Page 34 of Everything I Crave

“Thanks for still coming even though I’ve been an awful sister.” I look at Mom “And daughter.”

They all tell me to stop talking like that and we pile in for one more hug.

Once we clean up I hop in the car and head back to the apartment so I can change before my shift.

Chapter Fourteen

Gunnar

Fuck.

Willow is pissed at me. I don’t blame her. I hear a slam coming from the kitchen in the bar.

Damn, she must have snuck in while I was showering. I run down the stairs to try and catch her.

When I reach the bottom though, instead of Willow, I’m met by Mack.

“Boss, you messed up,” she says walking back into the kitchen.

“Is she here?” I ask, following her.

“Nope,” she says flatly, staring at me.

“Mack. Say it.” I cross my arms, standing next to her. Mack isn’t one to keep quiet when she has something on her mind so I know she has something to say about the situation.

“What are you doing with that girl, boss?”

“I don’t know,” I admit.

Admitting it to Mack is worse than Willow. I think she has a soft spot for her.

“Well. You need to figure it out. She’s broken, boss. She needs someone that’s going to put hertogether, not break her down more. So you better figure your shit out before you even think of touching her again.” She goes back to cooking and ignores me. She’s right.

I’ve made a fucking mess out of everything. There’s only a few people who understand my situation.

Me:Hey, you available for a beer?

Colton:Yea man, Porter and Preston too?

Me:Why not. You all have experience with the Harper women.

Colton:Oh it’s that kind of beer, huh? See you in ten. I’ll rally the troops.

I check in with all my employees while I wait for the guys. The patio is closed right now so I grab a bucket of beers and head out there. I gave Bennett instructions to send the guys out when they get here. And told him by no means is a waitress to come out here and serve us. I would do all the work. I can’t risk anyone hearing about Willow and I.

“Hey Gunnar! Open up.” Colton, Porter and Preston stand at the gate to the patio. They must have seen me when they came up.

I get up and walk over to open the door for them before locking it back up.

“So, you got Harper lady trouble, huh?” Porter says.

“Did you gossip as soon as I text you? Lacey’s really getting to you.” I whip my head to Colton, my eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“Nah, this guy has always been a gossip. He’s the perfect match for those Harper women.” Preston laughs at his brother.

“Shut up. I don’t hear any of you complaining when I have the latest gossip from Mrs. Smith before any of the girls. In fact, I think you all run home to tell them.” He says defending himself.

“Whatever. What’s going on? Since I know it’s not any of our women, I’m going to guess yourroommateis giving you some trouble?” Preston asks.

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