Page 67 of Fight For Us
I crossed my arms. “You’re impossible.” He chuckled with his whole body and in Wes-like fashion knocked over his glass of water. I sighed and bent to pick it up, even as he put a hand on my shoulder to stop me. “I’ve got it, no worries. It’s just water this time, thankfully.”
While I was on the floor scooping up ice cubes, I looked up to find Damon hovering nearby. Our eyes locked and he took that as his cue to come over.
“Sorry, your food should be out any second,” I said, dumping the ice cubes into the sink.
“Oh, thanks,” he said. His gaze slid over to Wes and he offered a friendly grin. “I was heading to the restroom. But since I ran into you again I wanted to say that it was nice to see you. I was worried about you when you weren’t here last time I came in and you hadn’t called.”
Wes stiffened beside me. I wiped my damp hands on my pants and let out an awkward laugh. “That’s nice of you. I’m doing fine. Just took a few days off for the holiday.”
“I’m glad. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He flashed another bright, panty melting grin and waved to Wes, who didn’t return the sentiment. His hands were busy gripping his glass so hard it was a wonder the thing didn’t shatter.
I turned to Wes and winced. “I should go check my tables.”
“Tiger,” he uttered through gritted teeth. “What was he talking about?”
“Wes, I’m not getting into this with you right now. We’re at work.” I pried the glass from his grip and he flexed his fist. I lowered my voice and explained. “Calm yourself, big guy. He’s just a customer who has a thing for me. Nothing’s happened. He’s friends with Mark and he’ll be at the party tomorrow. Unclench your jaw and take a deep breath. There’s no need for amy wifemoment.”
His eyes met mine and he massaged his jaw. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine. I’m fine. Everyone’s fine. I’m going to get some actual work done now.” I didn’t wait for him to respond before I marched away, leaving him staring after me. This shift couldn’t end soon enough.
Chapter 27
Olivia
“Are you sure yourparents are okay watching the kids? Maybe I should call them again to check in.” I adjusted my skirt and climbed out of the passenger side of Wes’s car.
“They’re fine. But if you want to leave, I’m okay with that,” he said. He stepped out of the car and stretched his arms over his head, exposing a sliver of abs. I knew he was as uncomfortable in a party setting as I was. Although, I hadn’t shared my reasoning with him yet. My parent’s boring galas were one thing. Parties like Mark and Dina’s made me about as uncomfortable as a person could be. No matter the setting, certain sounds and smells set me on edge.
At least fifteen cars lined the road and their driveway was packed. From what Mia told me these parties could be wild.Think of Mia.We’ve missed out on years of holidays together and I wasn’t about to miss another.
“Let’s go before Mia starts calling me.” Wes came around to my side of the car and took my hand in his. “Good idea. We need to keep up appearances.”
I felt him stiffen, then relax as we walked down the driveway. “Yeah, exactly.”
Mark and his wife Dina greeted us at the door, each already holding drinks. Music pumped through speakers throughout the main floor of the house as they walked us through to the backyard.
“Nice place,” Wes said loud enough that only I heard him. “I’d give anything for a pool.”
I looked over their paradise of a yard—pool and spa, cozy patio furniture set up around a fire pit, tiki bar. It reminded me of a resort. For a moment, I got a small pang of homesickness. My parents have the nicest backyard. Or at least they did, who knows when they’ll sell the place, now that their divorce is in the works.
“There’s Mia and Shawn,” I said, spotting them with a large group around the bar. I forced a smile and pulled Wes over.
“Sissy!” Mia squealed, pulling me into a hug. She smelled like a bottle of wine. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
“Me too, sis.” I laughed at the way her bun bobbed as she tilted her head. Shawn patted Wes’s shoulder and introduced us around the circle. I’d recognized some of the people from the gym, but most of them were higher level.
“Nice to finally meet you.” A tall woman with cropped pink hair offered her hand to shake. “I’m Avery and this is my girlfriend, Bethany.” The girl beside her smiled awkwardly and waved. “Don’t mind her, she’s not a fan of parties.”
“Me either,” I said. “Don’t worry, you’re not alone.”
“One time my roommate had her stomach pumped after a party. What a night.” She looked off past me and I nodded.
“Sounds awful,” I said.
“I liked riding in the ambulance. Got me out of the party.”
Avery chuckled. “Social anxiety, huh? It’s a bitch.”
