Freya listened with half an ear as Hazel was all smiles, compliments, and chatter. It was like they hadn’t had the craziest workday ever. Like they hadn’t hid under their workstations and behind their salon chairs as a man beat up his estranged wife and shot up the salon.
A shiver tore through her. Had that really been only a few hours ago?
Freya couldn’t blame her friend. People processed things differently. Apparently, Hazel’s process included flirting, giggling, and tossing her hair.
Freya bit back a cringe.Yikes. Snarky much?
She had to give Carmichael credit, though. The man did try to involve her in some of their conversation, asking what Freya did at the resort, and how she and Hazel knew each other. But every time he tried to include her, Hazel steered the conversation back to herself. Which was fine, because as Freya listened to Hazel talk about some sort of weight machine at the gym, a wave of exhaustion washed over her.
“You good, lady?” Maya asked, refilling her water glass.
“Thanks. And yeah,” she said, rolling her eyes as she tilted her head toward their friend. “I think the day is catching up to me.”
“Your food should be out shortly. That will help with the adrenaline crash.” Maya gave her a sympathetic smile and headed toward the opposite end of the bar.
Freya leaned back in her barstool and stifled a yawn. She was done. All she wanted to do was eat her dinner, let the steak and mashed potatoes soak up her two drinks, and head home.
She took a gulp of water and then slid from her barstool, tapping Hazel on the arm. “I’ll be right back.”
Hazel glanced at Freya’s water glass and frowned. “Do you want me to order you another drink? On me?”
Freya shook her head. “I’m good, but thanks.”
She made her way to the restroom, took care of business, and then took her time washing her hands and finger-combing her hair. She didn’t want to be irritated with Hazel but could admit she was definitely on her way there. She’d hoped to talk with her friend about what they’d gone through today. While she was beyond grateful no one had been hurt, the entire ordeal had left her shaken. Still. Even after a few hours had passed.
It was obvious Hazel’s focus was now on Carmichael. Which, again, was fine. But after the day she’d had, being the third wheel was the last thing she wanted.
Letting out a weary sigh, she met her gaze in the mirror. “Eat dinner and go home,” she murmured. She could figure out her feelings on her own. Like always.
Squaring her shoulders, she left the restroom. At the end of the hallway, she turned the corner and came to an abrupt halt.
“Oh, sorry,” she said, nearly crashing into a man.
“So we meet again, gorgeous.”
Brayden. She was too tired to hold back a cringe. He loomed over her, and his eyes were a little glassier than before. He’d obviously had a couple more drinks. At least.
“Excuse me,” she said, stepping to the left.
He stepped in front of her.
She tilted her head to the side. Seriously? “Can I get by?”
“How about we get that dinner?” He gave her an oily smile that turned her stomach.
Though they were still in the hallway entrance leading to the restrooms and he was blocking her, she was able to peek past him. Hazel and Carmichael were still cozied up at the end of the bar, and Maya was talking with another guest.
She shook her head. “No, sorry. I have a boyfriend, remember?”
“See, I don’t think you actually do.” He stepped closer, and she took a step back. “I think you’re just saying that.”
She stepped to the right, and he stepped in front of her.
Setting her hands on her hips, she glared at him. Anger and nerves had her heart racing and her voice rising. “I don’t care what you think. Now get out of my way.”
“Touchy,” he muttered, holding his hands up in capitulation and stepping to the side.
She quickly moved past him and caught Maya’s gaze before Brayden grabbed her wrist and turned her. She yanked her arm free, and he held up his hands again. “I’m sorry, Freya. Can we try again? I’m coming on strong because I think we’d be good together. We could have a lot of fun this week. So can I buy you dinner? Get your number?”
