Sean tips his head toward the same women, after they’ve left us alone. “Bet my left nut you could score a blow job from the bachelorette.”
“Not interested.”
“In blow jobs?”
“In the bachelorette.” Stupid prick. “But I think you already know that.” Logan better hurry his ass up.
Brandi comes back and hands Sean his beer, though it’s clear he doesn’t need it. She sets the rest of our drinks on the table. “Did I scare everyone away?”
I shake my head. “Nah, they’re coming back.”
She looks confused, eyes moving between us. “Then why the long faces.”
“The guest of honor isn’t here yet.” My gaze flicks to Sean’s, and we have some sort of stare off.
Brandi shuffles her feet. “I see.” She glances behind her toward a table of rowdy customers. “Well I’m… gonna go check on my other tables. Give me a holler if you need anything,” then she scurries away.
Sean’s eyes follow the back of her, which isn’t a surprise. “How do you know her?”
It takes a moment to answer. “Why do you care?” What does Reese see in you anyway?
“Just making conversation.”
“I saw the way you looked at her.”
Bringing his mug to his lips, he pauses. “Last time I checked, there was nothing wrong with looking, my friend.” He takes a sip. “Don’t pretend like you haven’t.” A wry smirk spreads over his face. I imagine rearranging it. He’s lucky we’re in public.
I lean into the table, locking my fingers, “I’m going to speak very clearly, so you understand. You and I aren’t friends.”
“Well, I appreciate you clearing that up.”
“I’ll clear up something else. If you do anything to hurt Reese—if there’s one single hair on her head out of place, I’ll knock out all your teeth and wear them as a necklace.”
He spits out a bitter laugh. “Let me remind you: she came to me. She doesn’t want you anymore. You’re making yourself look pathetic.”
“Call it whatever you want, but I’m taking back what you stole from me.”
Logan strides over. “Look who decided to show up!”
After five attempts to reach Sean, I give up and shoot him a quick text: GRRR… BE THERE IN TEN.
I’d pulled over in the grocery store parking lot, afraid of breaking down again. It’s not the battery. The noise is different—more like a grinding instead of a click. The thing is falling apart on me.
Gia and I had planned to get the men together before our trip, in hopes that they’d bond so things aren’t awkward between them. My mother had called before I stepped into the shower, which is why I’m running behind.
“Heartland’s Brewery,” I tell the driver, having no choice but to call a cab. The place is right down the street, but I didn’t plan on walking in these stilettos. I’m already feeling out of my element, having originally planned to wear jeans, until Gia intervened, laying one of her outfits out on my bed.
“Wear this. You’ll look gorgeous!” she says, beaming.
I am too busy noticing how stunning she looks in her lipstick red dress. Her hair is pulled back in an elegant fashion, showing off her high cheekbones and glowing features.
My eyes drop to my jeans. “Wow, you look—”
“Thank you. It’s new … and I don’t plan on changing,” she replies seriously. “Don’t even think about wearing those jeans. You’re dressing up tonight.” Her heels click on my bathroom floor, then she disappears into my closet.
I glance down on my bed, finding a plum bohemian top that falls off the shoulder, and a short, black fitted skirt. “Gia, you’re crazy! I can’t fit into your clothes!”
She prances through the bathroom, dangling my black strappy stilettos from her fingers, then sets them down in front of me. “These will go perfect! Wear your hair down, and make it wavy. I told Logan I want to leave early to beat the crowd.”
“I still need to shower.”
“We’ll drive separate. I don’t want to be stuck without a table. See you up there.” She waves, closing my door.
I inhale a long, slow breath, wondering how the rest of the night will play out. Sean’s insecurity has been putting a wrench in our relationship. He’s distant, drowning himself in work. The only way I can explain it is that neither of us are happy. I’m just hanging on to the chance that things will get better between us, and he’ll eventually get off my case about Luke.
And therein lies the problem.
Luke.
I’m not ready to let him go, and, truthfully, I don’t know if I’ll ever be—not completely. There’s too much history between us. I’m realizing that. Regardless of his hurtful choices, the good outweighs the bad, and he’s been a part of my life for too many years to just write him off. I don’t think I’m capable.
“You hear they’re lookin’ for a murder suspect?”
I glance at the elderly man in the rearview, his expression concerned, as he drops the volume on the radio down to a low hum.
“Around here?”
“Yep.” He nods. “Grocery store parking lot, back where I picked you up. Cameras caught the attack. Suspect snatched the girl yesterday.”
“They already know she was murdered?” Chills creep up the back of my neck, and I shiver, rubbing my arms. I can’t help but think of the pick-up truck, with the foil over the windows. I’m sure I’m just being paranoid, but the thought still comes to my mind. The first time I’d seen it was in that very parking lot. It’d been parked right next to my car.
“Yes, ma’am. Found a body in the desert, a few miles from where he took her. So be on the lookout for anything suspicious,” he warns. “The suspect had his face covered, and they don’t have many leads.”
“What about the getaway vehicle?”
“They’re not even sure there was one. Turns out a camera was broken.”
I shake my head, covering my mouth. I know these things happen, but this is just too close to home. “How old was she? Did they say?”
