Get Off on the Pain(31)
We pull up at Blue’s and I’m surprised to find that it’s not as busy as Monday, but a little relieved at the same time. That means there’s less chance of me getting into a fight. I’m sure my little incident with Ryder has already gotten around to that fuck head of a sheriff, Bob, and he’ll be looking for ways to bring me in just like back when I was a teenager; old habits always die hard and I’m sure he’s itching for some action. The way I’m feeling right now wouldn’t be good for anyone, including him.
“I don’t see Ryder’s truck here,” she says, relieved, while reaching for the door handle and looking out the window. “Thank goodness, because I don’t feel like breaking my fist tonight or wasting any more drinks. That shit isn’t cheap. ”
A small smile spreads across my face as I turn around and hop out of the truck. There’s something about her determination and feistiness that only draws me to her more. I like someone that isn’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in or say what’s on their mind. It’s another thing about her that might put me in a situation I don’t want to be in.
I pull the door open and hold it for Lyric to walk in. I guide her inside by placing my hand on the small of her back. I feel her suck in a small breath before she looks over her shoulder at me and then quickly turns away.
Eyes land on us as I walk her over to the bar and wave for the short, black haired bartender to come over. She looks slightly familiar, but it isn’t until she gets close that I recognize her: Penelope Smith. She’s been Ava’s best friend since the second grade.
She scoops some ice into a glass when she sees Lyric and smiles, before turning to me. Her face turns white and she freezes, but then smiles again. “Holy shit, Ava was right.”
“Penelope,” I respond, as she leans over the bar and kisses my forehead. “You always were bad with greetings. Good to see you too.”
She looks back and forth between Lyric and me with a confused expression, before shaking it off and speaking. “Ava told me you were back. She also told me just how much hotter you’ve become. I was calling bullshit, but wow! Have you been working out or what?” She pours Lyric a Vodka and cranberry before looking back up at me. “What will it be, sexy?”
“A beer and a shot of whiskey for now.” I turn to Lyric, who’s already sipping on her drink, just watching our interaction. She looks slightly amused as if she’s waiting to hear more.
Penelope sets my drinks down in front of me and shakes her head while wiping down the bar. “I heard about Ryder and how he acted like a total jackass. Just ignore him. Everyone knows it wasn’t your fault. You did what you had–”
I quickly finish my shot and slam my empty glass down, stopping her midsentence. “This is not what I came here to hear, Penelope,” I growl out. “It’s in the past. I’m just in town long enough to find Alex and then I’m out.”
Lyric’s eyes shoot over in my direction before she takes a huge gulp of her drink and sets it down in front of her. “Where are you going?”
I grab my beer and hold it to my lips, looking Lyric in the eyes. I want to see that she understands. I’ll be gone soon. “As far away as I can get.”
“Why?” What’s wrong with being here?”
“I don’t belong here,” I say honestly. “I never have and there’s nothing here important enough to make me stay.”
Her eyes go hard before she clears her throat and turns her attention to Penelope, now watching us like a hawk. “Thanks for the drink, Penelope. Start me a tab, please.” She looks back over at me for a split second before walking away and over to a small crowd of people. I recognize one of them right away as her roommate, Bailey, and a feeling of relief washes over me. Good. I need her far away tonight.
“Sorry for being an ass,” I say and look up at Penelope, my jaw tense. She just shakes her head in understanding before sliding two shots in front of me with a small smile and going to help another customer that is holding up an empty beer bottle.
An hour, seven shots, and six beers later, I’m sitting here minding my own business and ignoring everyone around me, when I feel a hand on my shoulder and hear Trevor’s voice. I close my eyes and exhale, prepared to get this conversation over with. I’ve been gone for so long. I have no clue what everyone thinks of me . . . of what I did.
“What’s good tonight, man?” He nods his head at Penelope and winks before taking a seat next to me on the stool. “Give me a beer, babe, and maybe you in my bed again later,” he says as Penelope gives him the middle finger and laughs. “I love fucking with her.”