Free Awakening by Karice Bolton Page B

course. She rushed over and whispered to me.

    “ Awesome. Did you call Athen? This is a much better idea. I was kind of worried about the two of us walking alone. I know I could kick butt and all, but Athen is pretty buff.”

    “ Yes he is and no I didn’t. This was a surprise - a really good one. I haven’t filled him in on the creepy dude yet, but I will. Hopefully, he’ll stay till closing.”

    I looked up at Athen, following his gaze to the man sitting at the table. Something bigger was going on. It looked like he already figured it out. I knew instantly that there was no way that he happened to come into the bar tonight. It also dawned on me that he had to be able to read my mind. This was no coincidence. Athen was searing the man with his eyes. How would he know to be wary or suspicious of that guy? One thing that was becoming certain was that the longer I was around Athen, the more unanswered questions become present. If I were to voice any of them aloud, I would sound like I needed to be committed. Athen turned his attention away from the man and looked back at me. His green eyes changed instantly back to kindness, which made my world melt. I saw his lips move and was so enamored with the shapes of his lips as he spoke, I wasn’t paying attention to what he was saying so I looked harder and mouthed back to him, “What?”

    “ You are not crazy.” He mouthed back smiling at me, but then returning his gaze back to the man at the table.

    I knew it. I knew something was going on. Some of the pieces to the puzzle were finally starting to take shape. My world was spinning. I needed to sit, but I had to keep going, not call any attention to myself. Whatever was taking place was larger than I was, and I reasoned that all I could do at this point was be open to the possibilities that may shape the rest of my life by possible chance. I was so thankful that Athen was beginning to let me in on this secret that seemed to involve me so deeply. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. He knew what I was thinking for sure, no question about it. I’m not crazy.

    I looked at the clock behind the counter, and it was already 10:30pm. I hoped the last 30 minutes would speed by so that I could go hang out with Athen and find out what was going on. This night with all of its mystery was taking its toll. At least, now I knew one thing for sure. I had, without a doubt, fallen for Athen. I had to stop holding back because I didn’t get the feeling he was.

    As I cleared the last few cups from the remaining table, Athen was looking at me, and I began to blush. The thought of him watching me clean tables made me feel a little silly and sheepish. Karen was already in the back getting ready to come with us so we could all leave together. The guy from earlier still had her a little on edge too, but somehow Athen in our presence made it a lot better. I looked back at Athen, smiling and mouthing for him to knock it off. I almost ran to the back to take off my apron and grab my coat, but of course, he was still admiring me with his eyes.

    “ I still can’t get over that Athen appeared tonight. That was pretty lucky, huh Ana? I think he really likes you. I didn’t think it was a booty call thing, and I’m sorry for suggesting that earlier. It is all happening kind of fast is all.”

    “ I know, Karen. Believe me it’s not in my nature either. I feel like I would be cheating myself if I fought it though, and I can’t do that. All right, enough of that stuff. Let’s go.” I grabbed my coat off the hook and immediately tripped over the box of onions that the chef had put out for the morning hash.

    “ Nice one.”

    “ I know, I know.”

    We walked out together and met up with Athen who was sitting on the bar stool looking as wonderful as ever. His hair was a little more disheveled than usual. I think it was a nervous thing he did. I noticed him holding his head quite a bit throughout the evening as he was eyeing that guy.