“No, Bryant. You are filled with excuses. They love you.” He abruptly released her arms and stepped away from her. He ran his hand through his hair. It was getting longer, and he could use a haircut and a shave.
“I have to get going. I’m sure you can handle the door when I’m gone. The dinner is on the stove. Just take the foil off and heat it in the microwave for fifteen seconds. That should do it. The sweet tea is in the fridge.”
“You’ll be here for breakfast tomorrow?”
“Why? Are you looking forward to it?” she teased.
“No. I was just wondering if you were going to make the eggs the way I like them instead of overcooked and maybe some bacon. What the hell does a man have to do around the house to get fucking bacon?” Soldier boy was back to giving her shit. He really didn’t care for her at all.
“Bacon it is and watery eggs to boot. Wonderful for the cholesterol level, darling. Good night,” she said with a Texas accent, then headed out the door.
* * * *
“You should have seen the job she did over there, Pete. My God, the place was sparkling, and Bryant looked really good,” Abigail stated as they sat on the porch outside of their house.
“He let you in okay?” Frank asked.
“Hell no. It was Lena who let us in, and she told him we were there to visit her. You should have heard the way she was talking to Bryant. He gave her shit and she gave it right back. It’s no wonder she’s still there,” Will stated. Pete and Frank chuckled.
“She sure has done a lot for us and for Bryant. I just wish she would open up about her past. Maybe getting together with Anna and Stacy might help?”
“That sounds like a nice idea. You should invite them over for lunch on Sunday. We’ll show the men around the ranch and start working out details for the Fourth of July festivities,” Frank stated.
“Great. I’ll go call them,” Abigail said then headed out.
* * * *
The bar was crowded. There were so many people it was difficult to get from table to table without getting bumped into. There was some kind of pre-bachelor party going on along with the regular bachelor party Rocky had called her in for. Stella, the other waitress, told Lena that the actual bachelor party to the pre-party was taking place in Vegas tomorrow night. By the looks of the bachelor and his friends, the unlucky girl marrying him was in for it. That guy had his hands up every skirt in the joint. The whole honky-tonk-style bar was beginning to grow on her and even the country music. She was drawn into the twang in certain people’s voices, and she was starting to feel a lot more comfortable. Although the bar bordered between Pearl and the next town, people traveled to get to Rocky’s from all over. Meeting new people was a definite plus and helped move her shift along. As she looked around toward the bachelor again, she couldn’t help but chuckle at his numerous attempts to reach under one woman’s skirt.
Lena laughed as she watched what was going on.
“What’s so damn funny?” Sissy, one of the other waitresses, asked.
“Just checking out the scene. I feel sorry for the bride.”
“Yeah well, what’s really crazy is that the bride’s ex-boyfriend is that big guy over there with his three buddies sulking at the bar.”
“Oh my God, does he look pissed.”
“That’s Bill. He’s a mean son of a bitch when he gets drunk. Stay clear of him.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Lena said then walked over to another table of men looking to buy a few drinks.
As the night went on, it seemed as if her shift would never end. At this rate she would be there until closing.
As she stood by the bar humming along to a country tune, hoping that the last stragglers would head out, she heard the commotion going on behind her. As she leaned against the bar, she didn’t even turn around to look. The groom and the ex-boyfriend were having it out. They were cursing and carrying on, and Rocky had already told the bartender, Jeff, to call the police.
Lena shook her head. This was getting old fast. In a matter of a few seconds, she heard the stools fall to the floor then someone yell “fight.” As she turned to see what was happening, the fist hit her cheekbone, knocking her to the ground.
* * * *
She sat in Rocky’s office with a bag of ice against her cheek.
Rocky placed a hand on her shoulder as Wyatt looked at her.
“That’s going to be really bad by morning,” Wyatt stated.
“It is morning, Wyatt,” Rocky said.