The car ride, like the breakfast, is silent, and I can sense his eyes on me as I drive. I won’t make eye contact, because I know it’ll lead to conversation, and I don’t want to put myself through any more small-talk. Bonding with him will make me want him more.
Nothing serious, I remind myself. We both agreed. I only have myself to blame, if I catch feelings. I pull into the parking lot and pull my car next to his bike.
He kisses my cheek. “I had fun. I’ll come by the bar tonight if you’re working.”
My heart flutters at his offer. I want that badly. “Okay. I’ll be here.” Tonight, and any night. Even if I’m not working, if it means that I get to see you. He climbs out of the car, and I watch him start up his bike through the window.
Mac locks up the front door of the bar, then walks me to my car. “Thanks for coming in tonight, Andrea.”
Even though we live together, I always drive to work separately, in case I need to leave early. Colby didn’t show tonight, like he said he would. Message received, loud and clear.
I huff and start the car. I’m exhausted, but I don’t want to go home. Mac picked up that I’d been moody the entire night, and I don’t want him to grill me about it. He’ll lecture me, and I don’t want to deal with him.
I take the long way home, also known as driving past Colby’s apartment, and I find his bike isn’t there. Jesus. What the fuck is wrong with me? This is serious stalker shit, and totally not like me.
It’s easy to get home from there. When I arrive, the entire house smells delicious. Mac doesn’t care that it’s three in the morning. He always makes a meal when he gets in. I set my bag down, kick off my shoes, and grab a bottle of water from the fridge.
“Hungry? I’m making pasta.”
“I’m okay, I’m just tired. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Where were you last night? Were you with that guy?”
“Yup,” I say.
He emits a disapproving grunt, which makes me roll my eyes. Mac is a man of few words, yet I can always tell his grunts and groans apart. This one means he doesn’t want me around Colby. It doesn’t matter though, because I’m pretty sure I’ll never see him again. Colby stood me up this evening, and that can only mean one thing. He isn’t interested. Why would he be? I’ve given him what he wanted.
“I know you’re my brother, but I’m a bartender. Spoiler alert, I might hook up with your patrons. But, I’m a big girl, Mac, and I can take care of myself.”
“Yeah? Well, I don’t like that guy. I had my buddy, Mark, look into him. He says he hangs out with the Revels.”
The admission grabs my attention. “The motorcycle club?”
Mac responds to my question with a slight nod. Man of few fucking words.
“Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. I doubt I will see him again, anyway.”
“You’re my baby sister, Andrea. I’m just trying to protect you. It may be cool that he’s got a bike, but he’s in an MC.” Mac’s been looking out for me my whole life. When I was small, our dad died, so he takes the role of being the man of the house seriously.
Wanting to change the subject, I grasp on to the way he says Andrea. Biting my lip, I say, “I think I’m gonna try the nickname Andi out,”
He tilts his head and kisses mine. “I think that’s a good idea. See you tomorrow, kid.”
I stand on tiptoes and kiss his cheek. Then, before he can lecture me some more, I head to bed.This day was too fucking confusing, and I'm ready to forget about Colby.