“You’re so dramatic sometimes,” I tell him as I climb in his truck.
I notice a hair scrunchie and pick it up.
“Beau, when did you start wearing these?” I’m teasing, but I can tell it pisses him off.
He snatches it out of my hand, glaring at me, and puts it in his pocket.
“None of your business,” he snaps and then looks sad.
“Sorry.” Okay, I hit a nerve.
“Just . . . okay, I’m sorry. I’m trying to do something Linc said, but I’m horrible at it.”
“What was the advice?”
“It wasn’t advice, he just called me out on something. I’m trying to date someone.”
“Ooooohhhhhh. Who is she?”
“I don’t want to tell you just yet in case it goes south,” he admits.
“I’m sure she will fall in love with you,” I say as we pull into the bar.
“Maybe,” he grumbles. I wish my big brother all the happiness in the world. He deserves it. He’s always been there for me when I needed him. I hope this girl treats him with care. I’d hate to be the bitchy sister going all apeshit because the girl broke my brother’s heart.
The bar looks different with the new remodel after the other new remodel. I like it better.
“Hey, Mercy,” I wave at her as I head to the back.
“Glad to see you’re up and at 'em.” She winks as she serves a customer.
I like Mercy. She’s in her fifties but still a spitfire and people love her. I’ve always looked up to her as a role model.
“Nothing has changed, just wait tables when it gets busy,” Beau tells me as I hang my sweater on a hook and head back out front. I always get cold in the bar, so I never leave home without a sweater. Besides, the one I brought is a security blanket for me. Linc gave it to me.
“Glad you’re back,” Mercy says as she hands me an apron and gives me a hug.
“Can’t stay locked up forever,” I shrug.
“True that,” she moves to help someone. I spend my time wiping tables, handing out a few beers, until the door flies open and an angry Ever is standing in the doorway.
“Skye Drake!” Oh, she’s more than angry. She’s furious.
“Hey, Ever,” Mercy smirks as Ever stalks toward me.
“Where the fuck have you been?” And it’s worse than I thought, she’s cussing.
“I’m sorry,” I start.
“No, see, you don’t get to do that this time.” She’s coming at me and for a moment I think she’s going to get her revenge. Ever is finally going to hit me.
But she doesn’t. She hugs me.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
I thought I was a goner.
“I was worried about you.” I was worried about me, but I didn’t think others would care.