Page 7 of Ajax

FIVE

AJAX

By the timethe weekend rolls around, I’m a bundle of nerves.

It’s not often I get nervous, but since I was wounded, social interactions are hard—especially with people I don’t know.

Thankfully the pub is quiet for a Friday night—it’s still early, and I make my way to a table and sit.

I fist my hands, digging what nails I have into my palms.

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so anxious, but I need to get this over with and go home.

The others stayed at the farm which I’m thankful for, but at the same time irritated that they won’t face up to the mess they created.

“Did you want something to drink?”

I look up. Ivy stands in front of me, her hands on her hips. The warm smile that usually graces her lips is missing.

Her eyes are tired.

“I …”

“How about I get you your usual?” Her expression softens, and she looks much more like herself.

What that was all about?

I nod. “That’d be great.”

She turns back toward the bar.

“Ivy.”

Ivy seems to pause before she looks back over her shoulder.

“I’m … umm … expecting someone to join me. Can I run a tab?”

Her smile seems forced. “Sure.”

When she returns to the table, I gulp down half my beer.

“Liquid courage?” she asks.

She does know about the date.

“Something like that.”

She nods and walks away. Usually I’d admire her figure, but I’m too wound up to even do that.

Why couldn’t they set me up with Ivy?

The door opens, and a blonde walks in.

A very pretty, thin, looks-like-I-could-snap-her-in-half blonde.

Is this her?

She looks around, her gaze falling on me before sweeping the rest of the room. Her expression gives away nothing as she makes her way to the bar.

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