we dropping her off Tan?” Hunter asks as we hit the main road.
“Our place.” She’s gonna be pissed but I don’t give a damn.
“She’s gonna be pissed,” he grumbles.
“She’ll have to get over it. I may be buzzed but Alexis is tanked,” I state.
“It’s your funeral.” He shrugs.
Closing my eyes, I lean my head against the headrest.
“Marry me Tanny, I don’t want to be without you.” My eyes snap open as I tilt my head toward Alexis at her words.
Holy shit did she just say that.
I know I shouldn’t do it, but I want her as mine. She said it, I’m gonna make it happen. At least then she’ll be mine in some way. Even if by name.
Chapter 1
Alexis
Present Day
“Why are you still working at that damn music shop?” my best friend Lori mutters as I take my seat in the booth across from her.
Sighing I shake my head and reach for one of the nachos and salsa. Preferring to stuff my face rather than answer her question. It’s the same every time we have lunch. She gripes about me being around Tanner and I ignore it.
Sure, I get she’s trying to protect me but I’m sick of hearing the same thing. I don’t know what Tanner did to her in high school and I really don’t care, I’m just over the whole thing.
“You know why I still work there. Besides, since we hired Bethany I don’t work there as much,” I shrug.
“I still can’t believe you guys hired her. Don’t you remember how dorky she was in school,” Lori smiles evilly.
Some days, I wonder why the two of us are even friends.
Because she’s the only one who’s ever looked out for you.
Are you sure about that?
Lori has only ever looked out for herself.
“Lori don’t start. I’m honestly not in the mood and Bethany has never done a thing to you so I suggest you leave her alone,” I mutter.
“I’m just saying . . .”
“No, you weren’t. Now drop it,” I say interrupting her.
“What’s up with you? You’re being a complete bitch,” Lori states as she grabs a chip from the basket.
“Honestly, you are. We can’t have one lunch without you attacking someone. Or criticizing my decisions,” I grumble, holding her gaze.
“Fine, I’ll leave it, but I only bring it up because I want the best for you. I love you and can’t stand to see you somewhere where I know it’s not right for you,” Lori says softly.
“I’m perfectly fine where I am. Plus I get to spend a lot of time with my niece.” A smile crosses my face thinking of Melody.
That little girl is a blessing in disguise. I was heartbroken the day she was born, and my sister died. It felt like a piece of me left with her. But holding Melody in my arms fills that part of me. I’ll never forget my sister but having her daughter here helps. I get to remember Jamie through Melody.
“Well that’s always a good thing. I mean that little girl is going to need all the help she can get. I mean look at who her dad is. Top that off with the fact she lives with only men.” Fury rises inside me at her words. This is the first time she’s said anything like that about my Melody and I’m not about to put up with it.
Shaking my head, I gather my purse and shoot daggers at Lori. “You know what from now on, find someone else to have lunch with. You’ve crossed the line with attacking my niece. I’ve put up with you talking shit about my decisions, but you don’t ever say a word about Melody. Don’t call me. Consider our friendship over. I’m done,” I snap before standing from the table and leaving.
Glad I hadn’t already ordered. I’ll just pick something up on the way back to Music Lullabies. I don’t get how she can always be so vindictive toward everyone around her.
Before I know it, I’ve passed all the fast food places and am parking my car in my usual spot at the shop. Since hiring Bethany, I haven’t been needed much here which I thought is what I wanted but to be honest it’s not. I find myself coming in just to be here. I refuse to admit why that is.
Instead I use the excuse of wanting to be able to talk with Chaz about scheduling of the band’s gigs and work on the website that I use to promote them. Oh,