Page 28 of Gravity

“I shouldn’t have had to. She’s an adult. Besides, Ryan was in charge of hiring.”

“It’s your bar.”

“Where I have staff to help run it. A position was going, he hired, and that person is Nora. Where is the issue?”

“The issue, Gray, is the fact I’ll be available for men to look at, and that’s his real problem here,” I add, supporting him with my brother’s sudden irritation regardless of the fact that I know Grayson is annoyed I’ll be working for him. “Asher, I only just found out myself, so there’s no need to be pissed with him. Besides, I don’t see why there’s a problem when I’ll have my very own, personal babysitter in Grayson, so you’ll have all information on my whereabouts every day. Because let’s face it, it’s not like I’m allowed to breathe.”

“You’re my kid sister,” he glares. “And it’s not just about you working and the fact there will be men who will be watching you.”

“Then please explain because I’m getting a little tired of trying to work out how your brain is wired.”

“All right, that’s enough the both of you.” Mom’s stern voice cuts in, stopping us both. The sudden change in atmosphere has me both angry and confused because I can’t see why there is concern regarding me getting a damn job, other than Asher’s overprotective bullshit. He was the same when I turned twenty-one and could finally go out to a bar and drink. When home on college breaks, he’d follow me around Hot Tuna like my personal bodyguard until I had to ask mom to get him to back off. Now, though, it seems we are back to square one over a little job.

Pushing back my chair, I head toward the patio doors to go back inside. “Congratulations, Nora!” I mumble sarcastically.

“What did you say?”

I turn to face my brother, everyone else looking at me. The more I’m here, the more the rage in me is rising, so it’s only better that I leave. But fuck if they think I’m leaving without expressing myself. “I said, Congratulations, Nora. Because if no one else is going to wish me well done, then I might as well say it to myself.”

“You’re right, sweetheart. I’m sorry. Congratulations,” Mom says. “I know Grayson will take great care of you, so at least we all agree on that.”

“You know I’d never let anything bad happen to her, Fiona. She’s my little lady.”

I dart my eyes at him and hold his stare. His expression is now unreadable, but his statement has the power to inflict a fire inside of me which only collides with the anger I’m carrying.

Why is he so beautiful yet so damn confusing?

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and when I take a look, Makenna’s text has me tapping out a reply faster than I can think, needing to get out and clear my thoughts after what has just gone down here.

Makenna: How about we celebrate? Drinks tonight?

Me: Hell yes!

Chapter Nine

Nora

“Holy shit. When did you get so sexy?” Makenna chants, entering her bedroom with two Margaritas as I give myself a once over in her mirror. The atmosphere at home after dinner didn’t become much better. Dad ended up being quieter than usual, Asher kept going back for more beer, and Grayson left not long after my job announcement. I packed up the things I needed and headed to Makenna’s where I’ve been for most of the evening.

“I’ve been this sexy all my life,” I grin, putting in my big hoop earrings. I’m in a pair of short red shorts, a black crop top, and a pair of strappy heels. I’ve styled my hair so it hangs in long loose curls, and my makeup is a little heavier than how I’d usually apply it, given the fact I’m going out.

“Do I go for the red or the white heels?” she asks holding a color of each in either hand. Makenna is dressed in a snug-fitting halter neck dress, the neckline falling below her breastbone, her hair is up in a stylish yet messy bun, and she’s showing enough flesh that she’s sure to have the guys following her with their tongues hanging out.

“I’m not answering that because you never go with my choice anyway. But what I will say is that I want that dress because it’s hot as shit.”

She laughs. “I bought it online. I’ll send you the company link.”

“Much appreciated. So, are we headed to Chick’s and then Hot Tuna like usual, or do you have other plans?”

“Chick’s and Hot T.”

Grabbing my glass from the top of her cupboard, I take a seat on her bed while she continues to get ready. Knowing that she would change her mind, I watch as she opts for a pair of nude heels, making her look even more killer than she already is.

“So, do you think Grayson will be there tonight?” she asks, looking at me through the reflection of the mirror.

“Of course he will be. It’s his bar.”

“Okay, let me rephrase that,” she turns to look at me. “What will you do when you see Grayson tonight?”