Page 65 of Yearn

I sighed. “Yeah, it’s been a crazy ass twenty-four hours.”

“I’m here if you need me. I can come over after work, get you drunk, or put Nair in Max’s shampoo bottle.”

That made me laugh. “Thanks, I really appreciate it. I need to get through this shift without dealing with him.”

“I’ll keep my eye out but I’m in the lounge and I’ll barely get out of here alive. Take your break with me and Elle later so we can talk.”

“I will.”

I closed out my big tables and focused my energy on the three smartly dressed guys who smelled of money and influence. A quick appraisal showed designer clothes, manicured fingers, and Rolex watches. I channeled the type of server they wanted withan expert ease, morphing into the all-American blonde who was easily impressed by their power.

I tilted my head flirtatiously and gave each of them an admiring stare. “Let me guess. Definitely not beer, you’re much too sophisticated for such a common choice.” They watched me with interest, temporarily done with their phones and importance to chat with a pretty waitress. “I’d guess martini. Gin, not vodka. Olives, not lemon.”

They looked at each other in surprise. The leader of the group—there was always a leader—regarded me with a gleam of appreciation in his gray eyes. He was attractive in that corporate type way, but I would never be interested in someone so civilized. The image of Adam flashed in my brain—his dark intense stare and tats and rough, battered body. Of his broken, poetic soul creating songs that called to my soul. He didn’t have civilized cell in his body and I loved it.

Even though we were over. After all, I hadn’t chosen him.

Their laugh brought me back to the present. “Very good. Extra olives for all of us, please. And extra dirty.”

I fluttered my eyelashes and allowed a blush to creep into my cheeks. Thinking of Adam made it easy. “Got it. Anything you need, gentlemen, I’ll take care of it. I’m here to serve.”

I walked away, hearing the whisper, “I’d like to serve her something” and their chuckles.

I grinned, not offended at all. It’s exactly what I wanted, for the money, and to piss off Max.

Already, he was staring at me with sulky blue eyes. He liked to watch my tables and assess if anyone was hitting on me, and my reaction. I’d told him several times my flirting meant nothing and I’d been telling the truth. But tonight, I had no problem pushing his edges. It may not be adult of me or rational but I wanted him to regret his actions.

I wanted him to hurt.

I didn’t realize what happened next would set off a chain of reactions and events I’d never be able to take back. Afterward, I would always wonder if I was just as bad as Max for what I did. To all of us.

Would I have chosen to do the same thing if I’d known the fallout?

I was done lying to myself so there was only one answer.

Yes.

Chapter Thirty-One

Landon

Listen to How do I Make you Love me

by The Weeknd

By the time the men had finished their meals and drinks, they were practically purring from my attention and obvious admiration. If there was one thing I did well, it was catering to men’s egos. They paid their check, leaving me the biggest tip of the night, and slid over a business card with a cell phone number scrawled on the back.

“We’re heading to Core,” the leader said casually. “We’d love for you to join us later. Feel free to bring a girlfriend.”

Core was an exclusive club that catered to the wealthy. With a 50K buy in, and a 15K annual fee, let’s just say I hadn’t visited yet. I arched a brow and looked obviously impressed. “I’m overwhelmed! I’d love to come—I don’t get off till later though.”

The men shared a smug glance. I wondered what they thought I’d do for an invite, rolling my eyes inwardly. I wasn’t that naïve to think they simply wanted my company. It hadhappened many times before where assholes believed waitresses were another form of escorts if the price or club was good enough. But Max was staring and I loved the idea of them waiting for me to show up and getting dissed.

“We can wait,” he said easily. “Feel free to text when you’re on the way. We’ll meet you at the door.”

I gushed with enthusiasm and waved as they left.

When I got to the bar, Max was waiting. His face was flushed red in a rare temper I only glimpsed when he thought he was being ignored or if I seemed truly interested in someone else.

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