Page 1 of My Grumpy Valentine

1

Asher

The music in Willow Hope is loud and welcoming as I walk past clouds of cigarette smoke and fruity vape hits. The outside of the bar is always busy, constantly crowded with adults using the time to socialize and catch up on everything they missed out on since the last time they met up.

Thanks to the week reaching an end, business is booming more than ever. As much time as I’ve spent here during my free time, the sight is nothing new. With this many bodies on the outside, I can only imagine the crowds gathering on the inside.

As I make my way in, I’m enveloped by the warm, bustling atmosphere, left sliding between crowds, brushing up against the coolness of bodies, and almost getting pulled into a lively conversation with familiar faces. The laughter from a corny joke rings in my ears, the scent of spiced food wafts through the air, and I’m where I feel like I’m meant to be.

Everyone knows everyone in this small town, and this hotspot shows it. Thankfully, I’m able to excuse myself, as I’m needed elsewhere.

Hope Peak might not have many places to socialize, but Danny really picked the best place in town to meet up.

Finding him isn’t a challenge. Not when he claims the same table tucked away in the corner that we always hang out at during our nights of unwinding. He’s cradling a glass of water instead of a beer, much to my surprise. Oh man, he’s really going all out. Staying sober to make an impression, it seems.

Today is supposed to be special. It’s all about meeting Danny’s new girlfriend. It’s a whole event when it comes to a man like him. Despite his constant assertions that he never wants to settle down, he’s now more than ready to pop a cork and celebrate this significant milestone in his life.

Alas, our once-promised bachelorhood is cracking at the core as Danny succumbs to love, and I am left behind to live a life of being single all by my lonesome.

Since this man and I are inseparable, he’s trying to ease me into the concept of being a permanent third wheel.

A few beers and a greasy meal should make the acceptance easier. I’m not sure my heart is going to be able to heal any time soon. I’m going to have to find someone else to put up with my shit without getting heart eyes because his girlfriend is in the same room.

Spotting my arrival, he’s on his feet instantly. Like he’s seeing a friend for the first time in years, he draws me into his arms for a hug. He’s always the affectionate type. The smile on his face makes it too hard to hold it against him.

By the time I’m planted down at the table and signaling down a waitress with one impressive pair of tits to bring me a beer, I realize the seat to his right is empty.

“Don’t tell me you already scared the poor woman off,” I joke as a bottle is placed in front of me. Thanking the cute brunette, I try my hardest not to let my eyes wander past her pouty smile.

The stretched-out logo of Willow Hope is testing my strength. That low-cut shirt is begging for tips, and if I stare at the deep-cut cleavage for too long, I’ll have one to give. Maybe in the bathroom or behind the building.

From how this waitress is eyeing me, wetting her bottom lip, and squirming in those little bitty jean shorts, I’m sure I’d let her drag me wherever she pleases.

No. Shit.I’m here to support Danny, and my focus will be entirely on him, no matter how enticing the woman’s gaze might be. Just for tonight, I will be leaving the bar alone.

“She’s running a little behind. You’ll get to meet her soon enough.” He taps his fingers against the table, his body stirring.

Is he nervous? This is more serious than I thought. He looks like he really cares.Fuck. Who is this man sitting in front of me? I hardly recognize him.

“Well, she’s not making a very good impression by being late,” I muse as I sip my beer. The drink eases the tension growing in my shoulders as I look at the empty seat.

He’s yet to show me any photos, having just dropped the biggest bomb only a couple of days ago after I questioned his strange behavior. Seeing him deny every advance, call his nights early, and get caught daydreaming, I should’ve put the pieces together on my own.

I can only imagine what kind of woman he snagged to think he’d be willing to settle down with her. Ever since he set up this introduction date, I’ve tried to picture her in my head a thousand times.

Danny loves blondes, targeting those with baby-blue eyes. He likes them with long legs and tan skin, too. If I keep his typein mind, I try to piece together an image of the woman. Sexy and mature, with a sultry smile, I bet.

Maybe it won’t last. His relationships never typically do. However, there’s something twinkling in his eye about the entire ordeal. Something about this feels more concrete. Like he’s already gone and picked out a wedding ring and is hunting down the perfect date to tie the knot.

Fuck, maybe he already got her pregnant. That’s why he’s moving so quickly. No, if he had a kid on the way, he would’ve told me.

My knee bounces under the table as the seconds tick by. After finishing one bottle, our waitress eagerly gets me a second. As she’s leaning over the table to set it down, I catch her name tag. Ashley.

I thank her, rotating the bottle with my fingers.

“How come you waited until now to tell me about her?” Seeing his smile widen as that dreamy, lovesick expression emerges, I feel a knot in my stomach.

I can’t even begin to imagine what that kind of love feels like. To make someone turn so soft and into absolute mush. Always caught in a daze, mind filled with one person. The thought of losing all that freedom?Ugh.

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