When Paths Collide

Again

The bar was relatively busy. The Howling Wolf was only open at night. Few people recognized me in the dark, and if they did, they got too drunk to even remember.

I handed out the drinks as usual and got a few drunken comments about how "I looked familiar" or that "my breasts looked amazing", which wasn't out of the ordinary, but no one outright said that I was Violet Wolfe.

I didn't have to break up any fights this particular night nor did anyone try to grope me, which would usually cause King to give a warning growl. Overall, it was a fairly calm night.

I faintly heard the bar door open, but I ignored it and continued to wipe down the bar.

"Get me a drink will you?"

I glanced up to see the man, a regular customer, get lightly smacked on the arm by his brother from where they sat at the bar. "Forgive him, please. He can't hold his tongue or use his manners when drunk."

"I understand. The usual?" I asked.

He grunted, a response I've come to associate with 'yes'.

I filled his cup before sliding it over to him. "Thanks." The man muttered in response.

The people who had entered had sat at the bar. "What can I-" I abruptly stopped, as I saw the two men. One I didn't know, but the other was a face I hadn't seen in years. "Jaxson?"

"Violet?"

I huffed. "The one and only."

"I saw...I saw what happened."

"Don't mention it. Don't mention that you saw me here, either. I'm trying to avoid everything if that makes sense."

Jaxson gave me a small nod. "Of course. I understand."

"Anyways, what can I get you?"

"Water," Jaxson said, and a small smile graced my lips as I got him some water.

"I'd like to have some beer." Jaxson's companion said.

"Any preferences?"

"Your best?"

"I only drink wine with the occasional liquor or rum," I said. "So I'd have to go off of ratings."

He smiled and I grabbed something that I remembered customers ordering. "Thank you."

I leaned on the bar, glancing down at King, who was laying on the floor next to me, before looked at Jaxson and his companion. "Who's your friend?"

"My fiancé." Jaxson grinned, his fiancé kissing him and ruffling his hair.

"Fiancé." I murmured, my mind trying to process it.

Have I really missed important parts of my friends' lives? Friends. Could I even call them that? I left them.

I was broken out of my thoughts by his fiancé speaking. "Jon Taylor, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." He held out his hand.

Shaking it briefly, before letting go, I briefly flicked my gaze towards King. Looking back at the two lovers, I spoke. "The pleasure is all mine. Though, I hope what you heard was from Jaxson and not from any magazines or media outlets."

Jon chuckled. "It's hard to avoid all of that," Jaxson smiled at that. "But what I trust is what Jaxson has told me."

"Decent things I hope."

"Good things." Jaxson corrected.

I slightly shook my head. "Nothing about me is good."

"You don't give yourself enough credit."