Page 22 of Only Some Stars Fall

“Nah, I’ll grab one with one of the girls.”

I head back to my truck, and I’m greeted by Birch’s face hanging out the window, loving the attention of anyone walking by. The fireworks will start soon, so it is best to get Birch back to the bar and relieve my dad, who always covers while the younger staff enjoys the concert.

When I walk in, instead of being greeted by my dad’s usual grin, I find my mom wiping down the bar. Big Earl is at the other end of the bar, talking with one of his many fishing buddies.

“What are you doing here? Where’s Dad?”

“Didn’t he tell you he was heading out for a few days?” A confused expression crosses her face until the realization hits moments later. Of course, he didn’t; it’s a subject my father and I don’t discuss.

Ever.

My body tenses and the anger that has settled in my bones over the last two years attempts to resurface. For the last few weeks, I have been finding it harder to keep in check.

“He didn’t mention it,” I say quietly, trying not to bring any unneeded attention to our conversation. I would hate to try to explain to Big Earl in his very intoxicated state where my father is. However, that fear seems unnecessary. Big Earl is talking a mile a minute without noticing that his buddy has most definitely fallen asleep, let alone even noticed that I have come back to the bar.

“Do you want to talk about it? I know you don’t agree with his choices, but it’s something he feels he needs to do and…”

“No.”

She lets out a defeated sigh. “Well, if you can handle this,” she motions to the clean and prepped bar, “I’ll head home. It’s late, but I think I’ll work in my shop for a bit.” I know this is all hard for her too, but I can’t find any words tocomfort her. I simply nod and turn my back to the wall of liquor.

Thirty minutes later,guests and locals start drifting in, raving about the show and the fireworks. Elle jumps behind the bar to help me out. Slowly, I feel myself relax a bit. I have always liked working on the Fourth of July. People are happy, the lake feels alive this time of year, and though most days I curse the fact that I had to come back to this place, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic.

Thenshewalks in, and that relaxed mood walks out.

She’s surrounded by a cloud of people, consisting mostly of my friends. My jaw tenses, and once again, I don’t know why, but I am annoyed by how easily she has worked her way into my circle. My annoyance quickly turns to rage when I see Nick following close behind.

The crowd approaches the bar, and I single out Everly, Nick, and Alex immediately.

“Don’t even try it.”

“Well, aren’t you just a party of fun tonight,” Alex says, plopping down at one of the tables. She’s trying to be playful, no doubt, and as much as I love her, Alex’s constant good attitude can be fucking irritating when I am in no mood for games.

“I don’t give a shit,” I shoot back, making it crystal clear that I’m not playing her game.

A few guests look my way, and I quickly glance at Everly, who is sitting across from Alex on Nick’s knee. He scoffs and quietly says something to his friend, who I recognize but don’t care enough to remember his name. Everly’s eyes meet mine, but my expression stays cold.

I don’t have time for this shit. I have no idea how or why I letthis woman work her way into my head, but it’s ridiculous. I barely know her and have actively tried not to get to know her. But here I am, fucking worked up that she’s sitting on another dude’s lap. My temper has been a damn roller coaster since she arrived, and it’s time for me to get off this ride.

“You okay, Hux?” Kenny brings my thoughts back to the bar.

“I’m just sick of underage douchebags taking up tables.” I grab him another beer and set it down in front of him.

He looks over his shoulder and then back at me. “Ah. All right, bud, but don’t forget we were those underage douchebags like two summers ago.”

I glare at him as I take care of a couple looking very much in love. Ashlee is at the other end of the bar chatting with Elle and a few other of our friends. She looks beautiful tonight, confident, and sun-kissed, yet I find the idea of indulging in her no longer the release I’m looking for.

Everly has seeped into every corner of my mind, ruining any bit of refuge I once had.

“I think everyone is planning to head to Nick’s after this. His parents are on the other side of the lake with some friends for the night. Are you going to join us once you close up? Pretty sure Ashlee is coming,” he says, clearly trying to entice me.

“No.”

“Man, what is up with you lately? I know shit is complicated with your family, but relax a little.”

I’m about to explain how my idea of a good time isn’t going to some twenty-year-old’s parents’ summer house with a bunch of drunk college kids that don’t have anything better to do, but up until a few weeks ago, that’s exactly what I would be doing.

“Dude, I’m sorry, I just have a lot on my mind lately.” Kenny looks like he is about to ask more, but someone from the douche table lets out a whistle in an attempt to get my attention.

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