Page 12 of Destined Lovers

Either one will be terrible.

I let myself cry for a long time to get it all out of my system before tomorrow.

Today is today, but tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll have to put on my brave face once again and face reality.

My only wish tonight is that I don’t have another nightmare, or at least one I remember, because I’m not sure I can handle that on top of this. I barely manage them on a normal day.

* * *

“Riley, can you give those two lads their Guinness at the end of the bar when they’re ready? I have to go take a call in the office,” John, my boss, asks.

I give him a thumbs-up and continue cleaning the tables before the dinner rush comes in.

A draft from the front door opening hits my back, and I tense, not because of the cold but because I’m scared to look who walks through. It’s been a couple of days since I’ve seen Declan, and although I ran from him, I didn’t think he would give up so easily.

If roles were reversed, I would move heaven and earth to find out why the hell he disappeared from my life.

Of course, I’m glad he hasn’t come back since I’m not ready to talk, but the irrational part of me is upset that he gave up so quickly. Then there is the voice in my head saying he hasn’t given up.

Dec and I have always had a sixth sense with each other, so I can only hope for the best-case scenario. He hasn’t given up but realizes he needs to give me some time.

I chance a look over my shoulder nervously, realizing it’s just Bennett. However, he doesn’t look happy as he heads right toward me.

“Is there anything you want to share with me?” he demands.

My hand flies to my hip, and my eyebrow raises instinctively, going on the defense.

“Who do you think you’re talking to with that attitude?” he ignores me and continues.

“I spoke to Killian last night, and he said there was a guy here a few days ago that spooked you. You didn’t think that was important to mention when I speak to you every day?” he spits out.

“I’m not sure why Killian thinks it’s his business to tell you anything. Either way, I don’t know what he was talking about. He just jumped to conclusions.” I easily lie. These guys are starting to piss me off.

Bennett narrows his eyes at me, not convinced. We both stand still for a few seconds in a silent stare-off until I walk away to give the blokes at the bar their drinks.

“Riley, if you’re lying, then I can’t help you. You know that.”

“I don’t need your help with anything right now, Bennett. So, you can leave, thanks.” I turn my back on him, done with this conversation.

I know he is trying to protect me, and he’s always on my side, but I’m not sharing even one second of my life with Declan with anyone right now.

Of course, Bennett hasn’t left. I can still feel him behind me. He’s almost as stubborn as I am. I am not budging, so if he wants to sit there all night, so be it.

I continue to work for the next hour, ignoring him, until I hear him huff and I inwardly smile. He knows he won’t get anywhere else with me tonight.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He announces and is out the door before I can even say bye.

Fine by me.

* * *

The night lags on, and I’m happy my shift is about to end because as much as I hate this fecking job, I’d rather have been here all night miserable than at home, stewing in my thoughts. At least now, I’ll just pass out once I’m back home.

“Night, John!” I say as I exit toward the back.

“Get home safe, Riley.” He calls. This job may be shite, but at least my boss is a decent guy.

I push the door open and automatically start taking off some of my beer-soaked clothes. I don’t care that it’s the dead of winter. I can’t stand this smell. Stale beer will linger, and I don’t need that stench in my car for God knows how long.

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