Free Fighting For You by Megan Noelle Page B

and Sanders were both busy with customers when we left.  I waved, Corey waved back and for just a moment in his eyes I thought I saw something that gave me hope.  Then there was a look of sorrow that our moment for the day was over.  That this was all we had and maybe this was all we were meant to have. 
    Gabby and I spent the evening watching movies curled up in the living room and, of course, talking about our lunch.  I didn’t offer up too much about what happened with Corey in the kitchen. I wanted to hold that instant close to my heart and not share it with anyone.  Lucky for me, Gabby had plenty to say about her new ‘friend’, Alex.  I also noticed that I didn’t get as irritated with the man through her stories, making me wonder if my original irritation with him was all because of my need to protect Corey.  That was beyond ridiculous because he was a grown man that could most definitely take care of himself. 
    As evening turned into night, it was time for Gabby to get ready to go out.  I sat cross-legged on her bed, arms secured around my belly, as I listened to her talk.  Watching Gabby get ready for a date could absolutely be made into a TV show.  She was meticulous in picking out what to wear, cranked the music, danced around and just about everything made her giggle.  Gabby didn’t do nervous but it was one of the cutest things to watch her experience. 
    I gave her my professional best friend opinion.  It wasn’t long after that Alex showed up and Gabby gave me a wink goodbye.
    “Don’t wait up,” she whispered.
    “At least text me so I know you got somewhere safe,” I called back loud enough for both her and Alex to hear.
    “She’s safe with me, Danielle.  I promise!”
    And just like that—they were gone.  I returned to my comfy chair, curled up in my blanket and tried to acclimate to the loneliness settling into my heart. 
     
    *~*~*~*~*
     
    Corey
    Technically, my shift ended about five hours ago, but every time I went upstairs to hang out, my mind went to her.  Knowing she was back home was already taking a toll on my sanity.  But now, after I felt her in my arms, felt that beautiful creamy skin under my touch, smelled the same fragrance that could never belong to anyone but Dani - it was driving me mad. 
    So, despite the fact that Sanders was greatly enjoying my extreme discomfort with subtle jokes, I dealt with it.  At least this way I could keep my hands, thus my mind, busy.  That is, until Dani’s best friend walked into the bar with Alex.  I saw Gabby enter on Alex’s arm and all I could think was—did Dani come with?  They took a couple seats directly in front of me and I had to try not to look irritated at the happy couple.
    “What up, man?  Can you get us a round of shots?” Alex was a flashy type of guy.  He liked treating whatever woman was ‘his’ for the night very well.  Plus, he also became very good at using me as a wingman, even while I worked. 
    It was my job to ask what the woman wanted and he remembered, later shocking them by his ability to listen to what they had to say. 
    “What kind of shots would you like?” I asked, directing my question at Gabby.
    “Something fruity,” she said with a smile. 
    Gabby didn’t seem to notice Alex’s expression change ever-so-slightly to cringe at her choice.  He was a beer guy and if he was taking shots it was some sort of whiskey and that was very rarely what the women wanted.
    “Do you like vodka?” I asked her.
    Alex shot me a glare while she bobbed her head. “It’s my favorite.”
    “Not a tequila fan like Dani?” I absolutely did not mean to bring up her name.  Gabby gave a polite knowing smile and shook her head.
    “No.  I don’t think anyone likes tequila like her.”
    “Well, while you make us those shots I’m going to hit the head.  Wait for me to take your shot, Sweet Thang,” Alex said, placing a kiss to the base of her neck.  Gabby was clearly affected by this known