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Make or Break

Page 75

by Karen Renee

“You’re so healthy,” Ivy muttered.

“She’s in training for her big wrestling match at Bike Week in March,” Alexandra said.

“Is there a weigh-in or something?” Ivy asked.

“Sort of, but if I want first place, I need to focus - not gain three extra pounds because I ate fatty food all month,” Jasmine said.

“That’s dedication,” Ivy said.

I chuckled. “It’s competitiveness.”

Jasmine nodded. “Exactly.”

I’d angled my body so I’d see if anyone else at the bar signaled for me. The dark-haired woman was staring at me and I headed her way.

She slid the leather folder to me - her credit card peeking out of the top.

I grabbed it and looked at Duane. “Refill on your tea, Duane?”

“No thanks, Mickey-Mick. Lark gave me my bill.” He handed me a fifty dollar bill on top of his order slip. “You can keep the change.”

Rather than tell him not to call me a nickname only Killian used, I hurried to the register and ran the woman’s credit card.

I took her receipts to her and thanked her for coming to the restaurant.

She and Duane left at the same time. I bussed their dishes and cleaned the bar top. Through the windows, I saw the well-lit parking lot and Duane walking her to her car.

“Was that the guy that Killian said was harassing you?” Alexandra asked.

I grimaced and wandered back to that side of the bar. “It wasn’t really harassment.”

“That sounds believable,” Jasmine said.

“From what I heard, the guy was ready to piss his pants, but it wasn’t clear if it was because of your brother or because of Tundra,” Alexandra said.

Seemed Ivy wasn’t the only one in on this fishing expedition.

“He wasn’t giving off a good vibe that night, Lex. It’s one of those things with regular drinkers. Sometimes they don’t know when one more drink sends them into a whole other personality.”

Ivy’s brows shot up. “You sound like you have experience with that.”

I tilted my head. “It’s an occupational hazard.” I glanced at Jasmine. “I’m guessing you’re the one driving because you’re drinking club soda.”

She smiled, but it held no humor. “Yeah, I didn’t want the extra calories. After Bike Week, it’ll be time for them to repay the favor.”

Our plan to share our relationship status with Ryan on Monday was thwarted because Ryan had a dentist appointment, and wouldn’t be free until after Tundra and I both went to work. Once I’d learned Ryan had tonight off, Tundra and I planned to sleep at my place. I thought I’d be home before him, but my living room windows were lit by a dim light. He must have parked and walked again, but I’d forgotten to check when I drove past the pool area.

Tundra whipped open the front door as I trudged up the steps. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself, woman. Get in here.”

I walked inside and put my wristlet on the counter. “Why so bossy?”

“Been a long day, and I missed you,” he said, then wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. He broke the kiss. “Did you eat dinner yet?”

I nodded. “I ate at like nine forty-five, but I could go for a snack.”

“I hoped you’d say that,” he said.