crap keeps happening

“Eira!” my twin brother, Ethan, shouted from outside my locked bedroom door. I groaned, rolled over and threw a pillow against the door which landed with a light thud. “We both know I can just kick this door down if you don’t get your hungover ass up.” He hissed angrily. “You’re the one that wanted to open that damn bar instead of joining the family bizz.” I climbed out of bed, running a quick hand through my long, dark tresses.

“Yeah, yeah.” I replied knowing that he would in fact kick my door down if I didn’t get up. I took a quick shower then threw on some clothes. My outfit consisted of a black crop-top, black short-shorts, leather jacket and some stiletto heels. I sat at my vanity and began doing a smokey eye look leaving the rest of my makeup to look natural.

Once I was pleased with how I looked, I grabbed my bag and phone, making my way down the grand staircase. “Hi Ma.” I greeted my mother, giving her a quick peck on her cheek. She took over the family business when my Dad died a few years ago. After she gave me a skeptical look, I smiled slightly then ran out to my car so that I could get to the bar.

“Hey Sal.” I greeted one of my longest-known friends/co-owner of the bar. He gave a small nod as a greeting while mixing a drink. I took a seat at the bar when I felt the eyes of someone watching me. “Sal, who is the new guy?” I gestured my head towards the slightly hidden male sitting at the opposite end of the bar. I knew he was the one watching me.

Sal gave a small chuckle before replying, “Some big-wig CEO. He’s been asking for the owner.” I gave a skeptical look causing him to grin mischievously. “The other owner. I’m guessing by that look on your face, you plan to mess with him?”

I grinned, “A girl does have to have herself a little fun, don’t you think?” He laughed, shaking his head, giving a slightly worried glance towards the male. He left to take care of some customers and the new guy made his way over to me. “Can I help you or are you just going to keep staring at me?” I turned on the stool so that I could face him. I slowly lifted my eyes to meet with his, the whole time taking in his appearance. He was tall, slim yet muscular, had messy light colored hair and bright blue eyes. I noticed that he had his left eyebrow and one ear pierced. His dress shirt sleeves were rolled up to show tattoos covering his left forearm hinting at a sleeve. I pulled my lower lip between my teeth, quirking an eyebrow up at him while waiting for his reply.

“Do you own the bar?” His voice was deep and smooth like silk. I nonchalantly shrugged. “You know, when someone asks a question you should probably use your words. That’s what these lips,” He used his thumb to gently pull my lip loose from my teeth, “are actually for.” He placed his hands into the front pockets of his dark jeans.

“Ok, what if I am the owner? Who are you?” I asked, keeping a straight face while inside I was smiling like crazy. I could really have a lot of fun with this one. I crossed my legs forcing him to look over my outfit and coincidentally my body.

“That still doesn’t answer my question. My name is Koa.” He held out his hand awaiting a handshake. I smiled, hopped up onto the bar, and slid across landing firmly on my feet. I grabbed two shot glasses and some vodka as he eyed me suspiciously.

“If you drink with me, and can keep up, I will answer your questions.” I set the glasses down on the bar between us.

“What makes you think that I have more than just one question?” I felt my brow quirk up at his question again and smiled.

“Drink.” I poured the shots, sliding one of the glasses his way. We both shot them down and I poured another set.

“I just have a feeling about your question becoming questions. I’m Eira. Technically, I’m only a partial owner of this bar. Drink.” We took another shot, this time he took the bottle from my hands to pour. I rolled my eyes at him slightly.

“I’ve been looking for you.” I looked up at him skeptically. Damn, even in my 5” heels, he was taller than me. “Drink.” He demanded, in his rough deep voice.

I smiled, lifting the glass to my lips, quickly downing the clear liquid. “Why have you been looking for little ole me?” He leaned his forearms on the bar, causing me to instinctively lean in towards him. I was a sucker for confident, mysterious guys.

“I know who your family is. I was hoping for a word with Mrs. Benoit.” I leaned back and laughed. I gave a slight shaking of my head towards him.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I declared in disbelief as I scoffed at the tall man. I rolled my eyes before questioning, “What do you want with my mother?” He shrugged as he poured a couple more shots. After he remained silent for a couple of moments, I sighed annoyedly.

I quickly took the shot, hopped back over the counter, patted his chest, and laughed darkly. “Don’t even try to flatter your way in. She can’t help you, and well, as for me, I’ve completely lost interest now.” I gave an indifferent shrug then shouted to Sal, “See ya later Sal.” I gave a small wave which he returned with a brief nod. I gathered my car keys and made my way out to my car. I could easily handle my liquor but I wouldn’t suggest this for anyone else.

“And what do you think you are doing?” One of my older brothers was patiently waiting for me outside of the bar. I’m sure his twin wasn’t too far off in the distance since they were almost always together.

“Move Landon, I’ve got somewhere to be.” Sure enough Isaac came up behind me.

“Not since you’ve been drinking. You know damn well that Ma worries about you driving like this! We’re here to take you home.” Isaac said while wrinkling his nose at me. I know he was wanting to make a comment about the smell of alcohol coming from me. Knowing him though, I knew he wouldn’t. I rolled my eyes, preparing to make a retort when I paused. I could sense the mysterious CEO’s presence without having to actually see him. Something about him seemed familiar…too familiar for my liking.

“Koa! How ya been man?” Landon quickly turned his attention towards the guy coming out of the bar. I turned to face the three of them, confusion obvious on my features.

“How exactly do you fucking know him?” I demanded. Isaac nonchalantly placed his arm around my shoulders with a slight shrug. Landon skeptically looked over at me briefly in disbelief.

“We’ve known Koa for years. Don’t you remember, Eira? He was the boy you used to have a huge crush on!” I froze, my facade faltering slightly. That’s why he seemed familiar….he’s the fucker who broke my heart. The one that just disappeared after everything that had happened. Fuck this….