Page 7 of My Heart Belongs to You

Once I finished sweeping, I emptied the contents into a trash can behind the bar.

“I’ll show him compassion after we talk tomorrow.”

I patted my pockets in search of my phone to set a reminder to pull him aside. Once I realized my phone was still in my office, I sighed.

“Nadir,” Summer groaned as I finished inspecting the floors. “I think we should talk about what’s got you in this… funk.”

“I’m not in a funk.” My gaze met hers and I chuckled.

Her mouth twisted. “You’ve been in a mood all day. What is it?”

Summer followed me as I walked to the bar. Although I didn't need to, I checked the area to make sure it had been disinfected and cleaned. I nodded, not surprised that Kenya and Peyton left the bar spotless. Kenya had been here for nearly seven years. Her bartending skills elevated patrons’ experience at Ray’s. If only her hardworking nature could rub off on her coworkers, mainly Keith.

“Sunny, I'm not in a funk,” I told her once I finished inspecting the bar.

“Not only are you in a bad mood, but you’re also delusional. Maybe you should take off tomorrow and get some rest or something.”

The humor in her tone didn’t reach her eyes. A glint of concern flashed in them before turning pensive. Summer’s phone chimed, offering a welcomed reprieve from this conversation. While she talked to Ryder, I considered telling her what was up. The thought was short-lived, I couldn’t vent to Summer about this particular problem.

“Ry’s here,” she said once the call ended. We headed back to the kitchen to retrieve our things. I grabbed Summer’s bag and tossed it over my shoulder. The short walk to the front entrance was silent. Before walking outside Summer grabbed my arm, fixing me with a disconcerting look.

“I don’t need a day off,” I said with a smirk while handing her bag off.

“You haven’t even considered it.”

“Did you consider leaving early?”

Summer sighed. “I needed to stay.”

My eyebrows met as I asked, “Why?”

“Everyone saw you weren’t in the best mood and wanted to steer clear of you tonight. Notice how they barely bothered you once you went to your office?”

All I could do was laugh. “I didn’t notice actually.”

She patted my shoulder. “I hate to be the one to break it to you, but no one wants to be around Grumpy Nadir.”

“I’m good. Tomorrow I’ll be better, trust me.”

Summer shot a disbelieving look my way, then walked to Ryder who was parked outside at the curb. I nodded at him before locking the door, then I returned to my office. Just as I suspected, my phone was on my desk. I must’ve placed it there when I went to pack up my things.

After setting a reminder to talk to Keith, I checked my texts, expecting a message from Robyn. She said she’d hit me up during her study break, that was hours ago. Since starting her prep course, she’d had less time to hang out. I missed being around her, hugging her, and hearing her laugh. She should’ve been here tonight, unwinding after a brutal week of class and studying. Instead, she was home, cramming for her upcoming test.

I knew it was probably too late to call, but I couldn't resist. The phone rang in my ear as I double checked that all doors were locked.

“Goldie,” was my greeting to her.

“Hey,” Robyn rasped.

“You sleep? I thought you were studying?”

“Nadir, it’s three in the morning. Of course, I was sleeping.”

I chuckled. “My bad. When did you finish studying”

“I finished studying around midnight, but I'm glad you called.”

An instant smile spread across my face at her admission. “Why is that?”