by Rae, Harloe
Raven pokes my arm. “What’s wrong?”
I blow stray hairs off my face. “I think we both know.”
She gives me a sad smile, sympathy shining in her blue eyes. “Boy trouble,” she mutters.
“Ugh, but why? I’m so freaking pissed. He doesn’t have the right to do this,” I say.
She pushes my cocktail closer. “You’re right. He’s an ass. Men suck,” Raven says with a shake of her fist. I hear Trey grunt beside her, but he doesn’t comment further. I grin at that, thinking of how far that dingbat has come. Maybe not all hope is lost . . .
“Not always,” I murmur. “But in this moment, I agree one-hundred percent. Zeke warped my effing heart strings. I can feel him all around me. Everywhere I look he’s there, buried under my skin. I can’t wash him off, even after years of trying. Who’s going to fix the mess in here?” I gesture between my head and chest. “It’s a total disaster. I don’t understand why he chose to come back after all this time.”
“Isn’t he working on a construction crew?”
I shoot her a scathing look.” I didn’t mean literally. Yes, he’s supposedly rebuilding Roosters. Apparently there were no jobs for him in any other cities.”
Raven raises a brow. “Uh, okay? I feel like he sticks with the group. Isn’t that how it works?”
I wave off her logic. “Whatever. He could have sat this round out.”
“You’re being silly. That doesn’t even make sense.”
I smack my palm on the table. “Lordy, are you hearing this stupid crap? Why is this happening? I’m already going crazy and he’s only been around a few weeks.”
She scoots her stool closer to mine. “What’s bugging you the most? How he acted on Friday?”
I nod. “What I saw was a totally new version of Zeke. I didn’t know how to handle him like that. He was trying to repel and dissuade me, and I still felt compelled to move closer. It makes me insanely curious and extremely sad at the same time. What the hell happened to him, you know?” I whisper softly.
My need to know was a living thing, growing and festering inside me. Against my better judgement, I needed to find that answer by any means necessary. Zeke’s face was pained, hinting at a struggle. I was desperate to catch a glimpse of his trademark grin, but the expression never appeared. My chest grows tight when I recall his flat reactions. It was as if the light had been snuffed from him.
I clear the lump from my throat. “I’m furious at him, Rave. But my heart breaks too. It’s really difficult to watch someone suffer, especially when I loved him.”
Her features pinch tight. “Do you need to get away?” She leans closer and whispers, “I know of a great beach town that’s awesome for clearing your head.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Yeah, you biatch. I’m well aware of your solo vacay spot. Thanks a lot for the recommendation.”
She winks. “Let me know if you need directions.”
I stir my drink and consider taking a timeout from this Zeke fiasco. “That’s an appealing idea, Rave. My body is begging for a cleanse from all this stress. But I can’t run off during our busiest season. Garden Daze is a few weeks away. Maybe in the fall when things slow down.”
Raven rubs her temples. “Oh, man. That’s a good point. And how is this event different than Garden Graze?”
“Oh, my sweet rookie. You’ll get the hang of all our silly summer shenanigans. The Graze is all food based. The Daze is so much more. There’s a parade, scavenger hunt, and town-wide deals. All of the shops and businesses get involved. I’m talking sales and specials galore. Be prepared to buy all the treasures. Bring lots of cash,” I suggest.
She blows out a lungful of air. “Well, I’ve gotta plan new cupcakes and start master-baking my ass off.”
I laugh. “The Dirty Mechanic and Filthy Princess go over real well. Not sure you need to add more into the mix.”
Trey leans over to join the conversation. “Did someone say Dirty Mechanic? You making some, Princess?”
She rolls her eyes. “Maybe. But I like presenting different recipes for these events. Let’s not talk about that right now.” Raven nudges him away and shifts into my personal space. “So, what should we do about the ex-factor?”
“We?” I ask and tilt my head.
“Oh, yeah. I’m so in on this mission. Do you think he’ll drop by again? We can make a secret code name. Oh, like Zeed! I'll call it out and you’ll go hide in the kitchen.”
