Page 109 of Mark Us Little Bear
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Ronnie.”
I glance at the grim reaper tattoo on his neck before my eyes flick up again. “I couldn’t have survived it without you, Luka.”
“Through thick and thin,” he starts, waiting for me to continue.
“Through blood and tears.”
“Through oceans and crazy grandmas.”
“You’re my…”
I nod.
“Ride or die.”
We finish that line together.
He loops his arms around me again and I can feel his body sagging and relaxing into my hold.It’s my turn to be his crutch.
“Can I bring plus two?”
His big joker grin captures his entire face. “Damn right, you can. They have made you beam ever since they walked into your life. You don’t always need a plan, just choose a direction and see where it leads you.” He quotes his mom.
“Your parents would’ve been so proud of you.”
“I know. They would’ve been so proud of you too.”
A tear glides down my cheek and I wipe it quickly as we embrace each other one last time before he returns to work. Like Nana always says, some people are meant to stay beside us to cross those whirlwinds life throws sometimes.
Amber
Ronnie steps out of his office with a big smile, striding through the hallway to my right.
A silky, black dress shirt tucked into his matching dress pants. His Neckline is slightly open, showcasing his delicious tattoos as his Nike’s cross the floor smoothly all the way to the bar. A cookie box in hand. He sets it down as he approaches the counter without glancing at it once, knowing this place like the back of his hand.
“That’s for you, don’t tell Bradley. He hates it when I don’t eat at work.” He kisses my cheek. “Guess what.”
“You want to fuck me in your office…?” I whisper before I uncap a bottle.
“I do.” He sighs. “But I was going to say that I’m going to be Luka’s best man.” The endless pride shining in his gorgeous blue eyes makes my heart flutter. “He is getting married in Australia and we’re going together.”
I slide two beers to a waiting customer. “What?” curious, I turn to him. “I’m so happy for them but how… I can’t afford a ticket.”
“Shh, quiet that brain.” Ronnie squeezes my ass behind the counter and I push against his hand, pretending I’m listening to another customer. “I’ll get it covered, don’t worry.”
“Yes, I’ll get you a beer and then I’m done for today,” I reply to the woman across the bar, smiling as I place her order on the counter. “Lisa will take care of you if you need something else.”
“Thank god your shift is over.” He stares at his wristwatch as I turn to look at him then signals me to head to his office.
“Get your ass out of my bar,” Lisa jokes as she steps inside and takes new orders. “I think the boss wants to see you in his office.” She winks and I shake my head, laughing at Ronnie’s mischievous expression.
“Have a great shift,” Ronnie says as he strides toward his office.
“Good job, Amber. I’ll see you tomorrow on our shift.”
“You got it,” I wink at her as I follow Ronnie and pull my phone out of my pocket to text Bradley.
Amber
