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“Shut up!” she shouted. “Nyx, are you serious?”
“As the plague. She stormed in like a hurricane; after that, plates and food flew everywhere. It’s a miracle none of it got on me.”
“What a scumbag,” Rae scoffed as I finally pulled out of my parking space. “Who tries to dip out on their girlfriend on a day that caters to couples?”
“An asshole. That’s who.”
“I’m sorry, friend. I can’t even imagine how traumatic that was for you.”
She had no idea.
“It’s not your fault.”
“I know, but still. You want to come over? We can watch Waiting to Exhale and rant about how men ain’t shit.”
That got a short laugh out of me.
“I appreciate that, but no thanks. I need something to keep me busy. I’m not far from work so I’ll probably go in for a shift. I know they’re swamped.”
The Celtic Grail was one of the busiest pubs in our area and where I spent most of my time bartending. It wasn’t my career of choice, but the money was amazing. It also gave me a chance to network with people who could potentially help me get my life back on track. If I ever gathered enough courage to try again.
“Are you sure you should be around people right now?”
“I’d rather that than sit around all night being a sad girl.”
“I get it. Well, if you change your mind, I’m here. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Tossing my phone into the passenger seat, I completed the rest of the short drive to work. Thankfully, I kept an extra uniform in my trunk in case of emergencies. Parking in an employee spot, I grabbed my stuff and scurried inside.
As predicted, it was packed.
I changed quickly and stuffed the rest of my belongings inside my locker before heading behind the bar to get situated.
“Um, Miss Girl, what are you doing here?” Mena questioned, sliding a cup to the customer in front of her.
Her frizzy bun and frazzled demeanor were a testament to the type of night she was having.
“Now, why are you questioning God’s blessings when you clearly need the help?”
“Because you being the help means you blew off the date I worked hard to set up.”
Swinging my neck, I gave her a dry look. “Worked hard is a bit of a stretch.”
“Clearly, you’re unaware of how difficult it is to convince you to do something.”
“Anyway,” I rolled my eyes. “That little date went south when his girlfriend showed up. A little fact you failed to mention when you pitched it to me.”
“Girlfriend?” Mena’s gorgeous face screwed into a ball. “Darien doesn’t have a girlfriend.”
“Well, he has something. She showed up like a bat out of hell with a shit ton of drama to follow.”
Mena’s face softened as I faced her. “I’m so, so, sorry, Nyx. I swear, if I had known he was dealing with anyone, never would have—”
“It’s fine,” I sighed, wanting to do nothing more than put the night behind me. “I just want to forget it ever happened.”
