Page 12 of Love in Pieces

I was really worried about Rose for a long time. I still am. We’ve gotten much closer since then. I guess I’ve been the replacement, but I don’t mind.

“I should have been there,” I concede. I was at that same party they went to, but when I caught Cole with my ex in a spare bedroom, I baled.

“Dallas, I can’t tell you this enough. What happened isn’t your fault. It’s not your job to watch over us. We, I,” she corrects with a sigh, “am barely a year younger than you.”

I push the thought away. “Do you think they’re going to get a divorce?” I ask. It’s been a question on my mind for a while, but I’ve been too afraid to admit it. “I hope not. I hope they can figure this out and move on.”

“Let’s hope,” she grumbles.

I take a deep breath before checking the time on my watch. “I’ve got to head to work. I’ll talk to you later?” I ask. Rose is one of the only people who keeps me sane, other than Logan.

“Talk to you later. I’ll let you know if I learn anything more.”

As I head into Landry’s, I take my normal position at the far end. The drinks flow. Code Names plays. The bar is full. Time moves quickly with how busy it is, giving me a reason to tune out the drama in my life. The rock music helps. I do, however, notice two girls who approach the bar a few times. Two brunettes. I recognize the black-haired girl from the cafeteria last week. I don’t eat in the school cafeterias very often, which is probably why I haven’t noticed her before now.

As they collect the drinks Aubrey made for them, they both take a long swig before turning back toward the band, doing their best to shove their way to the front.

When I finally clock out for the day, satisfied with my tips, Aubrey asks, “Can I get a ride?” as she finishes counting the till. The neon beer signs glow, illuminating the low cut of her uniform.

“Sure.” I lean my back against the bar, listening to the muffled radio playing from in the kitchen.

“You okay? You seemed a little off tonight.” She doesn’t look up from the money.

“I’m good. Just family drama. Nothing new.”

“All right. Are you staying tonight?” she asks, clearly hoping for a yes.

“Probably. We’ll see what time it is when we finally leave. I have to work earlier than usual tomorrow, no thanks to you.” I hope that comes off as a joke.

“Sorry. Chase asked for the weekend off and I didn’t have anyone else to schedule. I knew you didn’t have anything going on, so I just assumed you’d like to start early and get off early.”

“Oh, it’s all good. I don’t mind at all.”

As we continue to close the bar, Bill does a final walk-through. “Looks good. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” He hops in his car and drives off before Aubrey and I are in my vehicle.

“Goodbye to you, too.” Aubrey waves to no one in particular. “Love that guy, but he needs to work on his people skills when he’s tired.” She chuckles as she slides into the passenger seat.

I turn the radio up higher than usual tonight to reduce the likelihood of an uncomfortable conversation. I would rather just get to her apartment, have sex, and go back to work in the morning. I realize how shallow that sounds, but at the moment, I don’t care. I try to avoid serious conversations with her at all costs. Not that she isn’t capable of having them, I just don’t want this thing we have to turn into anything more or less than it is. What we have works. I’d like to keep it that way.

“I’m going to hop in the shower. Feel free to join.” She winks and drops her stuff on her couch before disappearing into the bathroom.

I place my phone and wallet on the counter before lowering myself onto the couch. I listen to the monotone shower as she cleans up, trying to keep my eyes from closing.

“You’re not going to fall asleep on me, are you?” she asks, startling me awake.

“Nah. I’m still wide awake,” I lie, stretching my arms out over my head.

She comes around the front of the couch, wearing nothing but an old, oversized T-shirt with a picture of a forest and some very faded writing that's no longer legible. She saunters up to me, placing one leg between mine and the other kneeling on the couch.

My heart beats faster at the thought of what usually comes next. She pulls up her shirt over her curvy hips, allowing her warm skin to rest on my thighs. My khakis tighten, forcing me to shift in my seat. She lets the button on my pants loose and unzips them to give me more freedom.

“Tell me what’s been going on. You’re not yourself. I like the happier Dallas better.” She puts her short auburn hair into a bun on the top of her head.

“I’d really rather not talk about it.” I rest my hands on her bare thighs and squeeze the tattoos that cover them. They radiate with the same heat racing through my body.

“Are you sure?” She kisses the side of my neck.

“Very.” I don’t let her ask any more questions. My arm slips under her shirt, a firm grip on her breast. I quickly flip her over onto her back and pull my shirt off before hovering over her with a hand on either side of her head. She smiles at me with anticipation as our almost nightly routine ensues.

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