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I laugh at his foolishness, cherishing one of the few moments when he doesn’t take stuff too seriously. “You make me sound like I’m made out of paper.”
His tender eyes stare, and I wish I was her. A different Thea who goes wherever the wind blows. That kind of woman would enjoy the closeness we share, the warmth of his arm around me. She’d be ordinary, as opposed to another child actress gone bad.
“You got me confused with some other chick, kind sir.”
Before Tristan and I can continue the discussion, we find Reed walking toward the restrooms carrying a large toolbox with him and a plunger.
“What happened?” Tristan releases me, marching toward Reed.
“The bathrooms flooded overnight. I called the plumber, but we might not be able to open tonight.”
“Let me buy the place before it falls apart.” Tristan glances at me, then tilts his head toward the exit.
Is he wanting me to leave? I don’t think so.
“I already own most of the surrounding buildings. As the ink from the sale dries, I’ll demolish all of them and rebuild from the ground up. Like Matthew told you, Silver Moon will resurface like a phoenix in about a year.”
Demolishing?
Wait, what’s going to happen to my apartment?
Shit. I don’t like not knowing what’s next. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this anxious.
Fuck, everything is shifting quicker than I expected. I trusted that by the time Reed sold the place, I’d be working full-time. Maybe score a cheap apartment and buy a clunker that will allow me to trek around the city.
Instead of stomping out of the bar, I remind myself that I’m a grown woman who’s been caring for herself for a long time. Recalling that this isn’t the first time there’s a rock I might have to climb or walk around to reach my goals. The sight of Tristan brings the most important thing. I’m no longer alone. I have two wonderful friends who have shown they have my back. Matt and Tristan.
But can I fully trust them?
Tristan’s soft gaze holds mine, and I’m convinced to take the leap of faith and trust. Maybe this doesn’t look promising at the moment, but I doubt they’ll leave me behind to find my own way.
Changing gears, my heart and mind reconnect, reclaiming my positive side.
“Let’s get to work,” I say, walking past them. “Those bathrooms won’t get fixed or cleaned by themselves.”
ChapterForty-Six
Thea
Once my shift is over,I head back home.
“Can we talk?” I jump out of my skin when I hear Tristan’s voice behind me.
Despite reclaiming my optimism, I’m still a realist. All night I’ve worked in automatic mode while pondering my next move. I’ve ignored everyone—possibly missed out on tips—because of the shit going through my head. Right now, I have to consider my future.
I’ve thought about what I could lose. Reed. The routine I’ve become accustomed to. Andthem.
A few days a week, I have Matt and Tristan.
In a way, the bar is my home, and the guys were becoming some form of an extended family. But when the ink dries…
Am I going to be alone?
Again?
At least until they rebuild. And then I might get to work with the two of them again?I hope.
Did I misread Tristan’s look earlier that implored me to trust him?
