Cassy released her arm once they were in the parking lot. Rori untied her apron, slowing her pace a half-step behind her friend as she folded the soiled garment and tucked it under her arm. She loosened her tie and unbuttoned her shirt, freeing herself from the stifling collar. One day, she wouldn’t have to do this anymore. Until then, restaurant work was her only means of getting through college and paying the bills.
One day…
Her phone vibrated in her purse, announcing another incoming text. She dug it from the outer pocket and swallowed the sudden swell of bile at the back of her throat. Her heart and stomach danced in a nervous bundle, though she knew—she damn wellknew—she had nothing to worry about anymore.
I hate you for doing this to me. Weakening me like this.
“Thathijo de putastill hounding you?”
Rori pasted on a shaky smile, though her lips resented the gesture, and shoved her phone away. She poked Brandon straight between his muscled pecs and arched a brow.
“Them be fightin’ words.”
Brandon didn’t return the smile, nor the attempt to lighten the mood. Instead, he caught her hand, bringing her to pause, and leaned close, his dark eyes sharp and dead serious. “I mean them, too. He should know when to leave people and things alone.”
“He’s not worth it. His texts are harmless. Just a bunch of apologies, yada yada yada.” She laughed, an unsteady sound that matched the sudden unease of bringing up her ex with Brandon. She had him and Cassy to thank for escaping the crazy son of a bitch, but since then, both of her friends had become overbearingly protective. “Harmless.”
Brandon scowled, straightening away and glancing over the parking lot before turning his piercing gaze back to her. “Fractured ribs, bloodied and bruised face, and whatever else you haven’t shared with Cassy or me is notharmless, sweetheart. Don’t minimize what he did to you. He deserves your wrath, not your fear.”
“I don’tfearhim.”
Brandon held up her hand in his, adjusting his grip until he pinched her wrist between his thumb and forefinger, and arched a brow at her trembling fingers. She twisted her hand away and sighed, resuming her hike to Cassy’s car. Her friend was already stripping off her uniform shirt and sneakers at the open trunk, her phone caught between her shoulder and ear.
“It’s not fear,” Rori murmured.
“You’re fearless in most things, but when it comes to Rich, he delivered trauma that isn’t so easily wiped away or masked from those who know you.”
Rori moistened her lips and nodded once, more to herself. She managed a small grin and looked up at Brandon, who had fallen into step beside her. Brandon, who possessed an allure that attracted so many, and an edge of caution that most heeded. He provided her with a sense of security when she needed it most, but it was false, however comforting it may be.
The sharp edge in the lines of his handsome face finally began to soften. The seriousness glinting in his eyes dissipated to something more relaxed when he cast her a glance.
“Speaking of, how’re the ribs?”
“Still sore, to be expected, even six weeks out. But almost back to my old self. Trays are becoming easier to handle.”
“Except when Cassy grabs you by the arm and hauls your ass outta work.”
Rori laughed. “Yeah, you caught that, didn’t you.”
“Mm.” Another ding from her phone. Brandon groused, his jaw locking, “Can I block him? Please?”
“No.”
“Self-induced torture.”
“It’s the least worrisome means of him trying to communicate. I can ignore him all I want, but I can’t escape him should he decide to confront me.”
“Stupidobendajoif he tries.”
“Are you two coming?” Cassy called. She had pulled the passenger door open for Rori, waving her over.
Rori chuckled and picked up her pace, flicking open the buttons of her shirt. She got it. Cassy couldn’t wait to see her boy toy. Hell, who could manage that amount of willpower if they had a man like Steve? The guy was as gorgeous as he was kind, and he treated her best friend like a queen. He even treated Rori and Brandon like family, including them in just about everything. After her latest failed relationship, she’d happily live vicariously through the joy of her friends.
Rori cast her apron into the open trunk and peeled off her greasy shirt and filthy sneakers, putting them in their designated spots in her work bin. She shut the trunk, sidled by Cassy, and lowered herself into the passenger seat.
“He’s so sweet. Said he’ll have dinner and drinks waiting for us. Mentioned a new recipe,” Cassy practically squealed. Her eyes glowed with more excitement than a child at Christmas. Rori’s heart gave a hard thump, and she fought back the urge to burst out laughing. Recipe, sure. Maybe in the bedroom. Her friend’s love for her boyfriend was something Rori could only hope to have one day in the future.
Definitely not anytime soon.
