Page 62 of Falling for You

“You’re a sweet talker, Rex Matthews.”

“Only for you, Chloe Garcia.”

And then I swooned.

And then we made out on the couch like a couple kids in high school that were only given a few hours before the parents were going to be home. After that, I walked him to the door, he kissed me good night, just like he promised, and I fell asleep dreaming of a world where my last name was no longer Garcia and my world was never lonely.

Chapter Fifteen

Rex

It’s beenthree days since I’ve seen Chloe.

Three.

Long.

Days.

I’ve talked to her every day in between but not being able to see her is nothing short of dumb. The only thing that’s made the few days separation bearable is the fact that we’ve both been working. She stays late a few nights a week so she can be there for her clients who work during the day and I’ve had shifts at The Flying Goat to cover.

The new bartenders Ethan hired have been asking for more hours, so I graciously gave up my two weekend shifts so they could fill in. The tips are incredible and as college students, they need the money.

But that doesn’t stop me from coming in before the busy Friday night crowd gets here to help out during Happy Hour.

“So you like her, huh?” Penny asks.

“What makes you say that?” On Wednesday night Penny and I worked together and she was giving me a raft of shit about missing my shift, something I’ve never done in all the years I’ve worked here. Because I’m not a douche who’s ashamed or embarrassed that I like a girl or that I’m seeing someone, I told her all about Chloe. Well, not really. I told her that I was seeing someone and that she and I were hanging out and I lost track of time.

“Because you keep talking about her, checking your phone like you’re waiting for a text or call from her.”

Filling up the drafts she just ordered for one of her tables, I snicker. “You’re such a liar. I am not.” And I’m not. I’ve mentioned her name a few times but I’ve never checked my phone. It’s a thing I have about being here. If I’m behind the bar, I don’t need my phone glued to my hand. Ethan is typically the same, though he’s been keeping his phone around him more than he used to.

“Actually, it’s because I haven’t heard you call a girl sweetheart or darlin’ or any other sickening name for a while now. And don’t get me started on the way Brooklyn, that one who had stars in her eyes for you, looks like you kicked her puppy when you finally told her it wasn’t happening.”

“That was a long time coming and you know it. I needed to be honest with her so she’d stop keeping her hopes up.”

She looks at me over her shoulder as she lifts the tray to deliver the drinks. “Hey, I’m not judging. I’m glad you told her. Girl was getting on my last nerve. Just saying. Hearts are breaking wide open all over the town of Liberty tonight.” Her voice takes on a hint of southern tone as she says it, hips do a little shake.

“You just Top Gunned me!” I holler after her. The table is close enough to the bar that she and I continue to carry on our conversation as if she were still here. I wipe down the bar top and lean over it.

“Thank God you got that reference. I was going to have to reconsider our friendship if you hadn’t.”

“Of course I got it. It’s my favorite movie of all time.”

“I would make fun of you for that if I didn’t have a complete appreciation for how awesome it is.”

The guys at the table, a bunch of regulars who I’ve known for years and continue to peddle shit my way about the women who come in here looking to hook up with me, laugh at us then launch into singingYou’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.

“Ahh. Get outta here with that shit,” I joke, tossing a rag at them.

One of them stands up, stretches a hand out to Penny. She takes it, of course, and they spin before he pulls her in for a dance.

Everyone in the bar is watching, most of them laughing and egging them on for more. One idiot stands on the table, thinking he’s going to take over but he gets pulled down into his seat by his friends.

After their little impromptu a cappella concert is over, the bar is full of energy. Not that it was dead before, but it spurred something in the crowd and I can tell it will be a wild night. For the first time, I’m glad to be missing it.

I have better things to be doing tonight.

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