Page 45 of Hooked On Him

“Yup.”

I grab my umbrella and my jacket on my way out, thankful that I at least took that off before going back to the showers.

We run to Austin’s car in a fit of laughter. “What about your car?” he asks, shaking out his dark locks now dripping with water.

“I can come back for it tomorrow.” I shrug.

“How about I pick you up in the morning for school?”

“Yeah.” I smile. “Thanks.”

We blast music as we drive to the bar. Every chance I get, I sneak glances, a smile of my own as Austin sings along, off-key for every note. But I don’t mind. He’s cute and carefree, happy. I like this look on him.

When we pull up to O'Connell's, I start to worry. What if my boss gets pissed that I showed up at my work after I told him I’d take an extra shift, then took it back?

“You okay?” Austin asks when he notices me not getting out of the car right away.

“Yup.” I put on a fake smile.

“Everyone should be here by now,” Austin says. “Let’s go.”

I follow him, a nervous wreck as we make our way into my place of work.

“Hey!” Everyone cheers when we’re spotted.

People get up from tables, coming over to Austin and giving him bro hugs, congratulating him as they talk about the win.

Feeling a little out of place, I take a few steps back, getting lost in the crowd of people.

An unsettling feeling creeps in, settling in the pit of my stomach. Not wanting to be in the way, I head over to the bar fora drink, regretting it immediately when I see my boss is behind the bar.

“Levi!” He greets me with a big smile.

Okay. So, he doesn’t hate me? That's good.

“Hi.”

“What are you doing here?” he chuckles. “I thought you were taking the night off?”

“I am. Just here with some friends.”

“Oh yeah?” he asks, looking over my shoulder. “The rugby boys?”

“Ah, yeah. My brother and best friend are on the team. And my... uhh... boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?” His eyes light up. “Well, good for you. I’m glad you're taking some time for yourself. You work too hard, Levi.”

“Oh.” I blink at him. “Ah, yeah, I guess you're right.”

“Go on, go be with your friends. I’ll have Betty bring over a few pints for the lot of ya.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised. “You don’t have to do that.”

Eddie waves me off with his dish towel. “Go on with ya. Get.”

Smiling, I shake my head and start towards the table. Everyone is sitting now, and for a moment, I feel like just slipping away into the background, but then Austin looks around the room, his brows furrowed. When he sees me, his face lights up.

“Levi!” He waves me over.