Page 23 of Born Savage

“Good luck,” Roxy offers as I open the door to climb out. “Just call or text if you need me.”

“Thank you,” I respond before closing the car door and taking a step towards the wide casino doors as they open like magic for me to walk through.

???

Three hours later and I’m still glued to my seat at the bar. I’ve only gotten up to use the bathroom and drop a few dollars at the slot machines. Alex has been great to talk to, completely understanding. I didn’t expand on the whole story, but I gave him the basic scenario. Controlling Dad and family, and now Ihave more freedom to make my own choices. He actually told me that he understood.

“I understand. I know it’s not the same, but I was in a relationship for a while and when we broke it off, I suddenly felt this sense of relief. Don’t stress on it. We’re just getting to know each other, I’m not expecting a commitment,” he had said, touching my hand softly across the bar. It was subtle, but sweet.

At that point I had decided to stay. I can still get to know him, even if it isn’t romantic, he could still be a friend. Picking up one of the lingering French fries on my plate, I dip it in ketchup before taking a bite. Alex finishes with a couple customers down the bar and makes his way back over to me.

“Do you want some more fries?” he asks noticing my almost empty plate.

“No, I’m so full. Maybe just some water. I should probably get ready to go,” I answer.

After sucking down my glass of water, I say goodbye to Alex and leave to find my car where I left it yesterday. Unlocking the driver’s side door, I slide into my seat and let my foot rest on the brake pedal. I press the button on the dash, but nothing happens. I try again, still nothing.

Shit.

Climbing out, I re-lock the door and make the long walk back down to the bar. Alex is serving a group of three beautiful young women, and I watch as they throw their heads back in laughter. He’s clearly laying on the flirting bartender act pretty thick.

His gaze lifts and his eyes catch on me causing his smile to waiver. But there’s no reason for him to stop what he’s doing. I really only came back here so I could schedule and wait for a Lyft. I considered calling Roxy, but she’s done enough for me over the past couple days.

“Back so soon,” Alex grins as he leaves his female fans to come check on me.

“Yeah, car wouldn’t start. I’m just going to get a Lyft to take me home. I’ll have someone check out the car tomorrow to see what the problem is. It shouldn’t be long, I just figured I’d wait here,” I explain.

“Well, we’ve been pretty slow tonight and I only have a couple hours left. I bet I could pull someone from one of the other bars to cover the end of my shift, then I could just give you a ride,” he offers.

“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” I argue.

“This is all extra money anyway. I’m not taking no for an answer,” he smiles before turning around and picking up a phone behind the bar. I can’t hear what he’s saying, but I can see him nodding and grinning before hanging it back up.

“Give me fifteen minutes. My boy Joey is going to come down and take my place,” he shares.

“You really don’t have to,” I try to let him off again.

“I don’t mind. Really, I want to,” he says and I know there’s no point in arguing any more.

Alex’s friend appears within minutes, and I watch them grip hands, slapping each other on the shoulder. Alex leans over, saying something to Joey, who then looks over his shoulder and flashes me a wide grin. Joey’s look creates a twinge of apprehension in my stomach, but I push it aside.

“Ready?” Alex asks and I nod, slipping from the edge of my seat.

He leads me out to the employee parking area, and opens the passenger door on a flashy red Jeep. I climb inside and within seconds he’s in the driver’s seat beside me.

“Well, where are we headed?” he questions and I give him the address to the clubhouse to put in his phone.

“It’s not too far, and it’s pretty easy to find. I really appreciate you doing this,” I offer as the car starts to move.

“Not a problem. Like I said before, I’m happy to do it,” he turns slightly and offers a smile.

“You mentioned a girlfriend before, can I ask what happened?” I question, trying to keep from hitting an uncomfortable silence.

“Yeah, we were together for a bit, but broke it off about two months ago,” he shares.

“Sorry. Break-ups are never easy,” I offer.

“True, but sometimes it’s for the best. I mean, Roxy has been trying to set us up for a while now, but I could never accept. And now that I’ve seen you, I wish I had done it a whole lot sooner,” he says, and I watch in slow motion as one of his hands leaves the steering wheel and drops to my bare thigh.

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