Page 7 of Love Her

Chapter 4

Connor

After his text, I expected Taylor to show up at the bar last night. He didn’t. I’m sure I owe Scarlett more than a dozen donuts and a few nights of babysitting to thank for that. It’s a small price to pay for a few extra hours to come up with a plan to make this right.

Once I cleaned myself up and bought a few apology rounds for customers, I kept my head down and did my job. A black eye and splitting headache couldn’t distract me from the dread that sat in the pit of my stomach. I let down my friend. He trusts me with his business, his livelihood. Instead of protecting it, I put it in jeopardy. All because I’ve been selfish and too busy with whiskey-fueled one-night stands.

Slowly, I allow myself a minute to adjust to the bright light in the small bathroom. I miss the average size bathroom at my rental in Fayhill. At least that place had a window for the mornings I didn’t want to face what was in the mirror. This bathroom offers no room for me to hide from the inevitable. Peeling my eyes open, I don’t even flinch at the sight.

One half of my face is swollen, making me look more like I’m an extra in a horror movie than an idiot bartender who got knocked on his ass. Gently touching the area around my eye, I flinch at the contact. The lumpy flesh is various shades of purple, from the deepest violet to the brightest magenta, and I deserve every shade of it. I suppose it could be worse. My jaw could be broken instead of a little sore. Looks like it’s a protein shake for breakfast kind of day.

Turning the taps of the shower, I allow the water to heat as I strip out of my boxers and step under the stream. I’m a lot of things, a bit of a cocky asshole and not always the best friend, but I’m not a cheater. I would never betray a woman I was dating like that and I sure as shit wouldn’t sleep with another man’s woman. That’s a line I’d never cross knowingly.

Stepping out of the shower, I run the towel down my face and torso before wrapping it around my waist. Since it’s my day off, I don’t bother pulling out my razor, instead only brushing my teeth—gently—before heading to the bedroom to throw on some clothes. Reaching for my phone, I bring the screen to life and note the single notification above my text message icon. Tapping it open I groan at the short but powerful message.

Taylor: Meet me at 10.

Fuck my life.

I could respond but what am I going to say? Okay? See ya then, I’ll bring the coffee? Nope. I have to hope our friendship and my apology are strong enough to keep my job and my current home because without either, I’ll just be another washed-up asshole whose dick got him thrown out on the streets.

Walking through the back door of Country Road, I’m surprised to hear music playing from the main area. Is that . . . Dolly Parton? What the fuck? I pause at the door to Taylor’s office but it’s dark like he hasn’t been here. I check my phone and confirm it is five minutes before ten. I’ve known Taylor for years and, military or not, he’s always early.

Dread fills me as I work my way down the hall but as I step into the bar the melody of someone singing along with Dolly fills the space. Scanning the room, I look for the source and bark out a laugh when Ashton rises from behind the bar and screams. Raising my hand in greeting, I head her way, taking a sip from my travel mug as I do. She reaches behind her on the wall and turns the dial for the speakers, lowering the music to a less concert-like level.

“Mornin’,” I say, my eyes searching the room for our boss.

“Damn, Owen said you got fucked up, but I wasn’t expecting that. Does it hurt?” Her nose scrunches and she reaches forward but pulls her hand back quickly. I can only laugh because there’s no way anyone would think my face doesn’t hurt.

Shrugging, I say, “Yeah but I deserved it. What are you doing here?”

Ashton used to bartend here and for a while was managing, handling the books and behind the scenes business. It’s rare to see her here behind the bar, although she does look right at home.

“Truth?” she asks, and I nod in agreement. She sighs, her shoulders dropping and a small smile taking over her face. “I miss being behind the bar. Don’t get me wrong, it was time for me to do something else, and I love that I’m still part of the bar but can be with my kids. It’s just such a rush to be back here sometimes, ya know?”

I do know.

“Do you want to tell me what happened last night?”

Before I can respond, a deep voice behind me says, “I’d like know that myself.”

Turning to face my friend, I brace myself for the disappointment I know will be written all over his face. Instead, I’m shocked to see a smile on his face.

“Damn, Twig, that guy got you good. I was going to threaten to kick your ass for this shit but looks like he beat me to it.”

“I don’t know why y’all keep calling Connor “Twig.” He’s got more muscle mass than most of you combined. I think fatherhood has softened y’all up.” I think I love Ashton a little more for that statement and peer over my shoulder and wink at her. If I’m not mistaken, her cheeks pinken and I chuckle to myself before turning back to Taylor.

He motions for me to take a seat at the bar. Following his direction, I settle in to rehash everything that happened last night. When I try to skirt around some of the details, Ashton stops me with a few “that’s not what I heard” comments. Dang, these guys gossip more than my sister and her friends ever did.

Taylor laughs a few times but mostly, he sits next to me, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. Most people would be intimidated by his expression, but I know Taylor Cain, and this is simply his resting dick face.

“I know I fucked up. You were right. Mingling with customers only leads to drama. It won’t happen again.”

“Connor, I don’t care if you date or party with customers on your own time. What I care about is bringing drama and bullshit into my bar. Maybe next time, confirm the woman doesn’t have a boyfriend?”

“Or a husband,” Ashton shouts from the far end of the bar.

Taylor laughs and rises from his chair. “Or that. Hell, even a wife. Just keep the drama out of here, okay?”

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