Glancing down, I read Braden’s last message.
My Worst Mistake - Braden
You would like that, wouldn’t you?
I know you miss me.
I quickly text my response.
Fuck off Braden
I’ve moved on and I’m happier than I’ve ever been
I’m finally with a REAL MAN who makes me happy and treats me right.
I watch as the text bubbles come up, pause, then start again. I’m about to power off my phone when his last message comes through.
My Worst Mistake - Braden
You’ll regret that, bitch!
Thirty
“Okay, folks, pens down. Make sure your team’s name is at the top of every page and deliver them to me so I can tally them up during break.” He glances down at his watch. “See you back in fifteen minutes.” The mic squeals as he switches it off, and country music fills the room a second later.
Riot gathers up all our answers and holds them up. “I’ll take them to the front. Does anyone want anything from the bar?”
“I’m going to check and see if Beck wants anything, then I’ll meet you up there,” I say.
“Sounds good. Anyone else?” Riot asks as he backs away.
“I’m good.” Logan shakes his head firmly.
“You’re still not drinking here?” Riot smirks knowingly.
“No way. I’m not taking any chances.” Logan grimaces.
Shortly after returning to Emerley, he drank too much and went viral on social media dancing to the song “Achy Breaky Heart.” He hasn’t quite lived it down and doesn’t want to risk a repeat performance. Can’t say I blame him.
Dillon stands and pushes his chair into the table. “I’m going to head out. I’m surprised I haven’t had a dozen messages fromHarold,” he mutters, checking his phone before shoving it back into his pocket.
“Are you worried about him?” I ask. He may get frustrated with his father, but he’s a good son.
“Nah, the old man is too miserable to die. He’s probably fallen asleep in his chair while he was watching TV. He will be as mean as a bear if I’m not at home when he wakes up.” Furrowing his brow, he adjusts the ball cap on his head. “This has been…fun. I guess.” He doesn’t wait for a response before he turns and walks towards the exit.
“I’m going to go wait for Hannah and make sure she doesn’t need any help with Meg.” Logan points towards the hall they disappeared down. I have no idea where Carson is.
Moving chairs out of the way, I approach Beck. Her back is to me, and she doesn’t even notice me approaching.
“Everything okay?” I ask, placing my hands on her upper arms, and peer over her shoulder.
She gasps, spins around, and drops her phone on the floor with a clatter.
Bending, I scoop it up so I can give it back to her. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” I say, glancing down at my hand. It’s open to a text thread withMy Biggest Mistake – Braden.
“What’s going on?”
She quickly takes the phone from my hand and shoves it in the back pocket of her black skinny jeans. Stepping closer, she slips her hands around my neck, and her fingers thread through my hair at the nape. I slide my hands up over her hips and peer down into her worried sapphire eyes.
