Page 20 of Back to Me
“That would be because you didn’t take into account how controlling my brother and sister-in-law could be. Ask Belle about what Savannah did with her and Beau.” He placed his hand on my shoulder and led me out to his truck. “Better yet, let’s go get a drink first and then we can talk.” I heard Belle laugh behind us as she locked up the house and followed us out to the driveway. We all got in the truck and Austin started it up.
“Belle, not that you need it right now, but know if you ever need work I could use an extra set of hands at the shop.”
“Thanks. I will keep that in mind, if their shit doesn’t stop. You know what we could also do though… Bring out the really big guns.”
“I thought we did that with their parents?”
“Oh no, I am talking bigger than that. Let’s call in Felix!”
“Who is that?”
“His new partner at work. If anyone can knock some sense into him, it would be him.” I looked over at Austin; he’d been quiet while he drove. His eyes went to the rearview mirror to look at Belle.
“Let’s see how tonight goes. I don’t imagine he is going to stay away from the bar knowing that we are all there. Fun police will definitely be paying us a visit.” Belle and I both laughed. I tried to relax back in the seat. All day I had been ignoring what was going to happen tonight. Dallas and I had talked a little bit here and there since the day they found out. This was going to go one of two ways and the very selfish part of me wanted it to go well. I don’t think I could deal with fighting with another person. We drove the rest of the way in silence. As Austin drove into the parking lot, I took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
ChapterTwelve
Austin
Walkinginto Hurricane’s with Belle and Ally, we made our way over to the bar. Tye and Dallas turned around to face us when they heard the sound of footsteps on the hardwood floors, courtesy of the girls’ boots. Tye hugged the girls first before giving me a fist bump. We all stood around a little awkwardly after that. Dallas and I were never affectionate with each other. If I made it out of the bar alive, I considered it a win. Maybe over time, the ice might thaw now that she had Ally back, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Also, she and Ally weren’t back to how they used to be, so there was no hugging between friends there. Belle let out a sigh at the tension. “I don’t know about you lot, but I need a drink!” I couldn’t help but chuckle as Tye moved around to the other side of the bar.
“What are we having?” We all gave him our drink orders and Ally handed over the cupcakes she had brought in. Tye took them from her. “I’m just gonna put these in the office.”
“I’ll come with you.” I took my beer from him, and he moved around the bar. I quickly glanced at the girls before following him. He unlocked the door using the code and stepped inside. “Well, that was awkward. I was planning on leaving the girls on their own when the guys get here but not sure if that is a good idea now.” Tye placed the box on his desk.
“Wait, what guys? And why is Belle here?”
“Beau and the guys from the firehouse are coming down later. I brought Belle so Beau didn’t have to go home first. They will be here after shift.”
“Maybe Belle can be an icebreaker then.” He let out a sigh and sat down. “I have never seen Dallas this nervous. She wanted to call tonight off that many times, I had to convince her that the situation wasn’t going away, and it was best to face it now.”
“I don’t think I have ever seen her nervous. Not even when we were doing final exams.”
“Exactly, she was smarter than us though so there is that. How has Ally been?”
“Honestly, she hasn’t said anything. We have been too busy dealing with Cash’s crap. If she has given this any thought, she isn’t letting on. The cupcakes were a partial peace offering, knowing Dallas has a sweet tooth.”
“Do you think pool would work?”
“It might. What teams? Ally and Dallas versus us or couples? Beau will be here by the time we finish, so he can team up with Belle and play the winner. Unless he and Grady want to defend their title.”
“Did you just admit that you and Ally are a couple?”
“We are more of one than Belle and I are so make of that what you will.”
“Really? Not going to give me anything?”
“Nothing to tell. We are just hanging out, reconnecting.”
“What does Cash have his boxers in a twist about then?”
“If I knew that then we would be better off but not even an intervention from the parents has done anything about the stick up his ass.”
“Oh well, I’m sure he will get over it.”
“Hopefully before I beat it out of him.” Tye chuckled and stood up.
