Page 20 of Gravity

“I don’t take orders from anyone.”

“And I don’t take no for an answer. Now go.”

Having time away from a job I love only lets the past creep its way into my thoughts, and I find myself in a shittier state than the one I’m in now, but I know he won’t give up.

“Fine. I’ll be back in early tomorrow,” I sigh. I grab my keys from the desk and stand. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

“You’ll be back in for tomorrow night’s shift and no sooner. The staff are covered for the afternoon,” he orders. We head out of my office and walk toward the heat coming from the bar, the music now vibrating in my chest.

“Jesus, Ryan, anyone would think you’re my dad the way you boss my ass about at times.”

“You can call me daddy any time,” he grins.

I laugh.

Giving the bar a once over, I turn to look at him. “Take care of my baby.”

He nods, clasping my shoulder. “I promise”

Stepping out into the cool, late-night air, I say goodnight to a few people who are still very much in the party mood as I head to my truck, a heavy weight on my shoulders at the thought of going home to a house full of memories.

As I sit inside my truck, I pull out my cell and scroll through the contacts until I get to Nora’s number. Hitting the call button, I release an exhale and pinch the bridge of my nose.

I should be pissed with her.

I should be mad with Ryan.

The truth, though, is that I’m irritated with myself for allowing it to get to this stage. I’m thirty-seven, for fuck’s sake, yet the woman has got my emotions in turmoil like she’s spun around me and trapped me in her web.

I lean back in my seat and look up at the moon, searching for that solidarity it once gave me. There used to be something about the moon that made everything seem grounded, even when it felt like a war.

“If you’re not being chased by some crazy person with a knife, this better be good or I will hunt you down and kill you myself,” she mumbles, and it causes my eyes to look down at the clock on my dashboard.

2.a.m.

“Shit. Nora, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the time.”

“Gray? I didn’t know it was you. What’s wrong? Is everything all right?” The change in her voice now signifies that she’s wide awake and my call has panicked her. I haven’t seen her since breakfast the other day. Neither have I been over to the house. With Asher back at his place, there’s been no reason for me to, but I can’t sit here and say that I haven’t been itching to know what she’s been doing even if I have no right with the way I’ve behaved.

“I’m fine. I just…” Wanted to hear your voice.

I clear my throat and put my best boss voice on. “Ryan told me you applied for the job. You can start Monday.”

“Oh, thank you. That’s great. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Why would I mind?” I ask, knowing damn well it’s because I’ve been a prick and have rocked the boat when it comes to our friendship, leaving her in the dark.

“No reason. It doesn’t matter.”

“I take it Asher doesn’t know you applied?”

“Not yet. Please don’t tell him yet.”

I exhale heavily, not liking what she’s asking. “I don’t like lying to your brother, Nora.”

“I’m not asking you to lie, Grayson. I’m asking you not to tell him anything he doesn’t need to know just yet. There’s a difference.” Her irritation is noticeable.

“Fine.”