Page 20 of Fall I Want
“You’re welcome.” Julie bursts into laughter when Autumn groans.
I push open the door, allowing the next person in line into the building, then leave with my coffee beans in tow.
This time, it’s much harder to hold back my smile as I pass the wall of windows that line the sidewalk, but I manage. I’m a pro at a poker face. Having Autumn as my special project is very fucking tempting. It’s something to think about.
Chapter 5
Autumn
When our shift is over, the three of us walk to Bookers to grab a few adult beverages before going our separate ways for the day.
The long bar top stretches the length of the place. Booths line the walls, and tables and chairs are spaced perfectly in the dining room. Large TVs take up most of the space between the floor and ceiling. In the back, there’s a game room that gets rowdy on the weekends when the sun sets. This is one of the few establishments that stays packed no matter the season. The food and drinks are great and so is the service.
Blaire leads us across the room toward an empty booth and we slide into it.
“Need menus?” a server asks but knows better. We visit often and Julie’s curse jar always pays for it. Those morning shift fucks have come in handy.
“Nah, we’re having strawberry margaritas for lunch,” I say with a laugh. I have leftovers at home that I don’t want to waste.
“Frozen or on the rocks?”
“Half and half with sugar,” I say. “I’d like a shot of Patrón on the side.”
“Oh, it’s gonna be like that.” Julie’s eyebrow quirks upward and they order the same.
When we’re alone, I glance between my two best friends, who sit across from me. They’re wearing shit-eating grins.
“Why are you both looking at me like that?”
“What happened at Hollow Manor four days ago?” Blaire bluntly asks, leaning forward and interlocking her fingers together.
“Not much.” I shrug, knowing I can’t talk about it. It would lead to the IOU and the number that was added to my contacts. Not to mention the text message I haven’t sent just because he wants me to. I’ve recently learned that I like to please people, but on my terms.
Julie and I haven’t talked about the incident and I’ve successfully avoided the conversation. After Alex showed up in the coffee shop this morning, I should’ve predicted they’d want to discuss it.
“If you hadn’t texted me when you did, I would’ve called the police. I think we deserve to know the truth. You’ve been weird as fuck.”
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire plays on the radio and I’m sure I’ll hear it at least a thousand more times this season.
“Why does this strangely feel like an interrogation?” It could be the light that’s hanging over our table, or maybe it’s how my friends are glaring at me.
Our drinks are set in front of us, and I immediately knock the shot back to loosen up. I want to change the subject, but they won’t allow it. They’re too committed, but this is the only exciting thing that has happened to any of us in far too long.
“Because it is. You’ve been weird, not like yourself lately,” Blaire says, swirling her straw around and mixing her margarita together.
“I know.” I inhale deeply. That man is to blame. I know it and so do they. He pushes me off-axis.
“Tell us.” Blaire lowers her voice to an almost whisper. Julie nods.
I trust them with my life and know they’ll take this information with them to the grave. “I’m sorry, I promised I wouldn’t discuss it.”
“Can we guess?” Julie asks, glancing at Blaire. They know I won’t break my word, but they also know I suck at lying.
“No,” I say. They can read me too easily and know how to back me into a corner.
Julie rests her chin on her hand and stares at me. “If I had to guess, I’d say Mr. Dreamy was at Hollow Manor.”
“Pfft.” I tuck my lips inside my mouth and avoid her gaze.