“Judging by the pictures, I’d have to guess around your age—maybe a little younger. Late teens probably.”
“I hope they find him.”
“You and me both. They haven’t identified the body, but they’re assuming…” He trails off, gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turn white.
“Assuming it’s most likely her,” I say, finishing his sentence, thinking of the horror she must have endured during her final hours. I send up a silent prayer for her. “Thank you for telling me. As you can see, I’m a little behind on current events.”
“That’ll change when you’re old and wrinkled like me.”
We pull in front of the restaurant, where a number of people stand in front of the double doors—probably waiting for their tables. I guess Gia was right. “Hope I didn’t ruin your night.”
“Are you kidding me? Not at all. You may have saved my life.” I pay the fee and add a generous tip. “I’ll be sure to lock all my windows and doors.”
“Atta girl!” he grins. “Now you be careful, miss.”
“Will do!” I wave, then make my way toward the entrance, stepping inside the crowded restaurant.
The dimly lit bar is off to the right. I don’t see anyone in my party yet, but that’s expected. The restaurant is huge, and people are everywhere. When I stride toward the back, what looks like a bachelorette party is standing around the bar, blocking my view of more tables. “Excuse me,” I tell them politely.
“Where have you been, woman? We’ve been here over an hour!” a male voice yells from behind me. I glance over my shoulder, finding Logan and Gia hand in hand, their faces flushed. “Glad you made it. We were just getting ready to leave.”
“Leave her alone,” Gia scolds. “He’s teasing. Is everything okay? You look stressed.”
“I’ll let you know, once I have my wine. Why aren’t you two at a table? Where’s Sean?”
“Simmer down, woman. We’ll t
ake you to him,” Logan answers, pulling Gia behind him, squeezing through the group of women, toward the high-top tables in the back. I expect to find Sean alone, but it’s the person seated across from him who captures my attention. He’s got his hat pulled down real low, and he’s glaring at Sean like he wants to rip him apart.
Oh my God. Sean is going to kill me.
I pinch the back of Logan’s shirt, jerking him back. “What the hell is he doing here?” I hiss, nearly stumbling over.
He straightens his shoulders. “You got a problem? I invited him last minute,” he says, clearly offended I dared to ask.
“A little warning would’ve been nice!”
He can invite whomever he wants, but I would’ve liked to have been prepared for this.
I glance over at Gia, who’s conveniently avoiding my eyes. We’ll definitely be
having a talk after this. Why hadn’t she told me?
“Look who decided to show up.” Logan gives Luke a high-five then sits down beside him.
When Luke peers up at me, my insides come alive in a way that should not be happening. I acknowledge him with a polite nod then take the seat next to Sean, as if this setting is normal for us.
“Sorry I’m late,” I manage to say evenly. “Anyone else starving?” I grab a menu with shaky hands and hide behind it, giving Sean a quick peck. It feels wrong for Luke to have to see it.
“I am now,” Logan grumbles.
Sean rests his hand on my thigh. “Fifteen minutes my ass. What took you so long?” His breath smells of stale beer, and it looks like he’s already had a lot to drink.
“If you’d have answered your phone earlier, you wouldn’t have to ask,” I snap back. Glancing at him sideways, I add, “I’ll fill you in soon enough. Let me order my wine first.”
He pulls his phone out of his pocket and squints, struggling to read my messages. “Shit! My ringer was off. Are you pissed?”
“No. I’m hungry. And are you seriously drunk already?” I guess I can’t blame him, though, given the situation he’s in.
“We’ve been here an hour. What did you expect?”
“Had her bring you a water,” Luke points, stealing my attention.
I find it odd that he’s the one who ordered it, but I thank him and take a sip. A half grin appears on his face. I look away ‘cause it makes me warm and tingly.
“Where the fuck’s your friend, Luke? We’re hungry.” Logan scans the restaurant. I wasn’t aware that Luke invited someone.
“Would you use some manners for once?” Gia glares.
“What?”
“Get your panties out of a wad. She’ll be here,” Luke answers, flipping his hat around.
There’s an ache in my chest. I hadn’t thought of the fact that he might already be dating someone. When he catches me watching him, it’s too late to hide my confusion.
Sean clears his throat. “Here she comes, guys.”
A beautiful blonde comes bouncing toward our table. She slides a beer into Sean’s hand then glances at the rest of us. “So everyone finally decided to join you guys, huh?” Her breasts are so far out of her dress, I’m surprised I don’t see nipples.
Luke’s friend is our waitress?
“Yep. And we’re ready to order,” Sean answers, using a tone much lighter than with me earlier. I notice his eyes appraise her and want to cover them with my hands.
“How ‘bout I start with you?” she says to me. “My name is Brandi, by the way. I’m your waitress, obviously.”
“Obviously,” I say back. She doesn’t deserve my rudeness, but I’m jealous, and I’m speaking before I can stop myself. I don’t know what bothers me more—Sean’s gawking or the thought of Luke engaged in sweaty sex with her, but I can feel Luke watching me. So I give her my order without looking up … not proud of my insecurity. When she’s finished making her rounds, Sean orders another beer.
