Page 7 of A Biker for Noelle
Fifteen minutes later, the waitress returns with my food and packages it in a to-go box. She rings me up, and I quickly pay and leave her a five-dollar tip. I try not to think about how I spent half my tip money and focus on returning to Zack. My brother’seyes light up when I slide into the car’s driver’s seat. I breathe a sigh of relief to find the heat still working.
“What’s that?” he asks, eyeing the bag in my hand.
I pass it over. “Here.”
Zack opens the smaller box first, and I see his mouth practically watering when he spots the cake. “No, sir. Cake last. I got you some chicken and macaroni. I also got you some broccoli. You have to at least eat all your vegetables to get cake.”
“Aw, man,” he grumbles.
“Rules are rules, dude.” I grin as I watch him shovel a massive spoonful of macaroni into his mouth.
“All right.” I look down at my watch. “My time is up, and I need to get back in there. Are you going to be okay for a little longer? Do you need to go to the bathroom?”
Zack shakes his head. “I’m okay, Nelly.”
“Here.” I open the glove box and grab a bottle of pain reliever. “Take these.” I hand him two pills. The bruises on his face are still an awful shade of purple, but at least the swelling around his eye is not as bad today. “I only have about an hour left of my shift.” I lean over and kiss the top of my brother’s head before climbing out of the car and returning to the bar.
An hour later, the last couple of patrons exit the bar, and Eazy shuts and locks the door behind them. I follow Charlie’s lead by wiping down the tables and collecting the empty bottles left behind.
“So, what did you think about your first night?” Charlie walks up behind me carrying a small garbage bin she uses to collect trash left on the tables.
“It was good. My feet are killing me, though.”
“Comes with the territory.” She chuckles. “Think you’ll be back tomorrow?”
I chew on my bottom lip. “Yes. I mean, if Eazy wants me to come back.”
“Oh, he wants you all right.”
I look at Eazy to ensure he didn’t overhear Charlie. “You have to stop saying that,” I whisper. “And you’re wrong. Besides, I have enough on my plate right now. Dating is the last thing on my mind.”
“Eazy doesn’t date, he claims. And after he claims you, he’s going to be fucking you.”
“What the hell are you talkin’ about?” Eazy booms.
Both Charlie and I jump at the sound of his angry voice. “Ain’t nobody gonna be fuckin’ Noelle.” Eazy’s nostrils flare.
“Jesus. Take a chill pill.” Charlie rolls her eyes, unaffected by our boss’ temper.
But then Eazy takes in my expression, and his whole demeanor softens, though the tick in his jaw tells me he’s still irritated.
“Anyway…” Charlie continues, “Noelle and I are finished. Unless you need us to stay.”
“No. You’re good.” Eazy turns to me. “You did good tonight. The job is yours if you want it.”
“I want it,” I say eagerly.
A smile stretches across his face, revealing perfect white teeth. “All right, baby. Can you come in early tomorrow to fill out some paperwork? Say around one?”
There it is again, calling mebaby. Is that something he calls all women? By the Cheshire look on Charlie’s face, it’s not. “One is fine,” I squeak out.
Five minutes later, I’m walking out of the bar with Charlie. “That’s me over there.” She nods toward the Jeep parked at the opposite end of the parking lot as my car.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.” I give her a little wave.
“Night, Noelle.” She bids goodbye as I quickly make my way to my own car. I want to get out of here before Eazy leaves and before anyone notices Zack. If anyone finds out my little brotherhas been in the car this whole time, I’d no doubt be in serious trouble. I know my actions tonight were dangerous, but I was desperate.
When I slide in behind the wheel, Zack stirs awake. “Hey. Are you done?”
