“Yep. Once you finish, you can take off. I’ll finish up.”
“I’m not leaving you to do it all by yourself.”
I shot her a kind smile. “Thank you. But I can handle it.”
“I’m sure you can. But it’s not fair. Usually three people tackle closing.”
“Okay, suit yourself.” I grabbed the remote off the bar and flicked the music to something more upbeat. “Tunes always help to clean. At least that’s what my mama always told me.”
Raemina’s face softened. “Music is great, isn’t it? We were a musical family, too. My father played the drums, which led to my brother wanting to learn, and my sister learned the piano. I never had a knack for playing a musical instrument.”
“That’s awesome. I’ve always wanted to learn the drums.”
“It’s loud.”
I laughed. “Is that all you got?”
“Believe me, that’s enough. Between my father and my brother, I’m surprised my eardrums aren’t shot.”
The mood lightened between us, and we both worked hard on closing while dancing to music. Her swaying hips and moving body almost caused a hard on in my pants like a middle schooler and at one point, I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face.
When we finished, I shut off the music and wiped my brow with the back of my hand. “Phew. Finally done.”
“I hate cooler cleaning day.” Raemina huffed as she plopped down onto a bar stool.
“I think we deserve a drink.” I pulled a Modelo beer out of the mini bar fridge. “Beer, okay?”
Raemina wrinkled her nose. “Any sample bottles of wine in there?”
“You’re in luck.” I grabbed the small bottle and handed it to her. I came around and sat beside her. “Cheers.” I said as I held up my beer and we clinked glasses.
“Cheers.”
After a long pull, I sighed with relief. “Ah, tastes good.”
“Mhm, especially after a cleaning session.”
“So, tell me about Iron Peak. All I know is this place, my apartment, and the diner.”
Raemina chuckled. “Haven’t gone exploring?”
“No, not yet. Figured it would be better to go with someone who knows the area.”
“Has Grizz shown you around at all?”
“We had dinner together at the diner the other night. Nothing else so far. It’s kind of slow going there.”
“Yeah. I’m sure it’s not easy. But he’ll come around. He’s a good dude.”
“He is. Which is why I want to know his reasoning. Why did he leave all those years ago? And why didn’t he ever acknowledge me? If I hadn’t shown up, would he have ever come looking for me?”
“Have you asked him any of this?”
“Not yet. But I plan to.”
“I’m sorry, Gunnar. I can’t imagine it being easy. I grew up with both my parents and while I love them to death, I’m the baby of the family and they treat me that way. My older brother and sister flew the coop, no problems. But not me. So, I sort of just left without their approval. And now our relationship isn’t the best.”
“I’m sorry.”