I lean over and whisper, “Maybe you should slow it down a bit.”
“You worry about yourself. Pretty sure I’ve been doing this longer than you.” He takes out his phone and starts messing with it.
“Don’t expect me to help if you get sick.” I don’t appreciate the attitude
he’s throwing. He’s had more to drink than everybody else, which you can tell just by looking at him.
“Yeah, because that happens all the time,” he says, sending someone a message.
“There’s a first time for everything.”
Brandi drops off my glass of cabernet while we’re bickering. I take two sips before digging my own phone out of my purse. It’s been buzzing for the last five minutes, and the rest of our party seems to be preoccupied with something else. I hold it in my lap and read my first missed text … from Luke.
I don’t see it.
I glance to my right, then type a quick reply before setting my phone on silent.
Don’t see what?
What you see in this guy.
My hands are shaking when I reply.
He doesn’t normally drink like this.
That’s what they all say.
Stop texting me, or you’ll get me in trouble.
I’m tired of going by the rules.
My eyes flick up to his amused ones, then I see him typing out another text.
You look gorgeous by the way.
Turning my phone face down in my lap, I do my best to fight the smile taking over my face. I feel him watching me, and nearly jump out of my chair when Sean’s phone rings. He stands up and presses it to his ear. “I need to take this,” he says before scurrying out of the bar.
I read the very last text.
I miss you.
Putting my phone away, I swallow the lump in my throat as Gia says something.
“Sorry, what?”
She leans forward. “I said: it’s a good thing you two drove separately. He’s on his way to alcohol poisoning.” She watches me over her martini. “What’s up with him?”
“I think he’s stressed about work or something.”
“He’s a pussy,” Logan retorts.
Gia makes a face at him. “Real mature.”
I give him a dirty look. “I’m sure with this trip coming up, he’s freaking out a bit. He has a lot of work he needs to catch up on.” I don’t mention what else is bothering him. They know he’s got issues with Luke.
Speaking of Luke, he asks, “How’d it go with your mom? I heard you two talked.”
It’s hard to look at him, as I think of his last text. I sip my wine. “Very well, actually.”
“Yeah?” He crosses his arms, the cords of his muscles flexing with the movement.
“Yeah, she seems really happy.” I grin. “This may be her longest relationship since my dad.” I miss this—talking about her with him. Talking about anything.
“That’s good. I’m glad to hear that.” He smiles genuinely, flashing his dimples, then takes off his hat and runs a hand through his sexy, mussed up hair. I try not to ogle him, but I think about how much I miss just being around him.
Gia yanks Logan out of his chair.
“What are you doin’?” he asks her.
“Come with me to the bar. I want another drink.”
Luke and I watch as she tows him away.
“What was that about?”
“Hell if I know,” he chuckles lightly. Silence falls between us, then he asks, “So how’s everything else?”
“Good. Everything’s good.” I’m not sure how convincing that sounded by the way he’s looking at me.
“This is weird.”
“What is?”
“Everything. I want to know what you’re thinking.”
I swallow. “I’m thinking … I want to know why you came tonight?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
I shake my head no.
“Came to see you.”
“You do realize I’m not going to remember this.” Gia blinks after Logan tries to tell her how to defend herself. “I’m working on number three here.
” She points to her drink.
I’d just finished telling them about the kidnapping, before Brandi brought our meals.
“Then I’ll show you tomorrow when you’re sober,” he replies, sliding an arm around her, planting a kiss on her cheek.
She turns to me. “Do you still have your Taser?”
“Um, yeah, though I’ve never used it.” My eyes briefly flick to Luke’s, since he’s the one who bought it for me.
“I didn’t know you had a Taser,” Sean says, chewing. “That’s cool.”
“You should get her to try it on you. See if it works,” Logan replies.
Gia raises a brow at him. “Would you let me try it on you?”
“Yeah, I’d let you.”
“I find that hard to believe.” She turns to me. “Anyway, how did you hear about this? On the news?”
I hold up a finger, swallowing my food. “The cab driver told me—a little old man. He picked me up in the grocery store lot where it happened.”
Her eyes widen. “You took a cab here?”
“Yeah. My car was making crazy noises again. I was worried it was going to die on me, so I pulled over.”
Luke and Sean both stare at me in silence.
“What?”
“You could have called one of us.” Gia’s forehead creases. “I would have totally picked you up.”
“You’d left your phone on the counter, and I called him four or five times, but he didn’t answer. Doesn’t matter. At least I made it.”
Sean squeezes my thigh. “Sorry babe.”
“Me too,” Gia says, frowning. “I’d thought I left my phone in the car. Logan and I went out to look for it earlier.”
Logan takes one of her olives and pops it into his mouth. “Tell her what else we did in the car,” he says, looking smug.
“Oh my gah! They don’t want to hear that!” She elbows him, covering her own ears.
“Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.”
“You mean all thirty seconds of it? Just shut up already. You’ll embarrass yourself.”
He chuckles. “It wasn’t that fast. More like a minute.”
“Oh please, I got gypped!”
Breaking Ryann Page 5