School—he graduated.
His family—it’s growing, he has a beautiful niece, Grace.
Matt is also taking charge of the family businesses while his brother is away. In the meantime, he continues creating new ventures. He’s added a lot to his plate since the last time we saw each other, like being in charge of his father’s production company and designing T-shirts. I wish I could be that cool and tell him everything about me, but I can’t.
At a young age, I was taught to pretend. Later, I had to use that one skill to survive. Nonetheless, pretending to be someone else implies many things. Rule number one is keeping everyone at arm’s length. One slip and they might find out who I really am.
By the end of my old life, not many liked me, and I hated myself. I glance at Matt. If he knew who I was, he’d hate me.
“T.” Reed comes into the room as Matthew shows me pictures of Gracie, his niece. “Time to head to your place. We’re closing.”
He places an envelope on top of the table. “Take your tips and call me as soon as you lock up.”
My phone’s clock reads three in the morning. Uh-oh, I’m in trouble. I didn’t help the crew, and I have a lot of work to do at home. Without giving it a second thought, I spring out of my seat, kiss Reed’s cheek, and then wave at Matthew. “It was great seeing you, Matt.”
“Same, Butterfly. I’ll try to swing by more often.” I smile at him and leave, wishing we could talk for just a little longer.
Ironic that Matt Decker is one of the few people who makes me feel normal—human.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Matthew
The music dies.
It’s replaced by the sound of chairs being dragged through the floor and voices drifting away. A warning that the night has ended, and the place is closing down. My time with the pretty bartender is over. It doesn’t take long for Reed to send her home.
I gaze at the sway of her hips as she waltzes out of the room followed by one of the bouncers. Her long legs are wrapped in a pair of sexy skinny jeans.
There goes my distraction for the night—the week. Tomorrow is back to work. That’s not my thing, sitting behind a desk, but I have to do it. I’d rather be in a conference room brainstorming with some of the writers.
The best part of my job is when I create new shows, produce them, and direct them. Instead, I have to focus on making admin decisions like budgets, hiring contractors, and all that shit. Adding to the load, I’ve been also checking on Decker Records.
I wish I could stay here with Thea when she doesn’t have much to do and can chat. Thea is great at that talking shit, and I need a friend. My sister is busy with her baby, Jacob is gone, and Tristan is busy… avoiding me? I should find more time to swing by the Silver Moon. That’s my best bet.
“Eyes off the girl, Decker.” Reed pats my shoulder using that fatherly voice. He’s too protective of his employees. “How’s the family?”
“Parents are doing well, Jacob’s married, and the sister has a sweet little baby girl.” I unlock my phone to show him the latest pictures of Gracie.
“That’s Mason Bradley’s baby, right?” I nod. “He showed a few pics of her the other day when he came to check on the security system. Cute baby. Your family is growing, and now you’re opening that nightclub. That’s fucked up. You’re going to affect businesses like mine.”
Jacob came up with the idea of opening a place big enough to use as a venue for concerts. When it isn’t, the building will house three different themed clubs, and we’ll host an open mic session weekly. It’s a way for him to find our rising stars and for our own band to have a home to play when we feel like it.
“It’s far away from here and a different concept. And your regular crowd is another kind of animal,” I say, looking around the minimalist break room.
“Maybe, but times change, Decker.” He walks toward the same back door where T disappeared earlier and holds the handle. “This bar needs a facelift. Maybe you guys are pushing me to sell and retire sooner than I thought. We’ll see.” He shrugs and opens the door. “Time for you to leave, kid.”
“Don’t even think about selling, Reed, but if you do, I’ll buy this shithole from you.” I hug him before heading to my truck.
The cold air hits me as I walk out of the Silver Moon. At this time of the night, I do miss Cali. Summer nights are warm, unlike Seattle, where you’re lucky if it’s not raining. Well, I guess this week I’ll be skipping the sun and enjoying the gloom-and-doom weather of the Northwest Coast. I take a second glance at the Silver Moon and realize that Reed is right.
The building needs some TLC. New signage is in order, and maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep the place within the Decker family. But I know nothing about owning a bar. The idea sparks just as I’m about to climb into my car. Tristan can help.
“Decker?” he answers on the first ring. “A little late for calls. I thought we agreed, no morebenefits.Unless you’re drunk and want me to pick you up.”
“That’s all you, my friend. Are you… drunk?” I laugh to lighten the question but worry because he does like to consume crazy amounts of alcohol.
“No, I’m not, Matt.” His loud exhale is a hint that I’m annoying him. “Let’s cut to the chase. How can I help you? I have shit to do tomorrow morning.”