7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Lacy

S tuff?

“How is that sexy man of yours?” Wanda asked, as she wiggled her eyebrows at me.

Laughing, I folded another pair of jeans and placed them on the marble table in the boutique.

I was halfway through my shift, and I was surprised it had taken her that long to bring up Drake. I wasn’t upset though, Wanda was in her late fifties and happily married. The first time she saw Drake, her mouth fell open and I swear, I thought I was going to have to help her stand up straight. Now, she just loves to hear stories about my motorcycle-driving, bar-owning, boyfriend.

“Drake is fine,” I laugh, rolling my eyes.

“He sure is,” she giggles. “So, when are you and that hunk of a man of yours going to get married?” she questions.

Wanda is intrusive, but I love her anyway.

“Not sure. He has to ask first,” I sigh.

“Why don’t you ask him? Aren’t you Millennials always fighting for women’s rights and stuff? Why can’t you take the leap and ask?” she questions.

I know Wanda is only partially being serious, but still, the thought lingers with me longer than it should. If it were up to me, Drake would have already asked me to marry him and I would be happily planning my wedding with Ivy. But for now, I would just be patient and enjoy my time with him.

I finish putting out the new jeans and help a few customers around the store. Before I know it, my phone is alerting me to a new text message from Ivy.

Ivy: Hey, want to meet up for dinner tonight?

Remy: Blaze is taking me on a date. It’s been forever since we’ve been out!

Me: I wish, but I have plans with Drake.

Ivy: Ok, well I think we are stopping in the bar later. See you then.

I put my phone away and busy myself with cleaning up around the stockroom, and.

***

When I walked into the bar, I instantly spotted Ivy and Axel cuddled up together at the bar. Her shiny engagement ring caught the overhead lights and I smiled. I was so happy for her. They had gotten engaged a few months ago and Ivy had never been happier. Even Blaze and Remy were engaged and blissfully in love. It made my heart sink sometimes knowing that Drake and I weren’t any closer to taking the next step.

Ryder was sitting on the edge of his seat watching Drake talk to that guy from the other day.

I wondered what Drake was talking about that had Ryder so intrigued. I made my way through the crowd. I slid behind the bar and grabbed a bottle of water from the small mini-fridge Drake kept stocked with water and sodas for the employees. No drinking on the job, or he would fire their asses.

Man, I loved Drake.

Ivy waved for me to join them. “Hey,” she called out.

I waved as I walked over to them and sat beside Ivy. “Hi, what’s going on?” I asked.

“Not much, we stopped in here to get a drink before we head out to dinner. Plus, we are going to look at a few possible wedding locations,” she beams.

Axel just nods his head. He may seem uninterested, but I have heard some pretty heated conversations over wedding cake flavors and the menu. He is just as excited as she is.

“Well, I was supposed to meet Drake here tonight for dinner, but he seems preoccupied right now,” I say, pointing to where Drake sits with an unfamiliar man. Ryder is still perched on the edge of his seat, watching the two guys intently.

Axel looks too and just shakes his head. “Ryder has some crazy business idea he wants to run by with Drake,” Axel just laughs.

I laugh too. Drake doesn’t like a lot of people, hell, he hardly talks to the guys he does like. This should be over fast.

I sit and continue talking with Ivy and Axel, but I can’t help but stare at Drake. There is something off about the guy he is talking to. I can’t put my finger on it, but something in my heart tells me to pay close attention.