Page 38 of Charger

“No, it wasn’t him.”

“Well, that’s good at least.” She sets her tray down on the countertop. “Why don’t you take five? I can watch the bar. My tables are caught up.”

“No, I’m okay, really. Thank you, though.”

“Well, I’m glad they’re gone. Don’t need no bikers around here, causing up a commotion,” Joe grunts.

“Somehow I don’t think they’ll be coming back anytime soon.” Yet another disappointment. Damn him for coming back and breaking my already shattered heart.

“Mommy!” Chloe runs to me, arms out, latching onto my leg with brute force. Well, as much force as a five-year-old can give.

“Hi, my little bug. Did you have fun at grandma and grandpa’s?”

“Of course, she did. Grandma and grandpa’s house is like the best place ever.” My mom playfully teases as she tugs on Chloe’s pigtails. “Isn’t that right, angel?”

Chloe detaches herself from me with an overly excited head nod, jumping up and down, pigtails flopping in the air. “Yes! Mommy, I never wanna leave.”

“That’s nice, Mom. Really? Thanks.” I smile, crossing my arms over my chest.

With a shrug, she rectifies herself. “But I know you would miss your mommy.”

Chloe stops hopping in place, holding attention to her pink tennis shoes. “I would miss you, Mommy, a lot.”

My dad comes to the door, holding Chloe’s little ladybug backpack. “All right, Miss Thang, don’t forget this.” He crouches down, helping Chloe shimmy into the straps.

“Okay, you, time to get home and into bed. It is way past your bedtime.”

My parents watch Chloe while I pull in shifts at the bar. Some nights are worse than others—depends on when I’m able to leave.

Even though I own the Fallen Star, I’m still fully involved. I pull my own weight. If I’m too late, Chloe will usually spend the night but tonight, I made sure I got out of there—not that I thought Zach would come back in for a nice little chat about the past.

Chloe swings her small arms around my father and he kisses her head. “Behave for your mom. We’ll see you soon.” She walks over to hug my mom and then I shoo her out the door.

“Thanks for watching her.”

“Jules, you don’t have to thank us every time for watching our own grandchild.”

“I know, I know, but I feel better doing it.” I hug them both, then walk Chloe down the driveway of my childhood home. Each time, it seems to get harder and harder. Memories play in my head, memories of me and Garrett, and the way we used to ride our bikes down this driveway. Then there are those of Zach and the number of times we sat in a circle just talking and laughing. It never gets any easier.

I avoid looking at his house. It’s obvious neither he nor his mom live there anymore. Six months after graduation, Zach’s mom moved out. I don’t know where to, but another family moved in and they’ve been there ever since. Everything still stings as though it just happened. They say time heals everything... I’m still waiting.

We make it to my somewhat new Malibu and I strap Chloe into her car seat, tugging the straps tightly to her. She lays her head to the side, already starting to doze off. I can’t help but stand there for a second, watching her. She is the best damn thing to happen to me and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

Tucking a small strand of hair that fell loose behind her ear, I smile when she doesn’t even flinch at my touch. She’s out like a light. I gently kiss her forehead before climbing into the driver’s seat and heading home, never once glancing at Zach’s old house. I never do.

I’m carrying Chloe through the back parking lot of the bar. Renting the upstairs apartment, and making it our home, was a huge convenience.

Stepping inside the bar entrance, I practically jump out of my black boots. A large, dark silhouette sits at the counter, helping himself to a beer. The only light is from the one above the bar. I can make out small details only—like his leather vest. How did he get in? Is it Zach?

I flick on the lights and my stomach twists.

“Hello, Jules.” He doesn’t move. He continues to face forward, resting an elbow on the bar while casually drinking a beer. My beer. I tighten my grip on Chloe in pure protective instinct. Peeking at her, I breathe a sigh of relief. She’s still sleeping.

He finally swings his massive thighs around, leaving the stool and stalking toward me like I’m his prey.

I take a step back. “I have to put her to bed. And you need to leave.”

“Nah, I’ll wait.” He stops with a smirk. Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.

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