keep my secrets, but eventually B will find out.
And the last thing I want to do is throw more fuel on the fire of the mess we’re working to get past.