I squint at her. “Won’t that be kind of obvious? And I’m not sure there’s enough time to make a getaway after he walks in the door.”
Raven taps her chin. “Maybe, but that’s not really the point. Imagine his reaction when you tuck and roll toward the back. That will be hilarious.”
I giggle because she’s right, it would be a funny sight to see. “Eh, I appreciate the effort. But I’m not hiding from him. If Zeke decides to come in, I’ll face him. Until then, I’m trying to ignore the fact he’s in Garden Grove. It’s proving to be very difficult. Having him around such close quarters makes the potential of bumping into him that much higher. I’m boarding on the edge of paranoid with the possibility of him stopping by unannounced,” I say.
“Why don’t you go to him? His schedule is probably fairly consistent. That would give you the control of this situation.”
I shake my head wildly. “Not happening. The love-sick teenager who’d follow him all around town is gone. Zeke abandoned me, Rave. I can’t take reckless chances where he’s concerned. Since he’s here for several months, I’d maybe consider the very slight chance of us being friends. But he’s got to seek me out. There’s no way I’m going after him. He owes me that much,” I say with conviction. “And it’s clear Zeke knows where to find me.”
Raven relaxes deeper into her chair while assessing me. “Ah, I see what’s happening. You want him around but can’t admit it. I did the same thing with this one.” She hitches her thumb at Trey.
I scoff loudly and slash the air. “Absolutely not.”
“Want me to kick his ass for you?” Trey interrupts with impeccable timing.
I raise a skeptical brow. “Defending my honor? How surprising.”
“You’re my concern by association,” he says with a motion between Raven and me.
Raven frowns at him. “Didn’t anyone teach you that eavesdropping is rude?”
Trey presses a loud smooch to her cheek, and she melts into him like warm butter. “Gotta take care of you, Princess,” I hear him murmur.
So effing romantic.
My skin gets itchy with the desire to flee. I need to steer this conversation far away from my feelings for Zeke. In a split-second decision, I ask, “How’s that sex swing working out?”
Trey gives Raven an accusing glance. “You told D about that?”
My friend shrugs and avoids his heated stare. “She asked.”
“I most certainly did not,” I reply quickly.
This is exactly the distraction I need. These two are highly entertaining when they discuss certain topics. They’re still arguing about erotic furniture when Addison sweeps over in a graceful flurry.
“Hey, D. How’s your . . .” Her words die off when she gets a look at my minced meal. “Um, was the salad bad?”
“Nope. I was using it as a punching bag of sorts,” I explain.
Addy sets her empty tray on our high-top table and fixes her ponytail. “Picturing someone’s face in the lettuce?”
I send her a look, explaining everything without a word. She knows all about Zeke’s return to Garden Grove. Addy served him here, at Dagos, last week. Apparently they exchanged a few words that weren’t super friendly. I’m not the only lucky one to get his frosty attitude.
She pops out her hip. “Want me to bring you a Ball Crusher?” The mention of our favorite male-hating shot makes me grin.
“Make it a double, okay?”
“You’ve got it girl,” she responds.
Trey jerks his chin at Addy. “Talk to Shane lately?”
/>
She glares into the distance. “No.”
Trey’s co-worker has the serious hots for my friend but is a total chicken shit. Addy has made her feelings extremely obvious so Shane is either blind or even more introverted than we think. Either way, her patience for him is running pretty damn thin.
“He hasn’t texted you?” Trey sounds surprised.
“I didn’t stutter, jerkface. He hasn’t returned my messages,” she spits.
He winces at her snappy tone. “Don’t kill the messenger, Addy. Jeez.”
“Sorry,” she grumbles. “I’m sensitive.”
“You on the rag or something?” Trey presses.
I choke on a snort, and Raven coughs into her fist. Addy hardly blinks, frustration flushing her face.
“It’s a touchy subject, idiot. Get an effing clue,” she says through clenched teeth.
Raven smacks Trey in the chest. “Yeah, shut up, Dirty. That’s something you never ask a girl.” She keeps shushing him while mouthing an apology to Addison, who brushes the concern away.
