Choices by Sydney Lane Read Free Book Online

avoid questions about my family by asking about his. He is an open book, and I like reading it.
    We are having such a good time that I can’t believe it’s almost midnight when I look at the clock. I really need to get some sleep because tomorrow will be a long day. We put our shoes on and open the door into the hallway. At the same time, Brody walks out of a room across the hall. When he sees me, he turns his head and nods to Declan. “Hey, man.”
    Declan doesn’t seem to notice the tension that suddenly permeates the hallway. “Hey. Let me walk her out, and I’ll be right back. I need to get some notes from you if you don’t mind.” Brody nods back in response.
    I try to catch his eye , but he is acting as if I’m not there. I don’t understand what he thinks I’ve ever done to him. I barely know him . I don’t have to look back to know he is watching me. I can feel it.
    Declan walks me to my car. As I lean against my open car door, the air shifts subtly. We say our goodbyes, and he leans toward me. Very gently, he briefly touches his lips to mine. My insides turn to mush. It is such a sweet, innocent kiss, but it means the world to me. He likes me! He. Likes. Me.
    I smile the whole way home.
    Jenna is in bed when I get back. I really didn’t mean to stay out so late, and I can’t wait to tell her about my night. My kiss! But there are a few things I’ll keep to myself. Like how I can’t forget the boy across the hall.

 
    Chapter 10
     
    I’ve had classes all day, and I’m rushing to get ready for my first night at Player’s. They gave me a t-shirt to wear, but the only dress code requirement is that we wear black shorts or pants and black shoes. I find a cute pair of black jean shorts and put on my red and white Player’s shirt. I twist my bangs and pin them to the side, leaving the rest of my hair down. A dab of blush and lip gloss, and I’m ready to go.
    It’s only 5:00pm, so it’s not very crowded yet. My trainer is a short spitfire named Alex. She introduces me to the other servers and quickly gets down to business. She walks fast, no matter where we go. Smiling at everyone, she seems to genuinely like working here. The kitchen staff has nicknamed her “Feisty”, and I can certainly see why.
    “The key to making this job work for you, Quinc y, is that you can’t let anything get to you. Not everyone will like you, so don’t get your feelings hurt. Just remember to help your fellow servers, and we’ll help you. We like to work as a team around here. The bartenders are the same. Don’t slam them, and they’ll take care of you.”
    More people trickle in, and things begin to pick up . We are getting more drink orders, so Alex sends me to the bar to pick them up. The bartender has his back turned to me. I take the opportunity to check him out. He has on the signature red Player’s shirt and black jeans. Somehow, he manages to make them look hot. My eyes move upward toward his butt. Whoa! That boy looks good . I notice a tattoo peeking out of his shirt on his neck. Recognition floods over me. I have seen that tattoo before. I should have known he’d be a bartender.
    My body is frozen in place, as I wait for him to notice me. He finishes making my drinks, and turns toward me. I don’t know which of one of us is more shocked. He recovers quickly, as a smile slowly spreads across his face. Even though the lights are low, I can still see the vibrant blue of his eyes. “Well, well. So I guess we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other, huh?”
    “Hi, Brody. I didn’t know you worked here.” How does he shut down my mental capacities with just one look?
    “ Been here a year or so.” He shrugs. “I’m guessing you’re the new girl Alex is training?” He pushes my drinks across the bar to me. “Tell her to come get me if you all need anything.”
    What is going on here? He’s being nicer to me than he ever has been. “Thanks.” I am thrown by h is sudden change in personality, so I