Clint’s gaze flicks away, his body language shifting into something that feels defensive, even if he’s not trying to be. And I get it. I get why this is hard. It’s hard for me, too.
But I can’t just walk away now.
“Look, I don’t know how to—” I start, but Clint interrupts again, slightly louder now, trying to be heard over the chatter.
“It’s weird to see you again after all this time.” He lets out a breath, running his hand through his hair. “I didn’t think I would.”
I feel my chest tighten. “I didn’t expect this either. But we need to talk. About… what happened. Six years ago.”
Clint freezes, his eyes widening slightly, and I see the tension in his shoulders. Shoulders that somebody claps his hands around quickly.
“Buddy, come on. We’re taking this party back to my place.”
“Red, I…”
But I don’t even get a word in. Red practically drags Clint from his chair and from the chat I so desperately wanted to have.
I’m left standing there, staring after Clint as Red drags him away, an arm firmly around his shoulders like they’re old pals on their way to a night of mischief.
Clint glances back at me, just for a second, his eyes full of something I can’t quite place. Regret, maybe? Or confusion?
I don’t know. All I know is that I’m standing here, my heart pounding, and my words hanging between us as unfinished business.
My body feels frozen to the spot, like I just watched a door slam shut in my face, and I didn’t even get the chance to knock.
Violet cuts through the noise as she sidles up next to me, leaning in with a grin that’s probably more amused than comforting.
“Well, it doesn’t look like that went well.”
I’m too numb to laugh, too frustrated to smile. “I didn’t get to say anything at all. I was so close, Vi. So close.”
“Well, I guess maybe this wasn’t the best place for that sort of chat, was it?” she allows, and I shoot her a look. “I know, I know, I’m the one who suggested it. Because I was so wrong, I’ll buy you a drink. Come on.”
CHAPTER TEN
Reid
“Ooh,guys, where you headed in such a hurry?” I exclaim as Clint and Red bump into me through the Silver Bit doors. “Is it dead in there?”
“We’re taking the party back to my place,” Red shoots back, flashing that grin of his. “Come.”
I raise an eyebrow, eyeing them both like they’re a couple of escaped bulls. Clint’s already got that brooding look on his face, the one that says he’s been carrying a pressure that’s about to snap, and Red, well, Red’s Red. Always up for a good time, even if that “good time” sometimes ends with us all wondering what the hell happened the next morning.
I shake my head, grinning. “Nah, I’m good, man. I just want a quiet drink tonight. You two go have your shenanigans.”
Clint stops, his eyes flicking over to me. He’s always been that guy who reads people without asking. It’s one of the things I admire about him, even if it can be a little uncomfortable sometimes.
“You sure, Reid?”
“I’m good.”
Red snorts. The bastard’s always trying to drag everyone into his next adventure. “Fine, party pooper. Catch you later.”
He slaps Clint on the back with a hard chuckle, and just like that, they’re disappearing into the night.
I push through the door and step inside, the familiar scent of old wood and spilled beer hitting me as an old friend. Riley’s behind the counter, already polishing glasses, and he doesn’t even look up when I lean against the bar.
“Same as usual?” he asks, already reaching for the whiskey bottle.
