Page 7 of Shadows in Bloom

Because Fiona looked frightened. And then, she left after she talked to me.

Because something is off, and once more—just like with my fucking job—I don’t have all the information I need to figure it out.

2

FIONA

“Hey, Fi!” Sebastian shouts as his eyes dart toward me, glass in hand as he fills it. “What are you doin’ here?” He hands a patron their beer before turning to face me, his bright smile ever-present.

I smile at him as I rest my hip against the counter, arms crossed over my chest. “Leo asked me to check in since he’s busy. To see how it’s going with the new guy.” I nod in Wayne’s direction, watching as he grabs a couple of long-neck beers and slides them across the counter. Seb’s eyes track the movement too, completely rapt.

My eyes widen slightly.

Oh, boy.

“So…” I prompt, shaking Seb out of it. He blinks a few times, eyes still locked on Wayne as he works. Wayne’s dark hair is cut into a very modern mullet. His clothes are baggy and ripped, leaving his shitty tattoos on display. My head cocks to the side as I observe him before my attention turns to Seb.

He’s chewing on the inside of his cheek as he crosses his arms over his chest. Sebastian is buff, but his muscles are far more lean in comparison to Leo’s large, muscular build. Leo often mentions how Seb is a huge puppy, and I can’t help but agree.

But puppy or not, he makes me feel safe. They all do here, which is why I’ve stayed, even after Jaxon told me they all have a dark, complicated past—because don’t we all?

Sebastian runs his fingers through his dark, sandy hair, making it stand on end before he grabs the rag and wipes it aggressively over the wood countertop below the liquor bottles.

“You look stressed,” I point out, which is unusual for Seb. He’s usually so happy-go-lucky.

He chuckles, shaking his head as he turns back around. I scan the low-lit room. The hues of red and brown are always comforting, welcoming in their ambiance. Most of the tables are filled, and every bar stool has its own resident. My eyes catch on a flash of blonde hair before Seb pulls my attention away.

“Nah, just tired. Been a long day.”

“Ah, shit. Yeah, you had the long shift today, didn’t you?”

“Yep, I’ll be working ‘til close, but it’s not so bad.”

I roll my lips between my teeth to keep from smiling. “Is Wayne staying until close?”

Sebastian’s eyes dart toward the new hire. “He fuckin’ better be.” My eyebrows shoot up, grin breaking free.

“All righty then,” I muse, still grinning slyly. Sebastian finally glances at me and huffs out a breath, rolling his eyes, but his smile is just as wide.

“Oh, fuck off?—”

“Hey, Wayne,” I say, waving my hand to get his attention. He glances over at me, face utterly deadpan.

“Hey.” Short, cold, and to the point. Oh, I bet Seb hates that.

I brush past Seb. “Just wanted to stop by and see how it’s goin’. Do you need help figuring anything out?”

Wayne shakes his head before glaring over my shoulder. “Pretty sure even if I did, that big fucking oaf would be up my ass instantly,” he mutters.

I snort loudly enough to garner Sebastian’s attention. He’s over in a nano-second. “You need anything?”

Wayne and I look at each other. I’m trying not to laugh, and he doesn’t bother to hide his glare of irritation. “What’d I say.”

“I see what you mean,” I muse as I glance over at Seb. He’s staring at Wayne with stars in his pitifully bright, hazel eyes. Oh, boy. That’s a bout of work drama waiting to happen.

“I’m so not dealing with this tonight,” I mutter, shaking my head with a laugh.

“Dealing with what?” Sebastian questions, brows furrowing.

---