Inconvenient Attachment

Chapter 34

"Wake up pretty lady!" I open my eyes to be met with a close up of JJ's face.

I can't help but laugh pushing his face away as I sit up in his bed.

"What are you doing in my bed?" He sits on the end whilst John B is stood in the doorway.

"I came here last night looking for you all but you weren't here. I was tired and couldn't be bothered to trek back home and I knew you wouldn't mind if I fell asleep in your bed."

"I can't believe I missed this opportunity." JJ kicks himself sounding genuinely disappointed.

"Shut up JJ." John B laughs. "How come you came here?"

Not wanting to mention Rafe or remember anything about last night I decide to avoid the subject.

"I just wanted to see you all, I missed you. Where's kie?"

"Why, you want to speak to her?" JJ and John B look almost excited that I mentioned kie.

"Yeah actually I do. This has gone on for too long, it's stupid. I miss you guys. I hate being around the kooks."

"We're actually gonna go down to the wreck if you're coming? Kie's on a morning shift." John B gestures to the door over his shoulder meaning they're going now.

"Sure, let's go!"

***

"Isn't that Rafe's car?" John B points at a black jeep parked up as we cut through the parking lot.

The mention of Rafe's name causes me to look up from my feet and as soon as I see his car my stomach drops. This means he's inside most likely with his friends and my brother. I don't know why they bother coming here.

"Yeah that's definitely Rafe's car." JJ adds as we walk through the door. The bell chimes above the door. The customers turn in their seats curious to see who just walked in.

I notice Rafe immediately. Himself, Reggie, my brother and Kelce sat in our usual booth. I see Kie at the bar.

"You guys go sit down I'm just gonna talk to Kie real quick." They nod before heading to an empty booth and disappearing.

Kie almost looks happy to see me as I walk up to the bar. "Hey!"

"Hey." A real smile evident on her face.

"Listen, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about everything-"

"No V, I'm sorry! I was out of line and I'm so sorry for that!"

"Can we just be okay again? I really miss you!" I plead.

She walks out the side of the bar running up to me engulfing me into a tight hug. "I miss you too!" She cries in my ear.

"What time do you finish?" I ask as we pull apart.

"Half hour. Go sit with the guys, I'll bring you a tea." She walks away as I head over to the guys when I'm greeted by my brother grabbing my arm and dragging me outside.

"Topper, get off me!"

He throws my arm down as we stand face to face, his eyes bearing down at me. "Why the fuck have I had reggie telling me you and Rafe were together in his bathroom last night!" He seethes through gritted teeth.

"Yeah we were but I was only cleaning up his face. Him and Luke had a scrap remember?" I argue as if he should know nothing would've happened between me and Rafe.

"That best have been all it was!"

"Let's be real topper, Rafe fucking hates me. The only reason he let me clean his face was because he was drunk!"

"Yeah you're right Rafe would never like you. Although I'm not so sure nowadays."

What? What makes him say that? "What do you mean?" I ask him trying to avoid sounding hopeful.

He notices my glint of hope. "Nothing." He spits. "Stay the fuck away from Rafe! He doesn't like you and never will like you."

"What's going on?" His voice causes every hair on my body stand on end.

"Reggie had a lot to tell me this morning." Topper tells Rafe.

Rafe scoffs with a grin. "Reggie chats so much shit. Nothing happened, she wiped up the blood on my face that was it."

"Yeah that best have been all it was. Please tell me you don't like my sister man?"

Rafe laughs. "Come on man. You know me. I don't like your sister and I'd never like her. You know my type."

His words slice through me as easy as tearing paper. "See Topper. Nothing to worry about." I barge past Rafe storming back inside and making my way over to my friends sliding in the booth next to JJ immediately putting a fake smile on my face so they don't ask questions.

"What was that about?" John B asks having a good view of the window.

"Just my brother being my brother." I shrug it off hoping they won't continue asking about it.

"Enough said." JJ nods throwing his arm around me and pulling me into a side hug, I rest my head on his shoulder the same time Rafe and Topper sit back in their seats.

I can feel eyes on me but I don't even bother to look. Rafe said it himself. I need to cut him out.

"Hears your tea, V." Kie places a mug in front of me. I mouth a thankyou as she leaves to continue serving customers.

"We really missed you, V." JJ tells me as I feel him kiss the top of my head.

"I really missed you guys too! Next time me and Kie argue she can leave." I joke with a small laugh.

"I second that!" JJ adds sounding serious.

John B and JJ tell me about their antics last night whilst I can feel Rafe's eyes on me the entire time.

"I'm just gonna nip to the toilet and then Kie should be finished."

I open the door to the stall to see Rafe stood against the sinks waiting for me. "Jesus Christ Rafe, you scared me."

"Can we talk?" He doesn't even acknowledge sneaking up on me and his expression remains serious.

"No." I stand beside him washing my hands.

"Please Ness, we need to talk about last night."

"I'm surprised you even remembered."

"Of course I remembered."

"There's nothing to talk about. It shouldn't have happened, we both regret it, let's pretend it didn't happen." I grab a towel from the dispenser to dry my hands.

"I don't want to pretend it didn't happen."

"Then what do you want Rafe?" our eyes meet and I don't know what I'm expecting him to say. He hesitates and sighs before not answering my question. "Exactly. I think it's best we stay away from each other." I leave him alone in the toilets.

I see the boys heading for the door and kie hanging up her apron. I follow them out.