Page 38 of Shattered Mind

Apparently, it’s not unusual for Grayson to go through phases of cutting himself off from humanity and disappearing for a while. And as much as it doesn’t sit right with me after everything that happened with Savannah, I also respect his need to be alone.

I wipe down the empty tables absentmindedly, refilling napkins and wrapping cutlery as the sound of hushed conversations and dish ware clinking surround me, and a smile touches my lips.

For all its faults, I love this small town I now get to call home. The way the people here are like one big dysfunctional family. How everyone is ready with a smile or a hug, depending on which one is required. Sure, they have a penchant for gossiping, but they also rally around their own in times of need.

That much was made clear when Hunter was injured, and Ryan was briefly on the loose.

The bell above the door chimes, signalling a newcomer and I turn ready to greet them, but come up short when Bella storms in, her face flushed with anger and Noah hot on her heels.

“Come on, Bells. You’re not seriously thinking about goin’ out with that dickhead?”

The café goes silent, and I watch with wide eyes as Bella stops, turning on her heel slowly before taking a measured step towards Noah. She points a manicured finger at him. “First of all, I do not have to explain myself to you, Noah. Second, Iwillbe going on a date with him. And third, the only dickhead here, is you!”

She turns her back on him, disappearing towards her office before closing the door with a loud bang that has everyone jumping back into action as if they weren’t just eavesdropping on the drama as it unfolded right in front of them.

I, however, remain in place, watching Noah’s chest heave as he glares at the hallway Bella marched down like he’s contemplating following her.

“Don’t bother,” I say, placing a hand on his shoulder and steering him towards one of the round leather stools along the counter.

Noah remains silent as I place a mug in front of him and fill it with coffee. I decide to leave him to stew in whatever shit he’s currently stewing in as I busy myself with mundane tasks.

I haven’t spent as much time with Noah as I have his two brothers, and I have no idea what’s going on between Bella and him, but it’s not the first time I’ve witnessed him act out over her being on the receiving end of another man’s attention.

Although, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest considering his brother acted the exact same way when another man showed interest in me.

Once I’m sure everyone is served, and all coffee cups are refilled I make my way towards Bella’s office and knock twice.

“Noah, if that’s you, fuck off.” Comes her pissed off tone and I stifle a laugh before pushing the door open and popping my head inside.

“Not Noah,” I smile softly.

Bella’s eyes soften when they land on me, and she releases a sigh. “I don’t know what that guy's problem is, but he’s crossed a line causing a scene like that in front of customers.”

“It was quite entertaining, if I do say so myself,” I joke, and she glares at me before letting out a disbelieving laugh.

“So, you have a date with Justin?”

Bella’s face lights up. “Yep. I don’t know how that dipshit found out about it, but I shouldn’t be surprised. Fucking small towns.”

I laugh at that because… case in point.

“Looks like your love life is this weeks hot gossip topic instead of mine, so thanks for that. Glad you’re okay.” I say with a sugary smile and her eyes narrow on me as I turn towards the door.

“Bitch. Let me know when it’s safe to come out.” She shouts after me and I cackle as I breeze back into the café and continue my shift.

***

“Honey, I’m home!” I call out as I breeze into Savannah and Hunters house without knocking.

“Auntie Livvy!” Reign exclaims as she rushes me, launching her tiny body into my arms. I catch her with anoomph, stumbling back slightly.

“Jeez, Babygirl. You’re getting heavy,” I tell her as I smother her face in kisses, and she dissolves into a fit of giggles.

Hunter rounds the corner, tea towel flung over one shoulder and looking every bit the family man he has become as I place my niece on the floor. “Hey, Liv. Sav’s just in the shower.”

I make a show of checking my phone. “Oh, I didn’t realise it was her birthday,” I say, but Hunter’s face remains blank, my joke going completely over his head.

“Huh?” He tilts his head in question, and I give him a pat on the shoulder as I walk past him.

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