Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
“It's complicated.” When all they do is stare at me like they’re waiting for more, I take a deep breath and release it slowly. “The work I do, where I came from before coming back here, I don't talk much. Sharing stuff. I don’t mean to come off rude or shitty. It really is good to see you guys, even if I’m not acting like it.”
Another thing about them that hasn’t changed is that they’re both quick to forgive and shake things off. Dex finishes his beer before asking, “How long do you think you'll be around? Straight up. You know plenty of people would like to see you, hang out.”
Christ. Because I need that in my life. “I don't know for sure.” I leave it there when Tatum starts down the stairs. Once she sits, I notice the damp hair at her temples. She was splashing her face. Probably trying to get herself together. She doesn't need this in her life, either.
Or so I want to tell myself before she clears her throat. “Do you guys know of any jobs in the area? Doesn't matter what. I need something to do.”
“Are you sure about that?” I don't care that the guys look at me like I'm nuts for asking. She’s the one who’s out of her fucking mind if she thinks this will fly with either me or her father.
Her sunny smile tells me all I need to know about why she’s doing this—anything, so long as she can get to me. “Yeah, I'm sure. I could use something to do while looking for a permanent job.”
“There are a few places down on Main Street with Help Wanted signs in the window,” Austin offers. “And if you want, we could take you around and introduce you.” Yeah, I’m sure he would love that. So helpful. It has nothing to do with the way he can’t stop staring at her.
“I could take her around,” I announce.
“What if nobody in town remembers you?” she counters. “You're just another stranger to them.”
What the hell kind of game is this? “I could stand to reacquaint myself with the town and the people.” I can't think of much I want to do less, but I'm not letting her go gallivanting around alone. And not only because her father would strangle me... for starters, before the actual violence began.
The relief I feel when they push their chairs away from the table is indescribable. “We're supposed to meet up with a couple of the guys over at O’Neal’s—you want to come? No way you'd be paying for a drink tonight.” Austin winks at Tatum. “Same with you.”
For once, she's smart enough to do the right thing. “I'll have to take a rain check, but maybe next time.” She gets up and gathers the plates, taking them to the sink.
“Same here,” I tell them with a shrug. “I have some work I need to take care of.” They obviously want me to elaborate, but it won’t happen. Fuck me. I can just imagine the conversation that's going to take place at the bar now that I’ve been so secretive.
At least they leave well enough alone, shrugging it off while taking their jackets from pegs by the back door. “We'll see you soon. Thanks for dinner.” Tatum nods to both of them, smiling, while I show them out the door.
“Do me a favor?” I venture once we’re on the back stoop. “Don't make a big deal about me being back. I'm not trying to broadcast it.”
“Whatever you say, dude.” They share a laugh, shaking their heads as they cut through the backyard, hopping the fence like I watched them do countless times over the years. They haven't changed much, but then they never left. They didn't have any reason to change.
I barely have time to close the door before turning to her. What a relief not having to perform anymore. “What the fuck was that about? Are you suddenly interested in bagging groceries? Or maybe you could sweep up hair at the beauty parlor.”
“They're called salons.”
“Maybe where you grew up, Princess, but not here. I’d love to know what goes through your fucking head when you say some of the things you do?”
She slams her hands against the edge of the sink hard enough that I know it has to hurt, but she gives no sign of pain. “Do you know what's about to go through your head? Maybe we'll start with a beer bottle.”
“That's not the kind of work you need to be doing, and we both know it.”
With a snide laugh, she turns my way. “And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Come on. Let's be real. You were ready to slice both of them open because they simply knocked at the back door. That's not normal, and you know it.”