I returned to work and had a candid discussion with Jake. If all he wanted me for was to keep Jericho’s band around, then I would be turning in my resignation. He sat back in his chair, patting his stomach, and laughed heartily. He confessed that in the beginning, that was his intention. But after hearing good things about me and seeing an increase in profits, there was no way in hell he was going to let me go, regardless if Jericho stuck around or not.
“Your red hair draws them in, and your personality keeps them coming back,” he said. “Maybe I should fire you for the stunt you pulled in announcing to the whole bar you’re a wolf, but you know what? No one’s complaining. In fact, we got a few new customers when rumors began circulating about our sassy waitress.”
God bless men like Jake. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be doing the waitress gig, but Howlers felt like home. Jake even gave me an advance so I could put a deposit down on an apartment.
I hadn’t spoken to Jericho since the night we polished the dresser, so perhaps he wasn’t as serious about us as he had led me to believe. I couldn’t blame him. The poor guy had been under the powerful influence of all those pheromones flying out of my pores. I’m sure it made men say things they didn’t mean. I’d returned to work a week ago; the man could have at least called.
I kept the Pink Floyd T-shirt neatly folded on my coffee table. The table Rosie had given me because she’s awesome like that. She took off work over the weekend to help me furnish my apartment with some things she didn’t want or need anymore.
The marks on my wrists were mostly gone. Mostly. I’d have a permanent scar on my left wrist. I saw Denver each night when his shift began, and we’d mended the weirdness between us. In fact, he turned out to be one of the funniest people I’d ever met. I didn’t bring up Jericho’s absence, and neither did he. I needed to stop holding on to something I could never have and just accept the man Jericho was and will always be—a man with a good heart, but not someone willing to give it to just one girl. I couldn’t hate him; I just wish he hadn’t made all those promises to me.
I was wiping down a table when I heard a little girl scream. I stood up, eyes alert, and saw little Maizy bounding through the room with a smile on her face. Denver came around and lifted her up, setting her on the bar. He pinched her nose and she giggled, fishing her hand in a bowl of pretzels.
Lexi strutted through the front door with Austin two steps behind her. He grabbed her hips and pulled her back, whispering sexily against her neck. I couldn’t help but notice the guys sitting nearby looking her over, and maybe that’s why Austin tucked her a little tighter against him. You could feel her strong personality, and combined with her lovely legs showcased in her jean shorts, every tongue was wagging. She wasn’t showy; her shirt was an oversized cotton tee, and she preferred sneakers over pumps. But some girls just had that thing about them and never realized it.
They relaxed on a couple of barstools, and I approached with a smile. “It’s good to see you two. Can I get you something to eat?”
Lexi smiled wide. “I’m starving, but I’m kind of getting tired of hamburgers.”
“How about I bring out a steak? Maybe some fresh green beans on the side.”
Austin’s brow arched. “Make that two.”
My eyes were downcast, and I took a breath. “I hope you don’t hate me for everything. I feel like I’m constantly apologizing, but I don’t know how to make it right. Just know that I’m grateful for all the help you’ve given me. I did what I could to protect April; I just didn’t know it would come to that, and he left me with no option.”
Lexi patted Austin’s arm and cleared her throat.
He ran his fingers through his hair, his pensive glance swinging around the room. “I appreciate that. I think you know my position as a Packmaster. You’re an old friend of Jericho’s and I can’t sever that history between you two, but I also don’t want it severing my pack, if you get my meaning. Now that I know who was behind all your troubles, I don’t think we could have avoided the mess. Let’s just put it behind us and move on.”
I quirked a smile. “A second chance sounds like a great idea. I’ve never had siblings who had love for me the way you do for Jericho. He’s a lucky guy.”
Before I turned, he caught my arm and leaned in privately. “Just so you know, we’re the lucky ones. Look, I don’t know what exists between you two, but don’t confuse him. Just figure out what you two are to each other and make it loud and clear. That’s all I’m asking is that you be straight with him.”
Austin was right. Since reuniting with Jericho, our relationship had been nothing but a whirlwind of emotions. We’d pushed, we’d pulled, and Jericho had made promises I didn’t know if he was ready to keep. His absence had made me doubt what he said in that motel room, and we needed to sit down and have an honest discussion that didn’t happen right after sex.
I nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll settle it the next time we see each other. He has a show tomorrow night.”