Page 35 of Cruel Delights
“The guy.” Grady juts his chin to a point beyond my shoulder.
I toss a quick glance and my gaze lands on the table in the far corner, where Kaden sits. He’salreadystaring—with that same narrow-eyed look he’d had earlier about my breaks. It’s an alarming stoniness that’s the opposite of the easy-going kindness he’s otherwise shown.
A strange shiver wracks down my spine and I pull my attention away. Back to facing Grady, I shrug. “He’s a customer. He was asking about the specials.”
“We should talk. When’s your break?”
Why the hell does everyone think I get a break!? Apparently, I’m the only one who has ever worked a service job!
“Not sure. You want a seat at the bar? I didn’t see your name on the reservation list.”
“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“You blocked me.”
I did.
“I didn’t,” I say. “Just been busy. Do you want a seat or not?”
“You’re real wishy washy, Ly. After all the times I’ve been there for you.”
“Grady, I’m at work.”
“I left the car shop the time you collapsed and they had to take you to the ER to pump your stomach.” I dropped everything and came by.”
“That was different.”
“I pushed you to do piano lessons. You wanted to give up.”
“Actually, that was Imani—”
“You’ve always used me,” he interrupts. “Every fucking time you want something, I’m there. Then when I need you, you’re dropping me. It’s real fucked up.”
My brain feels sluggish. The stuffiness in the air, the earsplitting music making my ears ache, the lightheadedness from inconsistent doses my meds. I can’t properly defend myself when I’m like this. I reach out and rest a hand on my podium for leverage.
“Grady, now’s not the time,” I grit out.
“You want me to feel sorry for you when you never feel sorry for me?”
“All I’ve done is try to be your friend.”
“Blocking me is what you call being my friend? You’re a user, Lyra.”
“Grady, stop. Don’t make a scene.”
“I’ll stop if you stop playing the victim.”
“She asked you to stop. Youwillstop.”
Grady and I freeze at the sound of the paralyzing voice. It’s cool and calm, yet unsettling at the same time.
I look up and find myself standing only a few feet away from Kaden. When did he get up and come over?
And so fast…
For a long, drawn out moment, tension cinches the air we’re breathing. It becomes a feeling, the instant animosity between Kaden and Grady. Both men share in a reproachful glare ’til Grady blinks and then scoffs.