I waited patiently, hoping one of them would talk, but it seemed they were in the same staring contest Ember and I had been in before. Although I wanted to say something to break the awkward silence, I had to stay in the shadows. Finally, Shiloh opened her mouth.
“Hello.”
So much for flattery to win her over. Maybe she would follow it with something sweet.
“Flat white, please.” She pulled out her money and stepped aside without making further eye contact or small talk.
Was this part of her tactic? Was she playing hard to get? I mean, that might work, too. Ignore her to the point where she begged for attention? It was possible.
When Ember called Shiloh’s name, notifying her that the drink was ready, I zoomed the video in. I watched as Shiloh ran her fingers through her hair, causing it to fall in that effortlessly seductive way. My breath hitched, but I remained calm. That was until I saw Ember’s reaction. She looked like a smitten kitten, and I thought I might get sick.
This was what Matrix meant by not sacrificing myself. It was excruciating to witness someone unworthy fawn all over her. When I saw Ember touch Shiloh’s fingers as she handed her the cup, I’d had enough. I stopped taping and headed out. Maybe Shiloh could tape their date. All I knew was that it couldn’t be me.
Once I got to my car, I drove off, not knowing where to go. I should have called Matt and told him what had happened, but I was afraid of what he might say. Instead, I wandered around downtown, aimlessly planning my next move. But I didn’t have one. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a sign that read, "The Hideaway," and I pulled over.
I wasn’t sure what the place was, but it was like a beacon, so I got out and went inside. As I entered, everyone’s heads turned and stared. I scanned the place, and the bar was filled with women whose gaze was fixated on me. By the pride flags and female empowerment symbols, it was evident this was a queer bar, and I was either fresh meat or out of place.
Hoping to divert attention away from myself, I hurriedly sat on one of the stools, and the bartender immediately approached.
“What can I get ya?” The lady was probably in her mid-fifties, but there was a youthfulness to her light-colored eyes.
“Um, I’m not much of a drinker, especially not during the day. What would you suggest?” One way to fit in was to be friendly with the workers.
“Well, what brings you in here? You lost?”
I wondered if her question was deeper than surface level, but I kept my response in the middle. “I think I’m where I’m supposed to be, but I’ve had a rough day.”
“Okay, well, do you want something like a Mind Eraser, or are you looking more for a Leg Spreader?”
I cleared my throat, trying not to show my shock at the two ends of the spectrum. "Well, I haven't tried either, but maybe there’s something in the middle?" I had no clue what that would be, but surely one drink wouldn’t knock me on my ass.
“All right, a Tight Snatch coming up.”
I gazed at her curiously, wondering how that was a compromise between my prior options, but I wouldn’t argue. As she made my drink, I spun around on the stool and noticed that most of the once curious gazes were now diverted. But a group of three women in the back were facing my way.
The low lighting cast shadows over them, obscuring their features, but they were possibly staring at me.
“Here ya go. One Tight Snatch.” I turned back to the bartender and tried not to laugh.
The thought, “That’s what she said,” floated through my mind, but it made me sad now because it reminded me of Shiloh.
I picked up my drink, which was pink and fruity-looking, and used the little umbrella to stir it. I started slowly, taking a small sip to ease my tastebuds into this new experience. It was sweet but enjoyable. While I nursed the drink, I pulled out my phone and saw a load of notifications, mostly from Matrix but a couple from Shiloh. I wasn’t ready to go back to the real world, so I turned off my phone and focused on pushing the unwanted thoughts out of my head.
As I took my next drink, someone approached the bar and sat beside me. I peeked in her direction but didn’t make eye contact. I assumed she was placing an order, so I focused on my glass, avoiding any potentially awkward conversation.
“I’m sorry to bother you.” Her voice was throaty but soft.
Now, I had no choice but to acknowledge her. “No bother. What’s up?” I took a sip and waited for her response.
“You’re not Caz Montgomery, are you?” She seemed overly curious, and I wanted to roll my eyes.
Typically, that was an opener for someone to start flirting or ask for a favor.
“I am she.” A fake smile played on my lips as I prepared for what she would say next.
“Did you used to date Davia Mikaelson?”
What the fuck? Where did that come from? Shock and nausea surged through me, making my face burn with an intense heat. I gulped down the remainder of my drink, desperately seeking relief from these unsettling feelings.
“Why do you ask?” I came here to escape the thoughts of Shiloh and Ember, but I didn't want memories of Davia to take their place.
“Because I didn’t believe her when she told me.” She glanced over her shoulder, and I followed her line of sight—the table in the back.
She was here… right now? Of course, she was. Why would I expect anything different? The universe had a PhD in being an asshole.
Chapter 22Shiloh
When I looked into Ember’s light-brown eyes, everything Caz had coached me to say went out the window. I didn’t know what to do, so I ordered and moved to the side as usual. Being with Caz felt natural and easy, and she increased my confidence. But now, I stood here like a fool, and she wouldn’t get the footage she needed for the show.
Once my coffee was ready, Ember called my name, and I hoped to redeem myself, but when her fingers touched mine, there wasn’t a coherent thought in my head.
“Thank you. Your eyes match that coffee stain on your apron.” That probably wasn’t the compliment Caz had meant for me to say.
“You’re funny.” She giggled as she twisted her mahogany hair around her finger.
I hadn’t meant to make her laugh, but I savored the sound as it reverberated in my ears. While it lacked the same comforting vibe as Caz's, it still brightened my mood.
“I get off at two today.” As her eyes danced with excitement, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
