1
Gavin
Taking the long way down the mountain to reach the town isn’t the only reason my stomach feels like there’s a heavy weight inside. Resting next to me is a box, well-taped to make it out of the state. Inside, a pair of shoes and a few belongings of my ex-fiancé.
Ifthat’s even what I want to call Rebecca. Referring to her as another failed example of getting a mail-order bride to stick around might be more accurate and realistic.
Now I’ve got the proof of her running away right next to me, ready to be shipped out. The only thing it’s missing is a label.
Making my way to the Hollow Oak to get free access to a computer without dealing with a bunch of people, I make it to the bar far quicker than I’m prepared for.
Feels like every time I go out in public, I need to talk myself into going through with it. Even when it comes to a place that’sa second home in a sense, I’m still getting warm beneath my clothing.
“Just in and out, like usual…” Muttering the words under my breath, I pop out of my truck and take a minute to enjoy the frigid air in hopes it’ll calm me down a bit before I head inside.
No matter how hard I try to get used to being in public, it never gets easier.
Entering the bar, I find Kinsley and Athena chatting it up at the bar. With only a few people taking up seats, I can’t blame them for trying to entertain themselves during the slow periods.
They’re chatting about what they’ll be doing later. Mentioning Valentine’s Day and realizing that the holiday is just a couple of days away, my mood sours a little more at the reminder that I will be spending it alone once again.
Guess I won’t beat myself up too much for not being able to buy overpriced chocolate and flowers.
Kinsley is the first to notice me in her peripheral vision, and that tip-earning smile is immediately locked onto her lips like it comes second nature. Yet, as soon as she realizes it’s just me, that smile is gone, and she’s straightening up like she’s been caught with her hand tucked away in the cookie jar.
A little gossiping isn’t enough to get anyone in trouble. Not when these guys always do their best to keep their customers happy.
“Gavin!” Squeaking my name in surprise, Kinsley forces her smile this time, but it feels more unnatural.
Athena doesn’t even try to stick around for conversation. When she spins around on her heel, I watch her shoot for the back. I’d laugh if I didn’t understand that feeling well enough as is.
Suppose I can’t blame them for being nervous. The only time I ever come down here anymore is to watch an occasional game,go over numbers if something doesn’t add up, or get rid of someone.
Two weeks ago, I had to terminate a new bartender for stealing from the register. Had to involve the cops and everything. I’m confident I was the one who felt the worst during the whole ordeal.
Nodding as a greeting, I take a look around the bar to see how business is. Always slow during the day, packed at night, especially on the weekends. On a Thursday, I’m not surprised that most of the bartop is empty. Some of the booths have small groups eating while deep in conversation, others watching reruns of games.
“Boss!” From the kitchen entrance, Kelsie appears. Now her smile is far more comfortable as she approaches. “You usually give me a heads up if you plan on coming down here. What’s the special occasion?”
Moving with her as I trek toward the back, I can’t help but notice the way she jerks her chin, searching for any issues herself, like she’s worried something slipped past her.
One unannounced visit, and everyone wants to act strange. By now, I should be used to it.
“Just came to use the computer.” Mumbling the words and pushing my way toward rich smells and deep laughter, I catch Emmett and Tony chatting it up at the food station. I give them a nod, and they return one, melting back into their conversation while they wait for their food to finish cooking.
Kelsie, the woman who actually runs this place and keeps it from burning down, walks with me and chats. Filling me in on anything that’s happened since the last visit, she grimaces when she talks about sales.
It’s cold out. Not as many people want to leave their house unless they have to. We’ll start picking up once spring comes around. It’s fine.
“Kelsie.” Making her straighten, I force a small curve on my lips to relax her. “You’re doing a great job. Just keep doing what you’re doing.” Reaching the office, I pause before she can follow. “I need a few minutes to print something out, and we can do a small walk to see how things are going if it makes you feel better. I promise, I’m not here for anything else.”
I’d have to close down the bar if this woman ever decided to step down. There’s no way I’d find someone who manages so well otherwise. Not someone who cares about this place as much as she does. Her job is secure, so she’s got nothing to panic about.
Visibly relaxing at my words, she nods and slips away, giving me the privacy I need to do what I’m here for.
Printing the package label is easy, but it’s the question ofwhythat makes my skin prickle beneath my clothing. It’s not shameful that I’ve got to return Rebecca’s belongings; it’s just the fact that I’m the only one who knows about her.
These guys know me too well to believe I’d build a relationship naturally. I don’t act right around people unless I know them long enough to trust them. Rebecca defies that very concept.
