Free Surviving Love by M.S. Brannon

ready to show us what you’ve got?” Darcie says while motioning to the rest of the group. “We will be the most challenging people you’ll ever have to deal with.” A quiet snicker comes from the blonde girl on her left as my eyes meet hers. I’m instantly irritated because I’m trying to focus on getting this job and this blonde girl has snickered. I hate inside jokes. “Now, let me introduce you to the group.”  
    Darcie stands and walks up behind the man on the end. “This is Big Mike. He’s our doorman, bouncer and driver of intoxicated employees. He will be your easiest customer today.” She moves down another stool, “I think you already met him, but Gavin will be your partner in crime behind the bar.” I nod my head to Gavin and give him a slight smile.  
    Darcie moves down the line and wraps her arms around the blonde girl. She is very pretty, goddess looking even, and I immediately become self-conscious of how I look. She has her hair braided down her back and her blue eyes are sparkling with delight. Actually, when I look at all of these people, they are all very good looking. Even the older bouncer guy; he’s got a slight edge of danger about him, but all in all, he is quite handsome. “This is my best friend, Delilah, and probably the sweetest person you’ll ever meet.”  
    “Yeah, fucking right,” snaps the hot tattooed man sitting at the end of the row. He rolls his eyes and looks directly at Delilah. Yikes, I’m sensing some tension from the two of them.  
    “Some people have no manners. Just ignore his childish outbursts. I do.” Delilah glares slightly at his rant then turns her attention back toward me, smile intact. “It’s nice to meet you.” She extends her hand and I shake it, returning it with a smile.  
    “Childish! I will sho—”  
    “Now’s not the time, Jake!” Delilah shouts back as she leans over the bar, making eye contact with him. I start messing with the bar towel in my hand, wishing I could hold it up to just disappear. It’s starting to get a little awkward now, and they both look like they’re going to kill each other.  
    “Oh, really!” Jake replies just as heatedly. He turns to me, eyes ablaze and I can feel the anger boiling off his skin. “I’ll take that shot of Jack now, Zoe.” I quickly pull the bottle from the holder behind the bar and fill a shot glass then pass the liquor down to him. Jake doesn’t hesitate to swallow its contents, smiling with relief once it’s gone. “Delilah, why do you always act th—”  
    “Enough! I swear that’s all you two do is fight.” Reggie’s deep voice breaks up the argument, and I’m secretly thanking him in my head.  
    Darcie moves to stand behind Reggie, her arms draped around his neck as she kisses him on the cheek. Reggie relaxes and it’s like she’s melted the tension in his body with one peck of her lips. You can tell immediately they are a couple who’re completely head over heels for each other.  
    It’s utterly baffling to me how two people can be completely devoted to one another. I’ve been in many relationships in my young life, but none of them were ever truly love—well, not love like that. There always has to be something in it for me before I’ll commit myself to a guy. Terrance has been the only man I’ve really committed to.  
    At first, it was the fascination of his lifestyle which quickly changed over to greed when I relished in the nice things he bought me with the money he made from selling drugs. It took several months, but I soon realized the life he lived was not the life I was willing to live also. Nor will it ever be. Getting punched in the side of the head was the final straw.  
    “And this is my brother, Jake. He will be…uh…well, never mind. I’ll let you be surprised,” Darcie snickers to herself and I become a little worried.  
    My eyes connect with his and Jake gives me the sexiest smile in God’s creation. His deep brown eyes twinkle with