Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“That’s not what I meant,” I mumbled.
“Oh, I know. I’m choosing to ignore your sarcasm. I’m a little afraid you’ll rip my head off, but I’m not letting it hold me back from speaking my mind. See how that works?”
I pinched the bridge of my nose as I exhaled. “Why are we friends again?”
“Because you love me, and I give fantastic advice.” He leaned across the space between us and smacked a loud kiss to my cheek. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
I made a noise—half grunt, half snort—but Trevor was right about a few things. I did feel better after talking to him, and I needed to stop beating myself up for my feelings. I probably needed to share them with Ryder too—give the healthy communication thing a try since everyone claims it is what’s so critical for a lasting relationship.
And I wanted this to last.
“Thank you, Trevor. But that’s enough about me.” Time to change the subject before his head grew too big. As it was, the little shit would remind me every day for the rest of his life that his pep talk was the reason Ryder and I were happy together. “What is up with you and Parker? Every time I’ve asked about him or the guy whose face you were trying to inhale at your party, you’ve weaseled out of the conversation.” I pointed the neck of my beer bottle his way. “This time, I will not be deterred. Your turn to talk.”
I’m sure my grin was smug as I leaned back and lifted the beer to my lips. Trevor scowled, but he was too cute to make it scary, kind of like a small fluffy dog growling.
“Ugh, fine.” He huffed, then set down his own bottle as he flopped back in his chair, folding his arms as he continued to glare my way. “What do you want to know?”
“Hmm.” I tapped my lips, pretending to give it serious thought.
Trevor rolled his eyes. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, stop smirking. His name was Gabe, and yes, he fucked me into oblivion. He made sure I didn’t think of Parker once for the rest of the night. Happy?”
Interesting. As flirty as Trevor was, he wasn’t one to pick up men often. I’d always attributed it to his unrequited love for Parker. I knew, like anyone else, he had needs he met on occasion, but he never talked about it, and I’d never seen him with a man. As long as I’d known him, he’d pined for Parker. “Do you like him?”
He snorted. “I liked his dick.”
“Enough for a repeat?”
He gave me a look that said I was crazy.
“Okay, so… what? You fucked him to get back at Parker?” When his eyes narrowed, I lifted my hands in surrender. “No judgment. As long as you’re safe and happy, I don’t give two shits who, why, or how many guys you fuck. I’m just trying to gauge where your head is at. “You’ve had a thing for Parker for so lo—”
“Stop.” He lifted a hand, face screwed in annoyance, then sighed. His hand dropped to his lap, where he studied his nails before sighing again. “I’m thinking of putting in my notice,” he said in an insecure, un-Trevor-like voice.
I couldn’t have stopped my gasp for a million bucks. “What?” I leaned forward and lifted his chin so I could see his sad eyes. “You’re thinking of leaving Top Shelf?”
His glistening gaze made my stomach sink. I’d known Trevor for years. I’d seen him in hundreds of situations and moods. I’d seen him take on the rudest of customers without batting an eye. I’d watched him flirt, be insulted, sass his haters, and stand by as Parker paraded his latest conquests through the club, but I’d never seen his spirit crushed.
Not once.
Something about the night of his party had broken my vibrant friend, and that made my heart ache.
“I don’t want to leave,” he whispered. “But at some point, I have to get the hint, don’t you think? And I can’t do it while I’m there. I’ve tried for years, and I’ve only gotten more pathetic.”
“The last thing you are is pathetic.” I wanted to disagree and tell him he shouldn’t quit his job. That if he waited a little longer, Parker would come to his senses and see what a rare treasure he had in Trevor, but that would be nothing but pure selfishness on my part. I loved working with my best friend, and not seeing him at work four nights a week would feel like losing a limb. But as his friend, maybe it was time to prod him along and encourage him to move past the hold Parker had on him. Perhaps it would propel him to a new and better chapter in his life.
Instead of begging him to reconsider, as a massive part of me wanted, I pushed my own feelings aside and focused on my friend’s needs. “But, maybe…” I said as I set down my beer. The thought of ingesting anything turned my stomach. “Maybe distance from the situation is the best course of action.”