Page 19 of Born Savage

“Yeah…yeah. Ray was happy about some deal he made and he wanted to celebrate,” I explain briefly. “Have you seen Scarlett around?” I ask.

“Nope, but her car isn’t here, so she probably went out,” she shares.

“Damn,” I growl out in a low whisper.

“Everything okay?” she asks.

“Yeah, I just need to talk to her,” I answer, before turning back towards the door. “Oh, you probably want to avoid the patio, unless you want to see Pike’s bare ass,” I tell her. I’m sure she doesn’t want to see him banging some chick out by the pool any more than I did.

“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time, but thanks for the warning,” she laughs as I make my exit.

I don’t stop, letting my boots stomp heavily down the hallway. I need some fresh air and a fuckin’ cigarette.

Fifteen

Scarlett

Alex keeps coming back to me after waiting on other customers at the bar. He has a nice smile and actually seems interested in me as he asks me questions. He feels like a safe choice in my otherwise crazy world.

He’s definitely cute, but as he talks about his softball league, my mind starts to wander. Alex definitely doesn’t have that hard-edge that I’m drawn to with Shark. He’s gentle and clean cut, but maybe that’s what I should be looking for.

“Another round?” he smiles softly as I pull the last bit of my drink through my straw.

“Sure, but only one more,” I grin back, feeling the heat in my cheeks.

“How late do you work tonight?” I ask as I watch him mix my next drink.

“I’m off at midnight,” he answers and I glance at my phone sitting on the bar, realizing it’s already almost eleven thirty.

“How’s it going over here?” Roxy asks softly as she slides into the empty seat beside me at the bar.

“He’s nice,” I answer quietly.

“I told you,” she smiles brightly. “Hey, Alex,” she calls out, interrupting his clean-up process.

“Yeah,” he looks up.

“Could I get a drink before you finish? I’m done for the night and a rum and Coke would really hit the spot,” she requests.

“Coming right up,” he smiles back before turning to grab a bottle.

“I can tell you’re going to need a ride home,” she glances back at me. “How many of those have you had anyway?”

“Three…” I grin. I don’t drink a lot, so three margaritas have quickly gone to my head.

“And did you get his number?”

“Mmhmm,” I hum in response. “We’re going to meet up tomorrow. He has the day off, so he said he’ll call,” I share.

Alex steps back in front of us, sliding a glass in front of Roxy. She leans forward and takes a slow exaggerated sip from the straw.

“That is exactly what I needed,” she smiles.

“Enjoy,” he laughs. “Are you two all set to get home?” he asks sounding concerned.

“Yeah, I’m only having this one and then I’m getting a Lyft,” Roxy answers.

“Okay, then I’m out,” he says before turning to look at me. “Scarlett, it was really nice to finally meet you. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

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