Page 105 of Hash

“You acting like I don’t know you is wounding me.” She holds her hand over her heart, feigning being hurt. “Tell me what’s really going on. I won’t blab. Scout’s honor.”

I snort as I bring my glass to my lips.

“Didn’t know they let chicks into boy scouts.”

“They made an exception because I’m fucking awesome.” I can feel her smirking.

“I’m just having a drink, girl,” I tell her, hoping she’ll drop it.

“Bullshit, Hash. If you were just having a drink, your ass would be parked at DD’s. Now, let’s cut the bullshit and tell me what’s going on.”

I set my rocks glass down on the bar as I sigh. This would be my fucking luck.

“I’m not telling you anything. Evan will know about it before I even make it back to the clubhouse, and I don’t need more shit piled on top of the shit I already have going on right now.”

“I swear, Hash,” Delaney tells me.

Something about her tone makes me finally turn my head to the side and look at her. The bullshitting sarcastic look she usually has plastered on her face is gone, and in its place is a serious one that’s hanging on to my next word.

“I’m sure Evan has told you about Aisling,” I say because I know how these bitches talk.

“Actually,” Delaney smirks, “she hasn’t yet, but Wren did. Matteo told her all about what had happened at Bella Vita. It’s about time you got a girl.” She playfully shoves my shoulder.

“Yeah, well, she deserves better than me,” I admit out loud, turning forward to face the bar again.

“Oh, come on.” Delaney rolls her eyes. “If everyone thought they were okay with who they were with it wouldn’t work out. Once you become comfortable in a relationship, shit falls apart. Do you want me to be straight up with you?”

“Does it matter if I say no? You’re going to tell me anyway.”

“Damn right.” Delaney smiles. “I’ve known you a long time, Hash. Never in that time have you been even slightly attached to a girl. That tells me that this woman means something to you. You’re probably going to feel like you don’t deserve her for the rest of your life. Do you want to know why?”

“Why?” I swallow, not sure where she’s going with this.

“Because that’s love.”

Her answer feels like a sock to the gut.

I told Aisling I loved her on the phone when I was racing to her place. She hasn’t brought it up since. I wonder if she even remembers.

“Love is raw, Hash. If you’re thinking she deserves better than you, then you’re doing something right because you’re going to work every day to show her that you love her. And she’ll do the same. You’ll see.”

“Jesus.” I let out a gruff, humorless laugh. “When did you become so poetic?”

“What can I say?” Delaney shrugs. “I’m a poetic bitch.”

“You’re something,” I mutter. “Why are you here and not at DD’s?”

Delaney groans as she downs the rest of her drink. “This is so embarrassing, but since you spilled your guts, I’ll spill mine. I was supposed to have a date here, but I think I got stood up.”

“You think or you did?”

“I’ve been here for two hours, so I’m going to just call it and say I did,” Delaney says, sadness lacing her tone.

“Well, he’s a fucking idiot.”

“Thanks.” Delaney gives me a sad smile. “I’m thinking dating isn’t really my thing.”

“Dating isn’t anyone’s thing.” I laugh. “Who fucking dates anymore?”