Ask Me Why(21)

“Fuck you.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’d need to have sex in order to catch a STD. Your balls are gonna shrivel up, man.”

“You’re a real comedian today,” I grumble.

“One of us has to lighten things up. You’re casting shadows over all of us. Let’s fix this problem.” Jordan taps my empty glass. “Then we’ll solve some other shit.” He waves the bartender over and gets us another round.

I’m edgy and can’t put my finger on why. It’s almost as if someone’s watching me, and not fake Braelyn cackling over my shoulder. I swing my gaze this way and that. Nothing appears to stand out. The alcohol is making me paranoid.

The bar’s din is low, intimate conversations in hushed tones. Lovers discussing their plans for later are huddling in the booths against the walls. A snag pinches my chest, as it occasionally does. The beating organ in my chest longs for a connection. I stopped listening to that soulful rhythm long ago.

She’s not even here, but I feel her presence. How fucked up is that? Maybe I should give the brunette a go, just to bang Braelyn out of my thoughts. I cringe, the implication is curdling milk on my tongue. I’m screwed without actually fucking.

Jordan slams a beer down in front of me. “Earth to Brance. Knock off this melodramatic act. It’s bumming me out.”

I flick him off. “Sorry, dude.”

“Apologize to yourself. Twenty-five-year-old Brance would be ashamed.”

“He was an idiot.”

“But loads of fun.”

I shove him. “So, I’m a grumpy loser who’s sucking the joy outta the room?”

“You forgot overly emotional. Bordering on fragile, if I’m being honest.”

“Since when don’t you like discussing feelings,” I mutter and take a swig of beer.

“With hot chicks who need encouragement. Your ego doesn’t need stroking. You just need to pull outta this funk.”

“I’m fine,” I say for what feels like the thousandth time.

Jordan snorts. “If only I believed you.”

“Doesn’t make a difference to me.”

“So temperamental. If you don’t wanna discuss work or women, tell me about Ollie.”

“What about him? He’s great as always. The happiest child known to humankind. I’ve registered him for kindergarten. Grilled cheese is no longer a favorite food. Paw Patrol is still cool. He’s preoccupied with a certain someone lately.”

His smile is all-knowing. “Seems like a trend with the Stone men.”

“I don’t get attached.”

“I’m well aware. But it’s not always a choice.”

The padded stool wobbles beneath me. “Even if I was interested, which is a big fucking no, I’m a package deal. Women are shallow. They’d see Ollie as a bargaining chip.”

Jordan knocks on the gleaming bar top. “Wow, you’re jaded as fuck.”

“You’re just realizing this?”

“No, fucker. Just wasn’t aware how deep the damage ran. It’s gonna take a special someone to change your tune.”

I chug a few swallows of beer. “She doesn’t exist.”

“How are you so certain?”

“Every woman that’s been part of my life has left a toxic footprint. Each one more potent than the last. I’ve learned my lesson. I hear the good word loud and clear. I’m not interested in repeating mistakes.”

Jordan raises his glass. “I hope this one proves you wrong.”





Braelyn



Trust



I finish boxing the mug and set it aside. Next up is a glass-blown flower—rainbow colors, of course—and I scan the barcode. I make quick work of wrapping the delicate bloom in several protective layers. When I’m satisfied, it gets added to the growing pile of purchased items.

The woman in front of me is beaming. “I still can’t believe this little slice of happiness has been hiding from me. I love it here.”

I return her smile. “Thank you so much. I’m glad you stopped by.”

“And I’ll definitely be back.”

I finish bagging the rest of her things, toss in some extra taffy, and pass them all over. “Repeat customers are always welcome.”

“I wanted to buy everything. My AMEX will be getting a workout.” She wags the plastic in front of her face.

“I’ll be gentle,” I joke.

She grins. “Don’t worry, I can handle it. I’m a very willing participant.”

We share a laugh, the soft noise stoking heat into my limbs.

“I’m happy to hear it. And you have great taste. I love your choices.” I nod toward the bulging tote at her side.

She hefts the straps onto her shoulder. “It was impossible to decide. I could browse for hours. I’m a huge fan of your variety. What am I searching for? Oh, who can say. But I’ll find it here.”

“I try to offer things that anyone can enjoy. There’s a little something for everybody.”

“Thicket is a beautiful name. A place to get lost in. That’s exactly how I feel.” Her whimsical tone is music to my ears.

Her praise cracks my chest open and the sunshine pours in. I exhale, chasing the last bit of darkness away. “Thank you,” I repeat. I know my lower lip is wobbling.