Mixed Up(57)

I needed us to be able to move on.

That was exactly how I ended up outside Dirty after lunch...On my day off.

There was no doubt in my mind that Raven was here. She always was. I didn't know if it was because she lived above the bar or because she was really that much of a control freak, but if I walked through those doors, I'd find her.

Getting through the doors was my problem.

She seemed grateful that I wouldn't be working today. Like she wanted the space. Honestly, I did, too. I wanted space from her, but the more space I took, the more confused I found myself. Clearing this situation up was my ultimate priority.

I was twenty-eight. Bantering with her like a child was one thing-leaving something like this hanging was something else all together.

I had neither the desire nor the patience to ignore this for longer than necessary.

I wouldn't lie and say that catching her off-guard wasn't something else I was hoping for. She was most outspoken when she was caught unawares, and that was the thing I wanted. I didn't want her to have prepared an entire speech or whatever for me. While I had no doubt that I could see right through whatever bullshit she'd attempt to feed me if that were the case, I still didn't want to waste my time listening to her spewing it.

Because, she would. This was Raven. This was controlled, stoic, steady Raven. This was the side of her she exercised to the letter. This was the front she gave out to the world, because losing control involved emotion, and neither losing control or emotion were things Raven was particularly good at expressing.

I'd seen her do both.

That was how her ex-boyfriend got his windshield smashed.

I had no desire to put my car in the shop because her temper got the better of her.

Besides, she still owed me breakfast.

My phone buzzed from its hole in the car door. The sound was almost violent against the plastic, and the 'ding' that accompanied it was far too loud. I grabbed it and hesitated when I saw her name on the screen, but my curiosity won over and I opened her text.



       
         
       
        





Raven: Is it fun sitting in the parking lot?

Me: Are you gonna shout at me?





Of course, she'd seen me. I'd been sitting here like a tool forever.





Raven: If you're coming here to talk, get on with it. I'm tired of wondering if you're going to finally get out of that damn car.

Me: You didn't answer my q.

Raven: Of course I didn't. That would mean I'd incriminate myself when I ultimately lose my temper at you.

Me: It takes two to tango, hotshot.

Raven: Yeah, well, it only takes one to punch you in the balls, which I should have done yesterday.





Ouch.

I got out of the car and stuffed my phone into my pocket. If her text was any indication of how this conversation was going to go, I had no right walking into that bar. The smart thing would have been to stay into my car, drive away, and tell her I'd see her tomorrow.

I wasn't a smart guy.

I was apparently a guy with a death wish that needed to be fulfilled by a crazy hot, half-Greek spitfire I couldn't get the fuck out of my mind.

The lights were all blaring when I stepped on. The radio was nothing but a quiet burr in the background, and the noise coming from the kitchen had me itching to go in there. It was my first day off since she'd hired me and only because she'd made me take it.

"Go in there." Raven's voice came from somewhere behind the bar. "I know you're dying to."

I walked to the bar and leaned over it. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a fridge, two beer bottles in her hand.

"How did you know?" I asked her.

"Psychic." The bottles clinked as she put them in. "I think Wes was going to call you. Alex isn't happy Wes is in charge."

"Then Alex should learn how to do his job."

"I did mention that." She moved, swinging her legs beneath her so she was kneeling instead. "That didn't go down too well. Apparently, he forgot who pays his wages."

I was glad I wasn't Alex.

"So, I told him to sit his ass down outside like a child and come back when he had some respect."

"He's still out there, isn't he?"

"I don't know. I don't give enough shits to check the kitchen." She said all that without looking at me. She crawled to the other fridge and opened the door. "So, feel free to go out there before you chew my ass out."

"Why do you think I'd-never mind. Hold that thought." I shook my head as I headed for the kitchen.

I pushed the door open to the view of Wes working his ass off. That guy wasn't being paid enough, I was sure. When-if-I left Whiskey Key, he needed my job. He was good enough and he was a quick learner.