Page 118 of Fangs and Fudge

Vena: Nope. I want to use his pooch pouch like a speed bag until he coughs his babymakers out. He’s too stupid for offspring.

Me: Harsh.

She sent me a screenshot of a conversation on her phone.

Major Cunt: As soon as you’re set, please come up to the meeting room. We need to talk.

Vena: I don’t think we do. You’ve said too much already.

Major Cunt: That’s what I’d like to talk about.

Vena: No thanks.

Major Cunt: Tonight’s going to change everything. For both of us. I want to be gentle with you, Vena, but you’re making it difficult.

Gentle with her?

I looked up at Vena and met her angry gaze.

My first instinct was to go to Shepard. But wouldn’t that be throwing fuel on an already combustible situation? So, I subtly shook my head at her in warning and sent another text.

Me: He’s not wrong about things changing. Once Shepard wins, MC won’t be able to pull this crap. Hang in there. The night will go fast. You’ll see.

When Army opened the doors, my tables filled within ten minutes. It was as if all our nervous energy pulled customers to Blur. I no longer had time to think about the upcoming challenge. The most I could do was control my breathing so I wouldn’t hyperventilate as I ran back and forth with drink and food orders.

On every pass, I glanced over at Vena to make sure she was okay and that MC wasn’t making a move on her. But even MC was pressed into work at the bar. That didn’t keep him from glaring at every man who talked to Vena, though. It was a good thing she had no interest in MC because he would take the jealous boyfriend act to another level.

Close to nine, Shepard helped me run food to my section.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I might need to stress bake cupcakes for everyone tomorrow, but otherwise, I’m okay.”

“Hang in there,” he said. “When this is all over, I’ll buy you everything you need to stress-bake anything you want.”

“Shepard!”

We both glanced over to find Mr. and Mrs. Hunter weaving their way through the crowd. I wanted to groan, but Vena’s parents were watching us.

“You have a busy place here,” Mrs. Hunter said to Shepard.

“It’s a little busier than usual,” he said. “Let me see if I can find you a table.”

Shepard took charge of the Hunters while I went to the bar to fill more drink orders. Behind the bar, I saw MC watching Shepard and the Hunters. He started to leave his post.

“Hang on,” I said. “I need drinks.”

“The other guys will help.” MC walked around me and veered over to Vena’s section where Shepard found a table for the Hunters.

With a silent curse, I followed, knowing Vena didn’t want MC anywhere near her or her parents. I might have fewer tips after ignoring my tables, but I didn’t care.

As soon as the Hunters were seated, MC swooped in. Mrs. Hunter turned a dazzling smile at him.

Vena had been serving a table and didn’t see MC or her parents until she turned around. The look she gave him made my imaginary balls retreat in sympathy.

“Oh, Vena!” Mrs. Hunter gave a wave. “Come over here for a second.”

Vena and I arrived at the table at the same time.

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