“Look if you really want to learn, go see Kingston at Storm’s Gym. He can help. Be there at eight in the morning,” I nod toward the locker room, shoving the doors open, I fish out a card from my bag with the address to the gym and hand it to him.
“See you there,” he grabs his bag and heads out the door.
I can’t help but smirk, I was like that when I was his age.
“Man, I can’t believe you broke his jaw,” King chuckles.
“I’ve done it before, shouldn’t be a shock to you, but it’s not broken. I just bruised it,” I say.
“Yeah, but he was just a kid,” he points out.
“And he will be at the gym at eight in the morning to see you. He wants to learn and you’re the best,” I pat his shoulder.
“I know. I trained you,” he grins.
“Cocky much?” I roll my eyes.
“Look who’s talking,” he chuckles.
“I’m hungry. I’ll clean up and we can grab a bite to eat,” I say as I head toward the showers.
“Sounds great, I’m thinking burgers,” he pats his stomach.
“You always think burgers,” I sigh.
“That and girls, sometimes,” he smirks.
Funny, he rarely takes anyone home. I actually think he’s a born-again virgin.
I laugh.
“What? I can’t help it if the ladies love me,” he runs his fingers through his hair like he’s a model.
“Keep telling yourself that,” I chuckle.
Half an hour later, I’m showered and dressed in ripped jeans, a t-shirt, and my boots.
I run my fingers through my hair to brush it because the ‘I don’t care’ look is in.
I know I’m good looking. I mean, ladies do throw themselves at me. Black hair, blue eyes, a spectacular combo. While my looks pull them in, it’s my money that puts hearts in their eyes. But I don’t do relationships. I had someone but I left her and I regret it. I’m too damaged for someone to love.
Briar
I haven’t had a moment to myself since lunch rush started. Once I check on my tables and see that they’re all good, I sneak into the back, collapse in a chair and slip off my shoes. I try rubbing circulation back into them.
“Busy day, huh?” Jerry, the cook and owner asks in passing.
“Yeah, sorry. Just needed to sit a minute,” I reply.
“Your shift is almost over anyway,” he says with a smile.
“Thank God,” I sigh.
“Briar, you have a new table,” Marge calls from the door.
“Be right there,” I slip on my shoes and retie my apron.
Lunch is winding down, most of my tables are gone. The door chimes and I see my brother walk in. I smile at Thorn and mouth to him that I’ll be a minute before heading for my table. It’s a secluded booth in the corner, away from everything and everyone. Quiet back here.