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“Hey, what are you up to? Working tonight?”

“Yeah, I have a four-hour shift tonight. From ten to two AM. Leaving for work now.” I back out of the parking space and drive.

“Ugh. That sucks.”

“At least I don’t have to be up early in the morning.” Look at me being all optimistic and shit.

“Are you up for some company? I’m bored. I could stop by.”

I hesitate. “You don’t have to check on me, you know. I’m okay.”

“No, dude. Logan is here with my sister, and I can’t make the TV loud enough to block all the monkey sex they’re having.”

I laugh. “Monkey sex?”

“Yeah, by the sound of it, they must be hanging from the ceiling or something.”

“Skye would be so mad if she heard you.”

“Ha! Skye is too blissed out by multiple orgasms to care. I’ll let you go. Drive safe. See you soon.”

She hangs up, and I’m still laughing. Then, for no reason at all, I think of Dylan. And monkey sex.

Chapter Thirty-Six

The bar is not ascrowded today thanks to the cold and ice. Just my regulars and a few college students. It means less work for me, but also fewer tips. Thursday night football on all the TVs keeps the handful of customers entertained.

I’m restocking the beer fridge when River comes in. As expected, all heads turn to her. She sits at the opposite end from my regulars and away from the other Riggins students taking center stage in front of the biggest TV.

I wipe my cold hands on my apron and walk to her. River sets a plastic container in front of me. “I come bearing gifts. Skye made cookies. I stole them. She owes me after putting me through all that noise.”

I’m not saying no to homemade cookies, especially ones made by Skye. “Thank you!” I grab the container and hide it under a shelf. “How are the monkeys?”

She laughs. “Dude, you don’t understand. I love my sister, and Logan is the perfect guy for her. But if you told me at the beginning of school that this would be Skye today, I would think you’re crazy.”

“Good for her.” I like Skye. She’s the sweetest. It couldn’t have been easy growing up in River’s shadow. “What can I get you?”

“Nothing alcoholic. I need my wits to drive in this weather.” She rubs her hands together and blows on them.

“I can make you a mean hot chocolate.” Her eyes widen at my suggestion.

“And fries? Can I have fries too? I ate too many cookies, I need something salty.”

“Sure. Anything for my best friend.”

I call in the order and check on my regulars. They’re still nursing their first beers. The college guys call me over. “We want to buy her a drink.” The one in the middle nods his head at River.

Every time. It never fails. “No, dude. You don’t want to do that. Not if you want to keep all your limbs attached to your body and be able to walk.”

He blinks at me.

“What do you mean?” the guy on his left asks.

“I mean her boyfriend is an ex-con covered in tattoos and the size of a barn. He doesn’t take kindly to other guys hitting on his girl,” I lie.

“Well, he’s not here right now, is he, doll?” This is from the slimy guy on the right. If they were the Three Stooges, he would be Moe. I let the doll comment slide.

“Her boyfriend? No, he’s not here. But his associates are. She never goes anywhere without someone watching her.” I look over their heads pointedly. All three look back, glancing over their shoulders. I hold back a laugh. Their gazes dart over the few people sitting at the tables. Two guys stare back. All three turn back to me.