Page 35 of Barron's Second Chance
But after talking, or rather, listening to Eden on his phone, he knew that Tracey would have been a poor substitute for who he really wanted. He respected Tracey enough not to take her to bed, knowing that he would be thinking of his ex and wishing that she was with him instead.
Barron also had respect for himself, not to give his body away just because he was worried that he was giving mixed signals and wanted to avoid hurting Tracey's feelings.
But mainly, he had respect for Eden. Too late, he knew, but Eden deserved someone who had their head screwed on straight. Who wouldn't use another woman as a stand-in. If he were to get back into her orbit again - any way she'd take him - he had to get his shit together. The call had been the bucket of ice water he needed in order to go after what he wanted, what he needed. What had been like a missing limb to him for almost seven years.
So he gently turned Tracey down. He was honest with her. He had told her he was going through a tough time and needed release but knew he was going about it wrong. Told her that she deserved to share her body with someone who wanted her.
That had been the wrong thing to say. She had been outraged and accused him of leading her on and being a tease. Well, he could hardly deny that. She also called him a few choice names, which he thought were uncalled for, but he knew better than to interrupt a woman on a tirade after being rejected. Barron's mind flashed back to another blonde woman who had once upon a time been a poor substitute for Eden.
"Didn't look like nothin'," Ian observed as he quickly rinsed out dirty glasses and stacked them. "But I'd stay out of her warpath if I were you," he advised.
"Don't have to tell me twice." He slapped his hand on the bar before striding through the restaurant area. He headed towards the hallway, which led to the bathrooms and further down to the private rooms reserved for staff.
He surveyed his surroundings, noting that the music was loud but comfortable to hear and speak over. Light air conditioning was circulating to welcome people out from the warm evening air, but it wasn't too cold that you would need another layer on. They also showed sports on the various television monitors scattered around the floor. They were all on mute as they weren't a sports bar. Two other bars in the area catered to that crowd, so the market in New Haven was cornered there.
Barron wanted his restaurant to focus more on a social atmosphere - somewhere you could come for a meal with family, children, and friends, regardless of age. It was still early in the evening, so a few families were out for dinner, but he knew that come 9 pm, a different crowd would converge - one looking for a drink, some good live music, and entertaining company.
"Barron." He was so focused on observing the ambiance of his business that he had almost walked straight past Simon, who was currently taking up one of the tables.
His stomach dropped as he saw the company he was with.
Speaking of blondes who couldn't take rejection well...
Simon stood, and so Barron gave his cousin a brief side hug. He felt a jolt of familiar fondness for the other man.
He knew it wasn’t his cousin’s fault, but he hadn’t been close to Simon since the fallout between himself and Eden. Yes, he had been in his ear all those years ago to forfeit his friends for Brad and his crew. He also pushed Lissa onto him when Simon was hooking up with Maria Smith, asking him to be his wingman and double date. All of those were excuses he used at the time to justify why he cheated on Eden. At the end of the day, he was his own person who had let himself be swayed. He had no one to blame but himself.
So alongside losing the love of his life, he also lost that bond and admiration he had for Simon. He only saw him during holiday periods or at family events now, although they were always friendly with each other. As they grew older, he realized they were two different people with very little left in common.
"Hey, Si," he greeted, hoping to avoid talking to the rest of his table. "Mom told me that you were in town again. Sorry, just been too busy with work to catch up."
"No problem." His cousin sat back down with a smooth smile, his arm curling around Maria. "I came in for Maria's birthday party." He gestured towards the brunette cuddled up to his side. "But decided to stay on for an extra few days."
Barron nodded at her. "Happy birthday. Sorry I couldn't make the party." He had no plans that night but had zero intention of attending Maria's birthday bash. He barely knew her, except for those few months he had hung out with Lissa and Brad's crew senior year.
Maria murmured her thanks before sneaking a covert glance at the woman across the table from her.
"Lissa." He finally acknowledged the other woman, who was unusually quiet. "How are you?"
Lissa smiled before standing on what looked like ankle-breaking high heels. She wore a tight red dress that was low cut and ended a long way above the knee. Definitely too dressy for a Friday night at The Homestead.
"Barron," she cooed as she leaned up to him for a hug, planting a wet kiss on his cheek and making his nose tickle with the overpowering scent of her perfume. She was still a beautiful girl, but the only feelings he felt for her whenever they crossed paths were bitterness and regret.
And guilt. So much guilt.
She also had the dubious honor of being the first girl he used in a poor attempt to get over Eden. His worst mistake.
Lissa stood back and regarded him after her overly energetic greeting. He discreetly stepped back before flashing her a cursory smile. He never knew what version of Lissa he would get when they saw each other. She seemed to flit between seductress or woman scorned. She was still miffed over how things ended between them all those years ago. Her pride had been shattered when she had discovered just how deep his obsession still was for his ex.
Yet, some days, she would blatantly proposition him, cornering Barron at work and offering him a blowjob "for old times' sake." He always turned her down, causing her to storm off in a fury before the silent sulking and disdain would start again.
By the looks of her tonight, though, he knew exactly which version of Lissa he would be getting.
She walked red-tipped nails up his chest and flashed him an inviting smile. "I've been good, handsome. I haven't seen you around lately," she pouted up at him.
"Uh, yeah.” He made a show of checking his phone: two new messages but none from who he wanted.
"Sorry, can't stay and chat." He waved his phone at her. "Duty calls."