I rub Addy’s hunched shoulder. “Prime example of why we need all the booze. It’s one of those days. We’re due for a night of female bonding. Let’s go out and forget our troubles. Pretty sure Boomers rooftop is calling our name.” I cup a hand around my ear and pretend to listen.
Her green eyes brighten. “Oooooh, yay. That gives me something to look forward to. Forget Shane and his mixed signals. Let’s go out and have fun. My shift is done at nine so I can meet you there.”
I glance over at Trey and Raven just as they start making out. “Pretty sure these two are heading home any minute. I’ll hang here and wait for you. I can drown some sorrows over a few Ball Crushers.”
Addy’s strawberry-red hair shines in the overhead lights when she bounces in place. “Yes! And I’ll sneak a few on the sly. Greyson won’t care since it’s pretty slow. My tables are all closing out.”
“Good thing you’ve got a nice boss,” I say with a raised brow.
She smiles. “If you can match my salary, I’ll be sporting a pink apron from Jitters like that.” Addy snaps for emphasis.
I cross my arms in mock offense. “Yeah, I can’t afford you.”
“High quality labor is expensive.” She points to herself.
I lean back and laugh. Addy is already doing a great job taking my mind off Zeke. My spirits are lifting like the hem of Raven’s shirt. Yeah, they need to get a room. I roll my eyes and return Addy’s cheeky grin.
“Well, run along then,” I say and wiggle my fingers in her direction. “Better put all those mad skills to use. Show me how good you whip up a drink.”
“Biatch, you better be ready for a stiff one.”
My mind plunges to the gutter. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
CHANCES
Zeke
ANOTHER SATURDAY HAS arrived, much to my dismay. The crack of dawn signals forty-eight hours of no work, and an abundance of free time I don’t need. What are weekends good for when I’m always alone? The seconds tick by, mocking the seclusion I’m trapped in. Of course there’s no one to blame for that but me and my warped mindset.
In the dark and loneliness of night, I can pretend. The whispering deceit is easy to believe. My life is the one I want. I’m proud of the man in the mirror. My future is full of possibility. And the biggest lie of all? Delilah is still mine. But it’s broad daylight and the truth is undeniable, visible like a bottomless crater shoved between us. My hands are rougher. My heart is harder. My soul is jaded beyond belief. But nothing can stop those dreams of softer moments and happier times. Maybe they’re not lost forever.
I stare at the dark ceiling, listening to my roommates stumble around in the kitchen. They’re going fishing, but I have other plans. By some miracle I’ve managed to give Delilah space, but waiting a week to see her again has been torture. I only possess so much control, and her pull is strong. I had to force myself to stay away in the first place. That all ends today.
Thirty minutes later, I’m on the road with Jitters as my destination. My truck lurches to a stop along the curb after I slam the brakes too hard. The nerves are rattling my limbs and making me clumsy as fuck. Dammit, I need to pull my shit together. I run a shaky palm over my balmy forehead while taking a deep breath. What’s the worst that’s going to happen? Delilah didn’t kick me out last time. I was expecting a larger explosion from her, but she kept shit locked down. I was boiling inside while she remained relatively unfazed. Why wasn’t she more rattled? I shove those useless thoughts away. Her reaction then doesn’t matter now.
Somehow the stakes seem higher today, like there’s more on the line. I’m allowing hope and possibility to get involved, which is a risky game to play. This time I’m not going to forfeit. Ryan stoked my confidence to the point where I’m prepared to approach Delilah and asking for a chance. I’m expecting her to shoot me down at first, but who knows—maybe she gives eventually. I’ve got our memories and secrets on my side. I know her favorite places to visit. The dessert that makes her moan. There’s a hidden spot behind Delilah’s ear that turns her into a puddle. I have a collection of inside jokes at the ready. I’m prepared to be relentless.
The little bell above the door jingles when I step inside. My stomach rumbles when I catch a whiff of something sweet baking. Mixed with the punchy aroma of flavored coffee, this place is a jolt of energy. There aren’t other customers scattered about this early in the morning, and that works in my favor.
