Ryder
Give in to Me
I am a very patient person. I really am. I can outwait anyone for anything. It’s not a virtue. It’s stubbornness and determination. A need to win at any costs.
Except where a certain little pixie is concerned, that is.
Since the day I saw her, I’ve been strapped onto an ACME rocket like Wile E. Coyote ready to chase the roadrunner. Everything takes too long. I can’t stand the anticipation or the wait. Patience has evolved into a swear word.
I asked her to think about it. I didn’t intend for her to take this long. I meant for her to think on the bus ride back to her dorm, then call me.
It’s been over a week since that evening. The only reason I haven’t appeared at her work or school is because I’ve been slammed with writing papers and getting ready for finals.
I’ve stalked her on social media, but she doesn’t use that much. I’ve tried texting her. When she responded, it was usually one word. I called a couple of times, but she would send me to voicemail. I’ve tried not to look too hard into that.
The last few days, however, have been radio silence. If I weren’t working tonight, I’d find her and demand answers. Actually, I’d demand she accept my apology.
A woman slides into the seat at my end of the bar and orders a vodka cranberry. Her long blond hair falls over her shoulders as she leans towards me, giving me the perfect view down her thin tank if I wanted it. She gives me what is supposed to be a shy smile, but it’s not. It’s a ploy to get me to bite.
I don’t know why women think playing a role is necessary to get a man. A man looking to get laid doesn’t care if you are shy or bold. They’re only concerned with the finish line. Literally.
Ordinarily, I’d be all over that. I wouldn’t fall for the act. I’d just want in her pants. But she’s not doing a thing for me. Neither is the guy at the other corner that’s trying to chat me up. My mind is on one person.
“You’re scowling at the customers again,” Maddox tells me as he reaches for a glass behind me.
“I’m not scowling,” I mutter. “I’m just not interested in what they’re trying to offer. Why can’t they just order their drinks and leave me alone?”
“Because you look like you do,” he chuckles. “The brooding is only making you hotter. They don’t look half bad either.”
“Then you take them. I’m not interested.”
He looks over at the man and woman with interest. “I might do that,” he licks his lips. The woman giggles, making me roll my eyes with a groan.
“Man, if your face got any more scowly, it would be perfect for one of those teen vampire flicks,” Dane says with a laugh as he slides onto the stool across from me.
“Not in the mood for your shit,” I tell him, pointing a finger.
“It’s kind of hilarious,” he laughs. “In the time I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you turn down anyone. Or get worked up over anyone.Yethere you are looking ready to light fire to everything around you. That tightly wound control is unravelling.”
“You need to work things out with her before you implode,” Jake tells me as he sits next to Dane.
“Can’t work it out if she won’t talk to me.”
“Give her time,” Maddox tells me for the millionth time as he gets drinks for Dane and Jake.
“If you tell me to give her time one more time, I’m going to start swinging.”
“You know I like it rough,” he winks. Jake and Dane laugh when I shove him.
Maddox and I get back to a few more customers. The place is packing them in quickly. Monday nights at Lucky’s is football night. People usually crowd in to watch whatever game is playing and have drinks with their friends. Unfortunately for them, tonight they won’t be getting a ballgame.
The Jets and the Giants are playing tonight. Rather than have a possible riot on his hands, Lucky decided not to show it. Instead, Maddox got him to agree to let us play. It’s bloody good exposure considering the crowd.
“I hope you boys are good,” Lucky says as he walks behind the bar to take over.
“We don’t suck,” Dane laughs. “It’s cool that you’re letting us play, Luck”
Lucky gives a grunt. “Just don’t fuck it up, boys. I won’t be able to save you from the masses.”
