Page 77 of It's a Date (Again)

I shoot him a disgusted look, turning my nose up.

“What’s your name?” he asks.

“Doesn’t matter.”

He moves in closer, and I strain to lean farther away from him. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”

“I don’t care what your name is.”

Robbie places four drinks on the table and raises his chin, squaring up with the guy. “Is there a problem here?”

“No problem here. This one’s just playing hard to get,” the man says with a laugh.

“No, I’m playing get the hell away from me.”

“You heard her.” Robbie strolls around the table, closing the distance between himself and the guy.

The creep stands and scowls. “She’s a slut anyway.”

Without hesitation, Robbie throws a fist right into his jaw. It makes a crunching sound. I hope it’s from the man’s chin and not Robbie’s hand. The guy stumbles backward, shaking his head. His face reddens, and his eyes burn with anger as he charges at Robbie. Instinctively, I jump from my seat and try to pull Robbie back. The last thing I want is for him to get hurt defending me. Another man jumps in, wedging himself between me and Robbie. He’s at least six foot four with a dark complexion and broad shoulders. One of his arms is the equivalent of two of Robbie’s. The large man steps in front of Robbie, putting distance between him and the creep.

“You want a piece of him”—he gestures to Robbie—“you’re gonna have to come through me first.”

I let out a sigh of relief, knowing the large man is on our side.

The creep squints, sizing up the man, but it doesn’t take more than a second for him to realize he stands no chance. He backs up and scurries out of the bar. The large man turns toward Robbie and grins.

“Perfect timing, Anthony,” Robbie says, putting out his hand. They shake and pull one another in for a half hug with a pat on the back. This is Maya’s Anthony. I can’t help but smile, knowing she has a guy like him by her side.

“Didn’t mean to sound so corny.” Anthony laughs, mocking himself.“You’re going to have to come through me first.”

“Only you can pull off that type of ridiculous smack talk.” Robbie chuckles.

“You caught me off guard. What was that even about?”

“He was harassing Peyton.” Robbie gestures to me. Goose bumps cover my arms. I can’t believe Robbie jumped to defend me without even a thought.

I give a small wave as Anthony turns to face me. He pulls me in for a hug and practically lifts me up off the floor. “Peyton! I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Hi ... me too,” I say as he releases me.

Anthony grins, revealing a set of pearly white teeth. “Oh shoot. Sorry, forgot about the amnesia.” He chuckles. “I’m Anthony, Maya’s boyfriend.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Hopefully all good things.”

“Only good things.” I nod.

“Maya’s outside.” He gestures toward the door. “Her mom rang right as we were coming in, so she’s just taking the call quick.”

Robbie hands Anthony a pint of golden-colored beer.

“Thanks, man.”

They clink their beers together and chug. Robbie’s hand clasps the glass, putting his red and swollen knuckles on display. I didn’t realize how hard he hit the guy. I slip away to the bar and ask for a cup of ice and a rag. The bartender smiles and hands them over. “Tell Robbie no more throwing fists tonight,” she says.

“You got it.” I nod, returning the smile. Dumping the ice into the rag, I fold it up, creating a makeshift ice pack.

---