Page 105 of Can't Fight It

I shrug, not giving her an explanation, and bring the guy’s Coke to him, then take his order of a burger and fries.

My pencil falters over my notepad. That’s what Austin ordered here.

I mentally slap myself. Jesus Christ, get a grip. I’ve got a job to do.

I return behind the counter and enter the order in the system, my mind unwittingly returning to my encounter with Austin last night. I’d knocked on his door under the pretense of needing to get the rest of my belongings, but he hadn’t even given me a chance to ask to talk before he’d left, saying he was going for a run and would be back later. Like, just up and left his apartment with me standing there in the hallway.

Why in the world is he so desperate to avoid me?

“What’s up with you?” Lexie asks, in a talkative mood for a change.

“Tired.”

“Austin keep you up?”

My finger hovers over the computer terminal for a moment before I force myself to continue inputting the order. “No.”

“Hmm.” She crosses her arms over her chest, eyeing me carefully. “I saw you two on the dance floor at Element last weekend. It looked like you were getting cozy before you had to leave.”

God, was that only a week ago? It seems like a lifetime.

“We’re not together,” I whisper, finishing ringing my customer up.

She straightens. “Shit, I’m sorry. I was just teasing. I didn’t realize it was serious.”

“What makes you think that?”

She glances around us and lowers her voice. “Because you look like you’re about to cry. You need to take a break or something?”

I twist my lips, suppressing any emotion that rises to the surface. I can’t be sad in front of customers. “I’m fine.”

It’s clear from her expression that she doesn’t believe me, not that I was convincing to begin with. “Do you… want to talk about it?”

“No.” God, I sound like him now with my clipped answers. “Really, I’ll be okay. We weren’t on the same page about things, I guess.” What other answer do I have for her?

Maybe I was too clingy, taking over his life, acting like a girlfriend when he never said he wanted that. My brain keeps trying to come up with a reason why everything went south so suddenly.

She reaches out and pats my shoulder awkwardly. “I’m sorry.”

“Thanks. I, um, I’m going to clean something.” Anything to make the next two hours of my shift fly by. Then again, what do I have waiting for me at home?

I keep myself busy until it’s time to go, dread curling in my stomach as I pull up to my apartment. Will it be another sleepless night?

Austin’s bike is missing from his usual spot, a different car parked in it instead. Wait, isn’t that…

“Hey, Tessa,” Danielle says brightly, walking toward the parking lot from Austin’s doorway.

“Hey,” I reply weakly, smoothing my hands over my stained apron. I’d spilled ketchup all over it right before leaving work. “What brings you by?”

“I’m taking care of Boots while Austin’s at his tournament. You would think she’d be fine for one night, but he’s becoming a crazy cat dad.”

A pang of sadness bolts through me. Does Austin’s invitation to come over anytime to see Boots still hold?

“I was surprised he asked me,” she continues. “I figured you’d do it.”

I shake my head, leaving it at that.

Her brows notch together as she steps closer, concern on her face. “Are you okay?”

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