Death Knows My Name (Memory Keepers) by Casse Narome Read Free Book Online Page B

my lucky night. Normally it’s only me, so they don’t feel the need to let me in until all the importants are in and filled up.” Tammy was prattling on.
    “Yeah, that’s how some bars are. Don’t take offense,” Michael consoled her.
    I hung back, letting them hold the entire conversation. When we arrived at the door, Tammy hesitated. Michael was in front of us, and I hoped nobody I knew was still hanging out at this bar or working. But life hated me, so of course the bouncer recognized me.
    “Mayne? Is that you?” He was trying to look around Michael.
    “Hey, Stan.” I waved. “How have you been?”
    “Oh hell no, girl! Get over here. It’s been years since I’ve seen you and you think you’re getting away with a ‘How have you been?’ Where have you been?” Stan grabbed me into a bear hug.
    I laughed. “Now, what makes you think I have changed that much, Stanley? I didn’t like hugs back then, and I still don’t. So let me loose, you brute!” I wriggled away good-naturedly with a huge, dopey smile on my face.
    “And when have I ever cared, girl?” He roared in laughter.
    I rolled my eyes. “Never!” I couldn’t wipe the grin from off my face. “Is it crowded in there?” I asked.
    “You better believe it, boss!”
    “Can my friends and I get in?” I questioned.
    He tilted his head at me like I grew an extra head. “Do you even have to ask? Go on in, girl, as if I am going to say no to you. I don’t bite the hand.”
    I grinned. “Nice seeing you again, Stan.” I turned to Tammy and Michael who were staring at me with questioning eyes. “Let’s go, guys.” Tammy turned around and hurried in as if Stan might change his mind.
    Michael lingered beside me. “Are you joining us?” Michael drawled.
    Was he trying to mark me or something?
    Stan sneered. “If she does, it will be when she wants to. Now hurry up and go in.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Be nice.” I turned to Michael. “I’ll be there in just a second. Go ahead while I talk to these guys.”
    Billy walked up behind Stan to see what the commotion was, and Michael brushed past them both.
    “You dating him?” The disgust was clear on Stan’s face.
    “Hell no ! He is just some guy that sang at Devon’s lounge one night.”
    Billy joined the conversation. “ Chica , what happened to you? You went ghost on us.”
    I shrugged. “I’ve been around. I work right down the street, you could have come by.”
    Billy nodded. “Figured you needed space, figured you’d come back when you were ready. Didn’t think it’d take you so long, shit.”
    “Well, ya know.” I looked away.
    “Devon did say you had changed.” Stan nudged Billy.
    “Into what exactly?” I laughed.
    Stan shook his head. “Ignore him. He’s always been a block head and not even that has changed, sadly.”
    I smiled. “I said be nice.”
    I finally went to join Tammy and Michael. They had already ordered their drinks. Tammy’s frozen daiquiri dripped water from the rim and Michael’s beer half gone when I slid into the booth. Tammy smiled.
    “I guess today was my lucky day! I met you, and you could get me in here.” Tammy was gushing. “I ran down the right chick, huh?”
    I laughed. “They would have let you in either way, I’m sure.”
    “No, ma’am. He knew you. That’s the only reason we’re sitting here.” She was still smiling. “You’re like a superstar here.”
    I glanced over my shoulder and signaled for a waitress to come take my drink order. “No, I just used to come here a lot when I was younger.”
    Michael eyed me. “It’s not like you’re over 30, so how young is younger?”
    I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”
    The waitress finally made her way over to me.
    “Hey, I heard you were here. Long Island?”
    I shook my head. “No, just a Coors Light, please.”
    “Put it on my tab,” Tammy interjected. “I owe her.”
    The waitress faced  Tammy and smiled. “Oh, Mayne never has to pay. This is her place.”
    I groaned