Free Russo: His Untold Story (Blacklisted #3) by Maria Delaurentis Page B

said again through clenched teeth. She was so fuckin’ cute.
    "You're not being very friendly, Gabriella," I teased, hoping she’d lighten up.
    "I'm fine. I'm also at work. Can we move on now?" I could hear her heel tapping against the floor, I was getting under her skin.
    "How about a Yuengling?"
    She disappeared and showed up a few moments after with a tall, filled glass. After placing it in front of me she suggested to signal her over when I knew what I wanted, but I wasn’t letting her off that easy.
    "Actually I was hoping you could tell me what was good on the menu?" I said quietly, before continuing. ”Gabriella, I just want to know how you are. I think about you every day, I just want to talk to you.”
    "I'm fine. Really. I have a beautiful place to live, I'm happy with my job, and things are going okay. Thank you for asking.” She spoke in a huffy tone but I knew what she was saying was genuine—I had already been aware of it all.
    "Maybe we could get a drink sometime?" Fat chance, but what did I have to lose?
    "Probably not. The specials tonight are a T-bone with roasted potatoes and garlic sautéed asparagus. Chicken parm. And the clubhouse burger.” She was careful to keep her eyes away from me, not wanting to see the look on my face.
    "The burger is fine. Do you think you'll ever change your mind?"
    "I don't see that happening. How do you want it?"
    "Medium. And I've changed a lot, Brie. I just want to show you that.”
    "I'm going to go put your order in.” She was gone quickly and I found myself smiling. I knew this wasn’t going great but I loved seeing her get that look in her eye when she was annoyed with me. I scanned the bar, taking in her new work surroundings. It was incredibly laid back; everyone was laughing and talking while music played quietly in the background. I watched her while she spoke to other guests, her smile lighting up the room. When she returned she mumbled that the plate was hot, but didn’t bother to make eye contact with me.
    "Do you need anything else?"
    "Some of your time?" I arched a brow, wondering how long I could keep a conversation going with her.
    "Something I'm actually going to give you.”
    “Another beer.” I settled for now, but I wasn’t going to give up that easy. Now that I had her talking to me, albeit she didn’t have a choice, I was getting greedy.
    She brought the beer back but disappeared without a word, and within moments another waitress came over and let me know she was taking over my table. I knew it had gotten busier so I tried not to be too upset by it, but I was determined to talk to her a little more. I had finished a while ago and close to 30 minutes had passed but I stayed, watching her as she moved around the room. When she seemed to realize that I wasn’t going anywhere she came back, her lips pursued as she eyed me.
    "Is there something else you need?"
    "Why won't you give me another chance?" I sighed, eyeing her back. I knew it was a little too bold but I hated that she wouldn’t even try.
    "Is that a rhetorical question?" There’s the fucking attitude, even when I’m just trying to have a normal conversation with her. I could feel my blood boiling, my patience wearing thin quickly. I knew I was out of line, she had every right to treat me the way she was but fuck, it hurt.
    "No, Gabriella, it isn't. You can't tell me you never felt anything for me at all. I know I messed up but for fuck’s sake at least let me fix it!" My voice came out in a harsh whisper and I instantly regretted my own tone.
    "I think it's time you go. You finished your food a while ago. Terry can get you change if you need it.” She was gone after that and I knew she wouldn’t be coming back over here. I sighed and tossed a few bills on the table, knowing that I left at least $100 more than I needed to. I exited quickly without looking at her again and made my way back to my apartment. I needed to get away from here—I needed to relax.
    When I got back to