Page 102 of The Choice

My eyes shot to Ryan’s but he was focused on the man. His fingers curled around his glass. “Have some respect.”

The creep stared back at Ryan but didn’t say a word. I felt my face heat from the exchange, not liking the attention it brought to me. But I was never one to let someone else fight my battles.

“That’s all right,” I said, looking at Ryan. Then, to the creep, I bent down to his ear. “If you ever touch me again, I will break every one of your fingers. On both hands.”

I picked up the glasses and left.

I curled my fingers around the tray, but my hands still shook. Despite my words, the exchange had unnerved me.

“I need a minute,” I said to Sam as soon as I got back behind the bar. After dropping the tray, I walked down the hallway toward the bathroom. Splashing cold water down the back of my neck, I breathed deeply in front of the mirror.

Maybe I should have taken more time off from work. I had a lot going on with me. Jail, exams, breakup. How much could a girl take?

I turned around and stared at the door. For a moment, my heart hoped something my mind would not register. Don’t go there, Laura. He’s not waiting for you.

I closed my eyes and opened the door.

When I opened them, the hallway was empty.

I should have been relieved. I had expected it. But a knot formed in my stomach.

I walked back to the bar, and my eyes involuntarily scanned his table.

He was gone.

The table was empty. My stomach twisted, and I felt sick.

“What’s the matter?” Sam asked when I bent across the bar.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” I said.

“Go lie down,” she ordered.

“No. I need to go home. Can you cover the last twenty minutes for me?”

“Yes, yes. Can you drive?”

“Yes. I’ll be okay.”

Grabbing my jacket, I raced to the parking lot. There were still several cars parked, and for a moment I couldn’t find mine.

A shadow crossed behind me and I went cold. I scrambled in my purse for my spray.

“Don’t,” he shouted. “It’s me.”

“Ryan?” I turned around to face him.

He had his hands up, and a smile played on his lips. “For the love of God, don’t spray me again.”

I laughed. “You can put your hands down now.” Looking around the parking lot, I asked, “What are you doing here?”

He looked over his shoulder at a car just leaving the lot.

“I wanted to make sure the jackass got in his car and left you alone. I don’t trust him.”

I nodded. “Thanks, but I can take care of myself.”

“I know.” He stared at me and I wondered if he saw past my exterior and heard my heart hammering in my chest. I was relieved the creep was gone. Even happier that Ryan made sure he had left.

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