Page 118 of Gravity

“You’ll have to wait and see but it’s super sexy.”

“You’ll be the death of me, Shortcake.”

“Oh, for sure.” She laughs. “I better go, Makenna is calling me over. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

I hang up the phone, a smile now on my face knowing she is having a good time.

With a deep, satisfied exhale, I look down at the paperwork that has been tormenting me for hours, knowing I need to get it done before I’m distracted once more by the woman I love.

* * *

Placing my pen down, I lean back in my chair with a heavy sigh, running my fingers through my hair. Glancing at the clock on my desk, a smile tugs at my lips. Nora’s ‘I’ll be there soon’ was almost three hours ago.

Needing to stretch my body and leave the space of my office, I head out to the main bar in search for Ryan, needing to talk with him about finding a replacement for Lacy.

When I enter the bar, I scan the customers who are sitting socializing when my eyes land on Asher, who is sitting in a booth. Slumped over the table he twists his glass tumbler around with his hand.

Ryan comes up beside me. “He’s been here almost two hours and put more whiskey inside him than I can consume in a week.”

I sigh heavily. I shouldn’t be surprised. “Has he caused any trouble.”

“No, and surprisingly he’s asked about you.”

I look at Ryan. “He has?”

“Only if you were here. When I said you were out back doing paperwork, he just gave a nod. I think he was inquiring about your whereabouts because he wanted to know who you were with more than what you were doing. You going to talk to him?”

I want to. I need to. Because regardless of what has played out over time, I miss him. “I should. I’m just unsure. He’s unpredictable these days, and I’ve got my customers to think about.”

“Well, I’m here if you need me.”

Leaning over the edge of the bar, I watch Asher for some time. His shoulders are hunched as if the world is weighing him down. His face is full of sorrow as he continues to stare in the glass, and his eyes look like they carry so many troubles. Remorse once again becomes wedged in my chest, and I fucking hate it. We’ve always worked things out together, been by one another’s side when times have been tough, and it fucking kills me that we’ve drifted this far apart. I just want to be there for my friend and him be here for me. I want my girl to have her brother back.

“If you’re going to continue giving me the eye as you have been, at least do it whilst bringing me a drink.” Asher says, not looking at me. “I’ll have the same again. Make it two.”

Despising the fact I’m feeding his habit, I pour him two separate whiskeys and head over to his booth. “Mind if I join you?”

“I’m only talking to you because you’re a bartender. Serving me is your job. If you think I’m here so we can kiss and fucking make up, then you can think again.”

Taking a seat, I decide to play along with his game. “Bartender it is then.”

Taking one of the glasses I provided for him, he throws the liquid back in one hit, not even wincing at the strength of the alcohol. Leaning back in his seat, he looks at me, or should I say looks right through me. My friend is no longer behind the eyes of the man that stares back at me.

“So being a bartender, you probably get your fair share of people dumping their troubles on you.” It’s not a question.

“It’s been known.”

He nods slowly. “Mind if I offload.”

Bingo.

“Go ahead.”

He’s silent a moment, staring into the brown liquid in his second glass. His jaw muscles flex, his body still heavy with anger, but I’m grateful that right now he is accepting the fact I’m sitting in front of him. He licks his lips before he speaks, and I feel like I’ve been kicked in the chest with his words.

“Ever feel like everyone you’ve ever loved doesn’t want you around anymore?”