Page 5 of Timelessly Ours
“Tall order,” she says back with a smirk.
“I heard that,” Nick whines, wrapping an arm around Cora and winking at me.
Then he does something I've come to expect from him whenever he leaves the bar. He scans it until he sees something... or someone that comforts him, then he nods and makes eye contact before taking off.
I've never paid any attention to it but for some reason, tonight, I follow his gaze…which lands right on…
Coach?
Fuck's that about?
Shaking my head, I get back to work. I'm not here to make more drama for myself. I've suffered enough of it in my life. My mother being the root of it. The ignition starter, the spark that lit the fire that blew up my life before I was old enough to speak for myself.
Within thirty minutes, the team and other patrons slowly start pouring out of the place.
Good, I can get off my feet soon.Only one hour till closing time.
Coach takes a seat at my bar. It's casual as per usual. His eyes scan the space, and he avoids my eyes.
As usual.
“Soda and lime, please.”
My brows twitch but I don't question it.It’s not that I don’t enjoy Coach’s company when it’s winding down like it is now, but something about Nick’s ominous departure just rubs me in a weird way.
Or maybe…just maybe…Coach, or okay, Royce, actually enjoys my company as he winds down from the evening. Wouldn’t that be something?
“Lime. I need more lime,” I mutter before ducking under the bar. I pull the clear container of fruit from the mini fridge, looking for the freshest in the bunch. I always go a little bit extra for this man.
And these stolen nights with him sitting at my bar, chatting with me like we’re friends, laughing at my jokes, it almost feels like…maybe he’s going a little bit extra for me.
Or…maybe he feels like staying to…protect me…from overzealous patrons who had a few too many.
Whatever his reasons, I don’t question it. I’ve been blushing for this man for the better part of the last two years, and I’ll take whatever he’ll give me.
“Hey, Coach. Are you doing it tonight?” Jace’s voice comes from above and I stay ducked.
Coach doesn't respond. At least not in words that I can hear.
“Okaayyy...” Jace continues. “Don't know what that means but Angel and I are thinking about leaving soon and I know she's closing tonight…”
Who? Angel?
No... He means me.
What the hell?
It’s gone quiet suddenly and I toss the lime up in the air and pop up catching it with my eyes pinned on Jace.
“Talkin' bout me?”
His eyes widen with shock and his lips part just a touch.
I point at him. “You're gonna catch a fly like that,” I warn.
“Hey, Dad.” Angel parks herself between her father and her boyfriend. “Did Jace tell you, we’re thinking of heading out so—” She cuts herself off when she finds me standing here. “Oh, hey.”
My eyes shift from the dumbfounded jock to my tall, beautiful bestie, who I trust with my life.