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And I love her for it.
“See you back at the garage,” I tell her, wanting to leave before things get weird again. Turning my back on her, I weave my way between tables, skirting my way around the lunch counter.
I don’t even see my brother until I’m halfway out the door and he’s flagging me down.
“What are you doing here?” I say, my gaze automatically drawn back the way I’d come, silently willing Tess to stay where she is. Dealing with Declan is not something she needs to do right now.
“Jess is doing some sort of bridesmaids thing, so I’m grabbing a quick bite before I head to the bar.” Declan tips his head to the side and rubs his temple with his index finger. “You just get finished?”
If he believes his fiancé is doing some sort of bridesmaids thing on a Wednesday afternoon, he’s either dumb or delusional. “Yup,” I say, hand pressed flat against the door to shove it open.
“So, the booth is open?”
He knows I’m here with Tess—I’m pretty much always with Tess—and this is his not-so-subtle way of asking me where she is. “No, it’s not,” I say, my tone heavy. “So, just sit your ass down and wait your turn like everyone else.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket. Somehow, I manage to act normal and not like someone is administering electroshock therapy to my balls.
“Later.” Without waiting for Dec to respond, I push my way through the door, leaving him behind. I’m not three steps from the door before I’m digging my phone from my pocket and swiping my thumb across the screen.
Unknown: Hi, Conner.
It’s Henley.
I have an overwhelming urge to throw my phone in the trash and run like a little bitch.
Unknown: Conner?
I need sleep. A good, hard fuck. A gallon of whiskey. Maybe all three. That’s what I need. That’s all. That’s all this is.
Unknown: Do I have the
right number?
Fuck.
Me: Yeah. Busy.
What’s up?
Unknown: Oh. Okay.
I’m sorry to bother you.
Ryan gave me your
number. I hope that’s
okay.
It was okay at 3AM. Now, I don’t know what it is.
Me: It’s fine.
Jesus Christ. Why the fuck am I freaking out?
Me: Did you need
something?