“She loves you,” he says. “You used to love her, but she will probably fight you. I don’t trust her.”
“Reese only loves Reese. I know that and so do you.”
“She regrets it you know. She used to talk about coming home and winning you back. She said a lot of things…”
“Shut up before I change my mind on being partners.”
“Alright.” He holds his palms up.
“You’re still getting your own place.” I grin, and he chuckles, clamping me on the shoulder as he follows me back to the front. I’m only teasing him. I have it in my mind that tonight shit gets settled between Conleigh and me. No more back and fort
h shit. I promised her space, but that space will only push her back to Ezra and I want him gone. When he gets back it’s time he learns the truth. It’s time for him to move out and Wren can take his room.
The happy hour crowd has dwindled down to a few people. Conleigh and Waylon are cleaning up. She’s supposed to be off by now, but with Cheryl out, I can’t leave Waylon to do all this shit on his own.
Conleigh clears the tables and Waylon wipes them down making shit get done quicker. Wren even grabs a broom while I restock the bar. The four of us make a good team.
The door chimes and in walks Bailey. She goes straight for Conleigh but before she makes it to her my brother serves as a distraction. She detours to his location near the bar.
“Holy shit on a cracker, you’re that dude.”
“What dude would that be?” He flashes her his charming smile.
“That group. Oh my god, I love your songs. Your voice is liquid velvet,” she gushes.
“Thanks,” he takes a napkin from the bar and grabs a pen. “Who do I make this out to?”
“Bailey.” She grins eagerly.
This has bad news written all over it. Wren takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. Yeah, this is a disaster in the making. A train wreck. If Bailey thought I was a dick she has no idea what she is in for with my brother.
Chapter 24
Conleigh
My feet are killing as I flip the last chair up on the table. I should have gotten off work over an hour ago, but Cheryl called out and Waylon shouldn’t be left to clean everything alone. Wren and Holden pitched in to get us out of here faster. But now Holden is back in his office closing out the register with Waylon, and Bailey is shooting pool with Wren.
They are making goo goo eyes at each other. It’s disgusting and cute at the same time. Bailey is being such a tart and pretending she doesn’t know how to line up a shot so Wren will teach her.
I go to the bathroom to freshen up, but I’m really too tired to go to the late night showing at the theater. What I really want to do is go home and go to bed, but Holden also said we would talk tonight. I don’t know if I have it in me though. I have received a few texts spread throughout the night from Ezra, just checking in. I haven’t responded to any of them. Maybe that isn’t fair of me, but now I regret telling him we would see how things go and where they will lead. Because deep down I know we are on the road to nowhere. I got pissed at Holden and reacted. Jealousy is a bitch.
As I am coming out of the bathroom, Bailey pushes me back in.
“Oh my God!” She squeals and bounces grabbing my arms. “Wren James. Holy shit. He’s so famous.”
“He’s also Holden’s brother,” I say, bursting her bubble.
Her eyes grow wide and her mouth drops. “I never thought about that. Hmm. We could date brothers.” She smirks, surprising me.
“Who are you and where is my friend?”
“Conleigh, how many times in my life am I going to have the chance with a rock star. Seriously! He’s so freaking gorgeous.” She flips her hair and checks out her reflection in the mirror.
“He is good looking,” I agree.
“So, uh. Do you mind if we do the theater another night? Wren invited me to hang at the apartment and I couldn’t say no.”
“Actually, that’s perfect. I’m exhausted. Just be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”