I thought about that for a moment. “You’re worried about him not knowing … not for him, but for me.”

“It’s going to be a rough trip, kiddo.”

“I hear what you’re saying,” I said. “I’ll sleep on it.”

Chuck pressed his lips together. “Good idea.”

“Night.” I trudged up the stairs. My legs felt like wet noodles, complaining every time I tried to move them.

I wondered if Taylor was as sore as I was. Tomorrow would be even worse—for more reasons than one.

Chapter Twelve

The end of the next shift approached quiet and slow, no low roar of conversations. The only voices breaking the silence were from employees and five customers.

“It’s almost September,” Phaedra said, scowling at the wet sidewalk and the raindrops streaking down the front windows. “Why in the frickity frack is it raining so much?”

Chuck shook his head. He was caught up with the entrees, having the rare opportunity to venture out into the dining area during dinner hours. “We need the rain, remember, honey?”

Phaedra sighed and headed for the back. “I’m going to make some pies. Kirby, go home.”

Kirby huffed in defeat, pulling at her apron strings. “Good thing I have my car back.” She grabbed her keys and purse before leaving out the front door.

I plodded behind the bar, looking for something to clean.

“Falyn?” Kirby called.

“Yeah?” As soon as I looked up, I swallowed back the rising panic.

Kirby was standing in front of her hostess podium with Taylor.

“Hey, Tay,” I said.

Taylor laughed once, a dozen emotions scrolling over his face, none of them amusement. “Hey, Ivy League.”

I noticed one strap over his shoulder. “What’s with the backpack?”

He set the pack on a stool toward the center of the bar.

“I brought you something.” After a short pause, he tugged on the zipper, pulled out a small white sack, and set it on the bar.

“A present?” I said, trying not to show my nervousness.

“Don’t open it until I leave.”

“Where are you going?”

“Not work.”

“Oh.”

“It’s raining, Falyn. We’re dragging up.”

I made a face. “I don’t speak hotshot. What does that mean?”

“There’s enough moisture on the ground that the local guys can handle the area. I’m leaving.”

“But … you said you were here until October.”

He shrugged, defeat on his face. “I can’t stop the rain.”

I stared at him, speechless. The passing rain clouds were becoming night clouds, darkening the sky.

“Don’t give me any shit about your present, okay? For once in your life, don’t be a huge pain in the ass.”

“Whatever you say,” I said, deflated.

“Whatever I say?” he said, blinking.

“I guess I’ll see you around.” I pulled the sack off the counter and put it behind the bar.

“Falyn—”

“It’s fine,” I said, inexplicably scrubbing the bar with a dry cloth.