“For what?” I ask in a husky voice. I’m emotionally exhausted. “You’ve done nothing but try and help me.” Just then, Ike appears, and I instantly feel worse because his expression is sad and worried. “Ike is here,” I tell Sniper.
“How’s he doing?” I ask both of them. They both release a snort.
“He’s still processing,” Ike says, gently.
“He’s being an ass,” Sniper mutters. “I know you’re sad, but get dressed. I’m taking you out to dinner. Anna’s going to meet us.”
“Sniper, I’m really not in the mood.”
“I know, and that’s why I’m making you go.”
“Who’s running Ike and George’s?”
“While George has been out the last week or so, we promoted Libby to temporary manager and Greg’s been running the kitchen when I’m not there. We’ve hired a new bartender and two servers as well.”
Letting out an exasperated breath, I stand. “I need to go and see my father.”
“No problem. We’ll go get dinner and then we’ll head over to the McDermotts’ place.”
I refuse to go into Ike and George’s, afraid George might be there, so Anna, Sniper, and I sit at the bar at Sam Snead’s, which is a block away. I insisted we sit at the bar; I thought a table would provoke too much conversation, which I am not in the mood for. Ike stays with us, near me constantly, and although we can’t speak, I find it comforting. I order a salad, but only pick at it; my stomach is knotted up with anxiety. Sniper keeps giving me worried looks, but mostly remains focused on speaking with Anna, to keep her from trying to talk to me too much. We told her my father was in town and we don’t get along very well, so at least she has a reason as to why I’m acting standoffish.
After we eat, we have a few drinks, which help me relax a little, but when Sniper runs to the restroom, I tell Anna I’m going to step outside for a moment for some air. Once outside, I lean against the building, gulping in the cold night air. Fall has officially landed here in the mountains and the crisp air causes my breath to fog whenever I exhale.
“How’re you holding up?” Ike asks.
“About as well as can be expected, I guess.”
“He’ll come around,” he tells me.
“Every which way I look, there’s pain, Ike.”
“Hey there, Char.” My head jerks up, and I see Roger standing about two feet from me. Where in the hell did he come from?
“Oh . . . uh . . . hi,” I manage, wondering if he heard me talking to Ike, which would look like I was talking to myself. Misty probably told him I do that.
“What are you doing out here all by yourself?” he asks as he slides his hands into his jacket pockets.
“Just needed some air,” I say. “You meeting someone?” It’s a dumb question, and it’s none of my business, but I don’t know what else we have to talk about.
“Nope. All alone.” His mouth curves slightly into a mischievous grin and my heart quickens. Is he going to hit on me?
“Walk away, Charlotte,” Ike instructs me, and without thinking, I head toward Ike and George’s. “No, back inside,” Ike hisses, but Roger is already beside me, walking with me. I could turn and run back in to Sam Snead’s, but I’m not sure if I have any reason to panic just yet. He hasn’t been rude or aggressive.
“Where’s Misty?” I ask, attempting to fill the awkward silence.
“Wouldn’t know.” He shrugs. “We’re not together anymore.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Are you? I mean, you’re the one that left me the letter about her and George.” My stomach clenches. I did do that, and it led to George getting jumped. I decide not to lie. “I didn’t mean for you to hurt him.”
Roger snorts. “What did you think would happen? That we’d have a calm conversation about it over coffee?”
I pinch my lips together. I did want Roger to scare him; that is true. But I truly thought I could keep it from getting physical with Sniper’s help. “I never meant for you and your brother to jump him.”
Roger sighs and runs a hand over his dark hair. “I’m just curious, why’d you do it? Do you want McDermott that bad, or do you just hate Misty that much?”
“I had my reasons; although now, it seems like it was a horrible idea.”
“Didn’t get your happy ending with Georgey?” Roger mocks and Ike morphs in front of us. His eyes are narrowed as he glares at Roger.
“Get the fuck away from this guy! Now!”
Realizing we’re now in front of Ike and George’s, I stop. “I have friends waiting on me. I gotta go. Later, Roger,” I say numbly.
“Sure,” Roger nods. “But we have something to discuss first.”
My brows rise to my hairline. “And what is that?”
“You and George aren’t together, are you?” he asks as he steps toward me, causing me to step back.
“Tell him it’s none of his business,” Ike growls.
“Is there a reason you want to know?”