“True.” He let out a pained breath, rubbing his chest like it hurt. “Never mind. This was an excruciatingly bad idea, go about your business.”
“For what it’s worth, I truly am sorry. It was lack of forethought, not malice. And their money isn’t mine. I wanted you to meet my folks, but I never—”
“Just stop.” Max’s shoulders slumped, and I fought the urge to wrap my arms around him, reminding myself that he wasn’t mine to comfort anymore.
You’re the one who hurt him.
“Okay, well. Take care.”
Walking away from him hurt even more this time around. My boots felt like they weighed forty pounds each as I left Max standing between the pay phone and the men’s room. I wanted nothing more than a clean getaway, but Angus pounced on me as soon as I got near the bar.
“What happened?” he demanded.
“When?”
“Just now. Did you make up?”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “Not hardly.”
“Why not? I’m seriously fucking worried about him, Courtney. He barely eats. All he does is work and go to class. He doesn’t even play video games. I mean, you saw him. Whatever he did, how bad could it be? Can’t you forgive him?”
Stunned, I gaped for a few seconds. “I think you’ve misunderstood, dude. Under no circumstances did I break up with Max. He did the dumping, not me.”
“Holy shit. No way. Then why’s he like this, if it was what he wanted?” Then his mouth tightened. “Wait, was it like Josh and me? Did you cheat on him?” Angus looked like he was ready to slap the snot out of me.
I took a painful breath. “If Max didn’t tell you what happened, then I’ll respect that. But no, I didn’t. Never, ever. I love him like crazy.”
“I’d tell you to come home and fight the battle close-up, but that ship has sailed.”
“How’s Kia’s friend?”
“Maddie seems nice. She’s young, though. Only a sophomore.”
“But she’s not a pain in the ass to live with?” I felt guilty that I’d bailed so fast without any of the discussion that usually preceded a move out.
“Nah. Actually she’s superreserved and studious. Rarely leaves the room. Most of the time, it’s like she’s not even there.”
“For some reason, that makes me sad.”
“Between her and Kia, who’s always at the hospital or doing labs, it’s way quieter at home. I’ve been spending a lot of time at Del’s,” he admitted.
Leaving Max alone. My heart ached.
“I thought you were mad at me.”
Angus patted my shoulder. “Sorry. Lately I’m slammed. It’s all I can do to treat Del as well as he deserves and keep up in the program.”
“It’s okay. I’m busier lately, too, between school, the band and work.”
“You got a job?” His brows shot up in astonishment.
“Yep. Here, actually. Come by some Friday night. I’ll take good care of you.” Maybe. Provided I wasn’t overworked, handling too many tables.
“Give a heads-up for your next show, okay? I want to see you play if I can.”
“Definitely. You can bring Del, call it a date night.”
“Awesome.”
“If you really want us back together, you could...help.”
“How?”
“You know how we used to leave each other messages on the fridge?”
“You and Max? Yeah.”
“Could I text you one, daily? You can put it up for me.”
He hesitated. “You really think it’ll help?”
“Maybe not. But what else can I do? Whenever we talk, it’s...bad.”
“Then I’ll give it a shot.” As Angus had always been perceptive, he could probably tell I was itching to get out of here before Max reappeared. “Be good, Courtney.”
“Talk to you later.”
Since I had regulars here and other employees might want to chat, too, I rushed toward the exit and darted out before anyone else could intercept me. Outside, I inhaled the frosty air, sharp as icicles in my lungs. Then I headed across the parking lot. A few seconds later, the door banged open again. Part of me wished it was Max, but I didn’t dare hope as I turned and spotted the last person I ever wanted to see again—that asshole, Jared. This wouldn’t be good, but I was too far from the door to get back in easily. Yet I’d have to be an idiot to head to the bus stop now. I stopped, trying to figure out the safest move in this scenario. The noise in the bar meant it was probably too loud for anyone to hear if I screamed.
Maybe you’re overreacting. But it was hard to believe he had noble intentions in following me out here. “What do you want?”
“I told you this wasn’t over. Come on, we need to have some private words.” He took a step toward me and I backed off, suddenly aware how dark it was, away from the building.
Someone will leave soon. Or head into the bar from the parking lot. I just need to stay calm and keep away from him.
“I can hear you just fine from there.”
There was an ugly cast to his expression. “I can’t stand bitches like you.”
“Feel free to tell me off. I’m listening.”
Calculating the distance between the door and me, it seemed unlikely that I could dodge past him to go inside, but I had to try. Waiting hadn’t yielded any help in the past minute. Surreptitiously I pulled my phone out of my pocket, trying to dial 911 behind my back. Later, if they decided I’d panicked pointlessly, so be it. Better a live chicken than a dead duck.
Taking a breath, I bolted for the entrance, giving Jared a wide berth. About ten feet away, he grabbed me from behind, and in trying to get me away from the doors, he twisted my arm until it felt like he might break it. If I resist, he snaps my radius. But if I let him take me off somewhere, it gets worse.
I opened my mouth to yell for help, but he clamped a palm across the bottom half of my face, smashing my nose and lips. His other arm around my neck meant he could kill me with one twist; I’d seen him grappling with Max. Fear spiked through me as he dragged me toward the back of the bar. There won’t be anyone around to help. Before I could get lightheaded, I struggled with all my strength and aimed a furious kick at his shins. This wasn’t his first time terrorizing a woman, apparently, because he shifted to avoid it. There wasn’t room for me to bite him, though God knew I tried. I started feeling fuzzy.