Page 43 of Jordan’s Breakthrough (Unexpected Love #3)

His joy fades in an instant, replaced with concern.

“Everything’s fine,” I add quickly. “I just need to talk to you about something.” I lower my voice. “About Miles.”

His concern deepens. “Is he okay?”

No. “Tell you later?”

He nods once. “Yeah. Find me in the office after we close?”

“I will.”

I stroll back to my end of the bar, more determined than ever to see this through.

Several hours later, after the noise settles and the crowd disperses, I find Declan in his office doing end-of-day paperwork.

He’s switched the main office to the one at the end of the hall, which is bigger and has enough room for a second desk since Seth has been coming in to help on a regular basis.

Seth is here now, sitting across from Declan at the other computer. Judging from Declan’s flushed cheeks and soft laughs, the two must’ve been flirting before I walked in.

As soon as Seth sees me, he sits up straighter. “Oh, hey, Jordan. Want me to go?”

He’s always been respectful about Declan’s privacy with his staff, but I don’t need him to leave for this. In fact, I’d rather him stay. Seth knows Miles and considers him a friend.

“No, it’s fine.”

Declan swivels his seat around to me, giving me his full attention. “What’s up? You said it’s about Miles?”

I take a deep breath. “There is no easy way to say th—”

“Ah, fuck. You’re quitting, aren’t you?” Declan blurts.

“What? No,” I splutter. Why would he think I’m quitting? “I just came to ask for some time off.”

“Oh. Okay, then. How long?”

“Three months.”

Declan’s mouth falls open. “Months?”

I refuse to feel guilty when I have absolute clarity about this. Miles needs me. “Yeah. I know it’s shitty timing with how busy we’ve been, but Miles is really suffering with no one around.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t know if he told you, but his hours changed at work, so now we can’t even talk to each other. His best friend is stationed in Texas, and another friend just left for Washington. He’s got no one in Salt Lake City. Literally no one. It’s hitting him hard.”

Declan slumps into his chair, his face grim. “Damn. That’s awful.” He looks at Seth, as if thinking about them in that position. “Three months, though?”

“His contract is up in December, then he’s coming here.”

“Really? He’s moving here?”

“No, just a temporary position for now. But it’s a longer term. Eighteen months. Then,” I shrug, “we’ll figure it out.”

“Then you ride off into the sunset in that badass motorhome,” he teases.

I chuckle. “Maybe. But I’d definitely come back. I couldn’t leave you guys.”

Declan seems touched. He looks down at his hands as he thinks about it. “Three months is a long time.”

“Exactly. For him, too,” I press. “He’s not going to handle three months alone, Dec. He’s already depressed.”

“Let him go, babe,” Seth says. “I’ll help around here if needed.”

Declan snorts. “I love you, but you can’t tend bar like he can.”

Seth laughs. “No, but Mel can. And I can serve like she does. I’ll take her spot, at least on the weekends. Plus, River was asking for a job, wasn’t he? Give him a chance.”

Declan has always been leery around River. He’s a sketchy customer who sometimes forgets to pay his tab.

He finally nods. “Yeah, you’re right. It’ll work.”

I exhale hard. “You sure? I feel like shit for the short notice, but I will come back. I promise. I just want to be there for him.”

He tilts his head. “He’s your guy, man. Of course I’m sure. Besides, you’re not getting off that easy. I’ll put you on social media duty and other admin shit while you’re gone.”

I grimace.

Declan laughs.

“I might be able to find some work for you too, if you need it,” Seth offers. “Copy writing and that kind of thing.”

“Really?”

He nods. “There’s always musicians looking for help. I can ask around at work.”

“Okay. Yeah, I’d appreciate that.” We all know Declan can’t pay me the same salary for running the social media pages. We’re doing well, but not that well. And I have a small savings, but not enough to last three months, so any work is great.

“Cool. I’ll get something set up for you soon then,” Seth says.

“When are you leaving?” Declan asks.

I flinch. “I, uh. Well, I was hoping to head out tonight. Or tomorrow morning. Depends on how fast I can pack up the house.”

Declan stills. “Shit. That fast?”

“He’s really depressed, Dec. Like, I don’t think he realizes how bad he is, but I see it, you know? And it’s starting to scare me.”

He and Seth exchange a look. Declan lowers his voice. “I’ve seen it too. Maybe not as much as you, but I’ve definitely noticed he’s not himself. Anyway, yeah. Do what you need to.”

I finally relax. “Thank you.”

Declan stands. “Jord, you’ve been my rock for three years. Did you really think I’d say no? Plus, I like Miles. He’s a sweet guy, and he’s good for you. So go enjoy yourself for a while. Have fun. See the zoo and aquarium or whatever.”

Energy buzzes through me. I haven’t even thought about that. Miles is finally going to explore Salt Lake City.

“Besides, you can make it even in a few months,” Seth cuts in. “Declan and I are taking some time off too, after the wedding, so you can cover him then.”

I laugh. “Sounds good.”

Declan pulls me in for a long hug, and I soak it up. “Thank you.”

“No. Thank you, Jordan. Seriously. I haven’t said that enough. I couldn’t have kept this place alive without you and Piper, and you know it.”

I’m not sure what to say, since the three of us just kind of stumbled into the role of bar owners.

“When’s the big day, anyway?” I say, changing topics. “Did you finally pick a date?”

They smile together, and Seth answers. “November 8 th .”

My jaw drops. “No shit? That’s like two months away.”

“Less than that, actually. But yeah. It’s our one-year anniversary. We won’t take time off until after the new year, since I have some work contracts due in December.”

“That’s great, though. I’m happy for you.”

Declan hesitates. “Think you and Miles will make it back for the wedding? I’d still love for you and Piper to stand up with me.”

“Of course. We’ll be there.”

“But don’t worry. You won’t need a tux,” Seth says. “We’re drawing a line at a formal ceremony. We want it comfortable.”

“So flip flops and shorts on the beach, then?” I tease.

They turn to look at each other and laugh. “That’s actually exactly what we’re doing. Except pants, no shorts.”

I grin. “Awesome. Count us in.”

Declan squeezes my shoulder. “Take care of Miles, okay? If you need anyone, just call. I’ll shut the place down if we need to, to be there for him.”

My throat tightens. When Declan loves someone, he loves hard.

“Thanks, Dec.”