AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I hate being touched without warning; it brings up foul memories. The unwelcome sight of wavy blond hair and dark eyes appears in front of me. I’m struck with the realization that he resembles Adam with longer hair. Except that he’s dressed like a wannabe pro golfer, like he was at the beach party.
“I have to get to the bar, Kyle.” I turn, but he grabs my arm again. My heart is racing, fear spiking in my veins.
Don’t panic.
“Well, you can get me a drink then. I need a shot of something sweet.” He lets out a low-pitched laugh at his own joke, releasing me with a squeeze.
I rush to the safety of the bar. My phone starts to ring, and I duck into the storage room. Drawing in a calming breath, I look at the screen.
It’s an unknown number, so I ignore it. I need to get back out there and help the other bartenders. After a few more slow breaths, I will my legs to carry me to the bar top.
“Harley!” My name is called, propelling me forward to avoid getting canned.
I need this job, so I can get a car and a laptop and a million other things I can’t afford.
My phone pings with a text.
Adam: Hi, how are you tonight?
I can’t help but smile at the message on my phone. I begin to respond when my name is called again.
“Harley! We need more Grey Goose! Are you alive back there?” Annoyance tinges Sal’s voice, so I quickly type my response back.
Harley: At work. Call you when I’m off?
I don’t wait for a response, grabbing the glass bottle and rushing out.
The rest of the night is a blur of spilled alcohol, catcalls, and fake smiles. I groan in relief as the last patron exits. Locking the door, I grab the broom to start sweeping under the tables.
I pull out my phone to see if Adam responded. I notice the unknown caller left a voice mail.
The text draws a curve on my face.
Adam: Sure. I’ll wait up.
Suddenly, my finger is touching the call button, and the phone is pressed to my ear. My breath catches as his gravelly voice answers.
“Hello?” He sounds like he just woke up.
“I’m sorry. You said to call. Did I wake you up?” I whisper, the phone clutched between my shoulder and ear as I sweep up crunched receipts and straws. Why did I even call him? I start to say good-bye. “I’ll see you—”
“No, I’m glad you did. I just dozed off. How was work?”
His voice sends a tiny swarm of butterflies through my stomach, and I chastise myself. Just friendly horticulture enthusiasts studying living things together.
“It was the usual—grabby customers and decent tips. How was your night? Did you start on the study guide?” I respond.
I walk toward the back, waving at Sal as she completes her closing work behind the counter.
“Bye,” I say as I walk out onto the street.
“Oh, do you need to go?” Adam asks.
“No. I was just saying bye to my coworker. Why are you up so late?”
The streets are nearly empty, but I’m still surveying my surroundings with wariness.
“Uh, I was working on a paper and…just waiting for you to call, I guess.” He pauses, and my stomach flips. “Hope that’s okay.” The uncertainty in his voice is endearing.
