Page 34 of Clashing
I gnawed on my lip. “It’s not a big deal.”
“How did he contact you?”
“He sent me a letter and a text, but I blocked the number.”
“A letteranda text? Jesus, Scarlett. What did he say? Where’s the letter?”
“Burned. I don’t know what it said because I burned it without opening it.”
Dan scowled. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Would you please chill?” I snapped. I couldn’t talk about this anymore, or I’d tear up. “He lives almost a thousand miles away. He’s not going to come all the way over here to mess with me.”He won’t come find me.If I said it enough, maybe I’d believe it. “You worry too much.”
“I worry enough,” Dan said, standing. “We’re not done talking about this. I just have to use the bathroom.”
Dan stalked off, and I rolled my eyes. Turning to serve another customer, I was interrupted by Ryker grabbing my arm. I arched a brow. His clenched jaw implied he was as pissed off as Dan, if not more.
“Last night you were going through your mail and I asked you what was wrong, and you saidnothing. Why the fuck did you lie to me?”
“Seriously?” I yanked out of his grip. “You too?”
“Why did you lie to me?”
“I didn’t lie to you. Nothing was wrong because nothing happened. It’s just a letter.”Let it go.The more we discussed it, the heavier that weight on my chest suffocated me.
“Bullshit, Scarlett.” He stretched over the bar and lowered his voice. “Danny’s right. You shouldn’t have burned that letter. You could use it against him. Don’t you have a restraining order? He’s violating that by contacting you.”
“I’m not an idiot, Ryker. I took a picture of the envelope and sent it to the police. His parole officer said he’d deal with it. Not that it’s any of your fucking business.”
On my retreat this time, I dodged his attempt to stop me. Now I had two overprotective freaks to deal with.Wonderful.I served the other customers at the bar and was making a drink when Tammy sidled up beside me and scooped ice into a glass.
I dropped my third lemon, and Tammy nudged me with her elbow. “Are you okay?”
“Why did you tell Dan about my call?” The words came out clipped. “That’smybusiness. You don’t need to tell him.”
“Whoa.” Tammy held up her hands. “I’m sorry, Scarlett. I got worried. You seemed really scared when you got on the phone.”
I massaged my temples. Being a bitch to Tammy wasn’t the answer. I smoothed my ponytail and offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry I snapped, but you have no idea how overprotective he is.” As I said it, I spotted Ryker and Dan whispering to each other out of the corner of my eye.Fantastic.
“He as inDanny, or he as inRyker?” Tammy asked. I gaped, and she laughed. “Next time, close the door. Or, like I told Ryker, don’t do it on shift.”
“Oh, God.” I buried my face in my hands. “I’m sorry. Please don’t say anything to Dan.”
“I wasn’t going to.” She finished making a drink, then pivoted toward me. “Look, I’m sorry I told Danny about the phone call. I’m not a nark. I won’t tell him about you and Ryker. I just worried because you went white as a ghost on the phone, then clammed up and wouldn’t say anything when I asked about it.”
I made a face and finally finished making the drink without dropping another lemon. “I get it. But, for future reference, don’t say anything to him, okay? I can take care of myself despite what Dan’s told you.”
“Danny’s never said you can’t take care of yourself.” Tammy set her completed drinks on a tray. “All he ever talks about is how proud he is of you and how strong you are. He’s not protective because he thinks you can’t handle yourself. He loves you.”
She left, and a new kind of guilt swirled in my stomach. Overprotective or not, Dan cared a lot. I served a couple more customers, then returned to peck him on the cheek. His burger was practically gone, and I didn’t want him going home with awkwardness between us.
“You don’t need to treat me like a child, but I’m sorry for not telling you, okay?”
He stiffened but relented. “Okay. You’ll tell me if he tries again?”
I didn’t miss the vulnerability and concern there. “I’ll tell you.”
“Good.” He wiped his hands with a napkin and stood. “I’m tired. It was a long drive. Come over for breakfast?”
