Free Needing You #2 - Wanting Him by T. Renee Fike Page B

Rowan and I haven’t had a chance to spy on Tucker because he hasn’t left since we’ve gotten back.  It’s hard to follow someone who doesn’t go anywhere but to school and work.  But when he does, we’ll be ready.
    Not seeing Parker for months sucks, but I’m getting used to it.  I have to.  I make sure to avoid all tabloids though.  They are getting really crazy; at least that’s what I’ve been told.
    Parker has been nothing but a content boyfriend.  We talk or text every day and I trust him.
    It’s Friday night and I need to be at work at 8:00 p.m.  Nora is spending the night at her friend, Lori’s house.  I spoke to her mom, and she’s stricter than me, so I feel pretty safe with Nora being there.
    I head into work and say hi to Davie , as he lets me past the waiting crowd.
    Harper’s already behind the bar serving patron s and I see Marcus nearby too.  Twisted Mafia is back and they seem to really be making an impression.  The place is already packed.
    “Hey Harp,” I say as I throw my purse under the bar in one of the locked cupboards.
    “Hey,” she says looking scattered.
    I see the waiting line and jump right in serving customers.   The band doesn’t start until 9:00 p.m. and the crowd is already chanting their name and its only 8:15 p.m.  This is going to be a long night.
    “Holy shit, I’m exhausted,” Harp says , as she wipes sweat from her forehead an hour later.
    “I know right,” I say through a laugh, “This crowd is crazy.”
    “I didn’t realize they were so popular.  Last time there wasn’t nearly this many people here,” Harp states.
    “I guess word go t around and now everyone’s coming out to see them,” I say laughing.
    “Only thing good about this are the damn tips,” she says taking a drink of water.
    “Hell yes.  Tips are great tonight,” I say with a smile.
    “Have you talked to Parker today?” she asks nervously.
    “Yeah, before I came in.  Why?”  I ask curiously.
    “No reason,” she says quickly while looking away.
    “Harp spill,” I demand.
    “Nothing,” she says again.
    “You look like your hiding something, tell me,” I state frustrated.
    “Alright, but don’t be mad at me,” she says looking intently at me.
    “I won’t,” I state.
    “Well, I overheard Tucker on the phone with him.  They ’re talking a lot lately.  I’m not exactly sure what happened, I just know that I heard Tuck tell him that he has to tell you the truth if he wants to continue a relationship with you,” she says solemnly.
    “What did he do?” I ask nervously.
    “I’m not sure, but based on the way Tuck sounded and acted, it doesn’t sound good,” she says truthfully.
    “It could be nothing,” I simply say.
    “I hope it’s nothing,” she says looking worried.
    “Did you ask Tucker about it?” I ask curiously.
    “Yeah, but he told me it’s not his place to say anything, that Parker needs to talk to you,” she says, looking sorry.
    “Great, now I’m going to worry until I freaking talk to him,” I say bitterly.
    “I’m sorry Nat; maybe I shouldn’t have said anything?” she says, looking worried.
    “No, I appreciate you telling me.  I just wish you knew what it was that he needs to tell me.”
    “Sorry,” she says apologizing again.
    Just then Tucker walks up the bar.
    “Hey babe, hey Nat,” he says looking between the two of us.
    “Hey,” Harp says softly.
    I say nothing, just look at him.
    “You told her didn’t you?” he says calling Harp out.
    “I had to, she deserves to know,” Harp snaps back.
    “That i s Parker’s place to talk to her, not yours,” he says looking frustrated.
    “Well I know something’s going on, so why don’t you go ahead and tell me,” I say staring him down.
    “I can’t Nat, it’s not my place,” he says, looking sorry. 
    Shit, this has to be bad.
    “Is it bad Tucker?” I ask, hoping for some piece of information, no matter how small it is.
    “Shit! Nat, I’m sorry, I can’t