Delilah smirks at me from behind the counter, as if this is a planned visit. Her blonde hair swishes to the side when she bends to rest an elbow on the glass. I suck in sharply and avert my eyes from her cleavage that’s boldly on display. Maybe she’s been expecting me. I’ve been biding my time, going crazy with want, and she’s been anticipating how long it would take for me to break.
Delilah’s emerald gaze sparkles. “Well, hello there. Back so soon?”
“Hard to stay away,” I tell her honestly.
She glances at the clock. “Guess you’ve got a lot of making up to do for the last five years.”
The dig goes straight to my gut, a knife piercing deep. I try to keep a straight face but grimace regardless. “Gotta start somewhere,” I mutter.
Over Delilah’s shoulder, I see that other blonde chick wildly waving her arms. She’s making bird-like squawking noises that sound like . . . zeed?
I jerk my chin toward her, but address Delilah. “What’s her deal?”
“Oh, Raven?” She glances at her and laughs. “She’s, um, exercising.” Delilah mouths something at her, but I can’t hear it.
In response, Raven says, “Tuck and roll! It’s not too late.”
I scrub a hand over my mouth, trying not to laugh. “Uhh, is now a bad time?”
Delilah’s eyes are alight with humor when she faces me again. The happiness shines brightly around her, and I soak in the sensation. I feel an easy smile lift my lips. When she realizes I’m gawking, her expression loses some mirth.
“What’s up, Zeke?”
There’s no point in stalling. “Can we talk?”
“Sorry, buddy. No can do. I’m busy working.”
I peer around the empty cafe. “But there’s no one else here.”
“That doesn’t matter. I have to do inventory and mentally prepare for the weekend rush. There’s no time to scamper off with you,” she says.
“I’m asking for a few minutes, not an eternity.”
Delilah scoffs. “Trust me, I know. Your absence has made that perfectly clear.”
I grip the counter until my knuckles are white. “All right, fine. I’ll stick around until you sit and eat.”
“Already did,” she quips.
I exhale slowly, trying to cool the fire in my veins. “Fine, a coffee break.”
She takes a long sip from her steaming mug. “That’s loitering. Paying customers only.”
There’s a frigid breeze blowing off her, trying to freeze me out. Her icy atti
tude pairs well with the heat buzzing under my skin. I’m not backing down.
I nod at the display case. “What do you recommend?”
Delilah crosses her arms, appearing uninterested in my order. “Raven is a master baker. Everything is amazing.”
I laugh at that. “Oh, really?”
She scowls. “Do you want something or not?” Her patience with me isn’t improving.
“Choose for me.”
Delilah taps her chin while searching the selection. She grabs a plate and scoops up a slice of cake. When she sets the decadent piece in front of me, it’s my turn to frown. Coconut shavings litter the entire surface. There’s only a few things I refuse to eat and that is one of them. Delilah is definitely aware of this.
Taking the safe route, I ask, “Don’t you remember?”
She shrugs. “You wanted my opinion. The German chocolate is our best seller.”
I rub my neck, hating that she’s playing these games. I quickly glance at the shelves and point to a cupcake with yellow frosting, no coconut in sight. “What’s this one?”
“Ah,” Delilah says with a raised brow. “Interesting choice.”
“Why’s that?”
She doesn’t answer, but snags one and drops it on a plate. She tosses it on the counter unceremoniously, the crash echoing around us. I flinch from the noise, but recover easily enough.
Delilah looks over her shoulder before pointing at my breakfast. “This right here is a Broken Heart.” Then with a closed fist, she smashes the delicate cupcake into a heap of ruin. “Look familiar? Suppose not since you weren’t around for that part,” she adds, digging the blade deeper into my stomach. My chest cracks in half and I’m bleeding out on her tiled floor. But that won’t slow me down.
“I deserve that.”
“Sure do.” She throws me a spoon, narrowly missing my forehead.
“Shit, Trip. Watch it.”
Furious flames spark to life, making her green eyes glow. Fuck, I’m in trouble.
“That’s not my name. I’m not a stupid teenager anymore,” she growls softly.
