She nods toward the glass I'm holding."You've been drying that one for two minutes straight."
Fuck.I set it down quickly."I’m just tired."
"Late night?"There's something knowing in her voice and a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
"Something like that."
She leans in closer, dropping her voice."Rush told me Tank had company last night.In his room at the clubhouse."
My stomach drops."Did he?"
"He didn't say who but..."She glances down the bar toward Tank, then back at me."Interesting that he's here today, watching you like that."
"He's not watching me."
"Right."She doesn't believe me.I can see it written all over her face."Look, I know it's none of my business, but Tank's a good guy.A bit intense, bit closed off, but solid.If something's happening between you two?—"
"Nothing's happening."
"Okay."She holds up her hands."Okay.Just—be careful, yeah?With yourself."
She moves away to serve another customer, and I'm left standing there feeling exposed and raw and furious at myself for being so obvious.
I risk a glance down the bar.
Tank's looking right at me.
Our eyes meet for half a second—just long enough for me to see the intensity there, the concern, the want—then I look away.
I can't do this.
I won't do this.
I turn my back to him and focus on reorganizing bottles that don't need organizing.Anything to create distance.Anything to pretend my heart isn't hammering against my ribs.
The lunch rush picks up.I throw myself into work, pulling pints, taking orders, keeping my hands busy and my mind occupied.It helps.Slightly.The noise and movement create a buffer between me and the awareness of Tank sitting there.
But he doesn't leave.
Just sits.Watches.Waits.
For what?An apology?An explanation?Some sign that last night meant something?
It can't mean something.I won't let it.
During a lull I check my phone and see a text.
Unknown sender.
My stomach clenches.
I shouldn't open it.I should delete it without reading.But my thumb moves on its own, tapping the message.
The words hit me like a fist.
Missed you today, baby.You look different.I'll see you soon.
Everything stops.
