Page 37 of Charger

She slumps into the bar stool with a huff. “I need three shots of Crown Royal for table three. Actually, make that four—the last one is for me.”

I laugh. “You’re killin’ it tonight, just so you know.” Lining up the glasses in a row, I pour the whisky down each one. “I didn’t expect it to get so busy on a Monday.”

“Busy is an understatement. My feet are screaming. I didn’t even wear heels tonight.” She does a double take at the door. I glance up, noticing the two men who just walked in.

The very tall, broad-shouldered men make their way over to sit at two stools on the other end. Their black leather vests form to their bodies, and each one has an embroidered name on the back that I can’t quite make out.

“Think they’re part of that motorcycle gang?” Lucy suggests.

“I sure hope not.”

I stalk toward them, stopping when Joe grabs my wrist. “They give you any trouble let me know.” I offer his hand a reassuring squeeze before he lets go.

When I eventually make it over to them both, I can’t help but swallow nervously. Yeah, it’s intimidating. But I hold my head up.

“What can I get you gentlemen…?” My stomach drops.

My body tightens as I look directly into the eyes I could never forget, no matter how hard I tried. No matter how much I wanted to wipe my memory clean of him, he has never and will never truly leave my thoughts, my head, my mind, my body. The days and nights I spent wishing I could forget everything about him, I couldn’t.

He will always have all of me.

But I never thought this day would come. Zachary Scott, the boy I loved.

My best friend.

My protector.

My everything.

Even being only eighteen, there was no doubt in my mind that I was completely in love with him. So, it’s not hard to believe that the boy who had my whole heart would be the same one to rip it out.

I can’t form any words, let alone a sentence. He must recognize me too because he hasn’t said anything either. Nor has he taken his eyes off me.

The handsome boy I used to know six years ago has definitely grown up. His shoulders are wider and his arms are twice as large. Not to mention, the tattoos painted on each of them. He’s still lean, but his muscles are more visible. And who could forget about those piercing blue eyes that are just as penetrating now. Maybe just not as alive as I once remember.

A wave of sadness hits me because my heart is being ripped out all over again. Seeing him reminds me of the three of us… of being back in high school. I never stopped missing Garrett and I never stopped longing for Zach. His presence is like a knife to the chest. Damn it.

I swallow hard, to hold back any tears that want to start forming. I’ll be damned if I let him see me cry. He disappeared without any explanation, without any reason. So, you know what, fuck him.

“Uh, do you two know each other?” The guy sitting next to Zach is just as good-looking. Large, with long hair and some daily scruff. The confusion on his face shoots between each of us.

I smile, more like smirk, to the best of my ability. Zach literally hasn’t been able to look away from me. I take in his leather vest, which is draped over his tight-fitting t-shirt. He’s in a motorcycle club now? Chills run up my spine.

“No, we don’t know each other. And I’m sorry, but I have the right to refuse service to anyone, and I’m refusing to serve you both. Have a good night, gentlemen.” As I turn to take care of another customer, I can hear his buddy throw a few F-bombs as he gets up to leave. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. My eyes wander over to Zach, connecting with his as he watches me. I hurry, drawing my attention back to the man in front of me.

After taking his order, my hands shake as I try to pop off the top of the beer bottle. I set it down, not able to hold back sneaking another glance.

Disappointment rushes through me when I realize he’s gone. How could I be so angry at him, but at the same time, disappointed that he left?

Again.

“Hey, you okay?”

I sigh, turning toward Lucy. “I’m fine. Just a run-in with my past. Someone I didn’t expect to see.”

“That wasn’t him, was it?”

I think she’s referring to Zach for a second before realizing I never told her about him. I haven’t told anyone. It’s like I thought if I never talked about it, the hurt would go away. I hoped the pain would disappear if I didn’t mention his name, but it hasn’t. Lucy is referring to a different past...

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