Page 18 of Brew
“Why do I have to get back upstairs?” she challenges.
“Because this is a place of business, and you’re half dressed. Go!”
She pokes her tongue out childishly, making Sawyer laugh. “Well, it was nice to meet you, pretty boy.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” Sawyer coos in a voice I only hear when he’s trying his luck, which isn’t very often. He tends to flirt but nothing more.
She fingers waves as she disappears out the door. Jesus fucking Christ. It’s happening already, and she’s only been here for an hour.
When Sawyer finally shifts his gaze back to me, his smile drops.
“Don’t even think about it.” I stand, causing him to take a step back. “She’s been through a lot, and I don’t need you messin’ with her head.”
He raises his hands like he has no intention of doing anything. “Hey, just bein’ friendly.”
“Well, go be friendly somewhere else. Don’t need her on the loose before she’s even had a moment to settle in. She’s fucked up, and I don’t need her flirtin’ and makin’ googly eyes at you.”
“Noted. I’m gonna saddle up.”
“You do that, and while you’re at it, ring ahead and book us a motel.”
“Isn’t that Erica’s job?” He walks backwards out of the room. “Or don’t you wanna ask her to do menial things?”
If I had something to throw at his head other than my fist, I’d do it. “Like I said; fuck off.”
Erica jumps, startled. I didn’t see her behind Sawyer. “Shit, I meant him,” I say as Sawyer walks off laughing.
Her face falls and I think it’s me until she says, “My van won’t start, I’m sorry, Brew, but I need to get over to the school with the costumes. Is there any chance you could take a look?”
“Sure,” I grunt.
I’m annoyed. Not by her, but by Sawyer and the way he and Nova just interacted. I like Sawyer, he’s a good guy, but Nova is trouble. If I leave her alone for a few minutes, I know she’ll be up in somebody’s business, causing mayhem. Sawyer may think he’s ready for that, but he has no clue who he’s dealing with.
I head out to the lot, Erica behind me, looking worried.
“What happened?” I say, turning to face her.
“I turned the key, and it wouldn’t start.”
I climb into the van. It may be old, but it’s neat and tidy. Of course, Erica keeps it pristine, like the good girl she is.
I turn the key, and the van shudders but won’t start. “Sounds like the battery’s dead,” I say.
She moves from one foot to the other. “Is that fixable?”
I hold back my smile. “Yes.” I climb out, lifting the hood, inspecting it. “Will have to head over to Rock’s to grab one and replace it.”
“Crap, I’m going to be late.”
I rummage in my pocket and hand her my truck key. “You can take my truck.”
Her eyes widen. “For real?”
“Yeah.”
“But your truck is a brand new RAM.”
I shrug. “So?”
