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he didn’t hear her and continues to keep his gaze out the window. The only telltale sign that proves he did hear her is the tick in his jaw when she spoke.
    This Nick is not the same one of two years ago. He would have never blatantly ignored a person like that, especially a female. He’s being a dick, and he’s doing it on purpose.
    I kick him under the table to tell him to knock it off. He whips his head around and scowls at me, which causes me to chuckle. After a few minutes of giving me the death stare, he lifts his head and aims his scowl at Chris instead.
    “Chris,” is the only answer he gives her. He looks over to Bailey, and his gaze softens a bit. “Hey, Bailey. How are you?”
    “I’m wonderful. How are you doing?” Her eyes always look haunted when she looks at him. It’s like she’s worried that he’s going to bite her head off at any moment. It’s ridiculous to think that but guilt will do that to a person. Although, Lord knows there is nothing she should feel guilty about. I guess it’s human nature for someone to feel guilt after what she and Anna went through.
    “Just peachy.” Nick says sarcastically. Bailey flinches at his tone, and I kick him under the table again.
    This time he doesn’t let me get away with it. He turns his head towards me again and pins me with a murderous look. “Kick me again asshole, and I’m going to knock your teeth out for you.”
    “Stop being a dick.” I glare right back at him. Just because he’s in pain doesn’t give him the right to treat women like shit, and he knows it.
    He visibly takes a deep breath before closing his eyes and opening them again. He looks at Bailey with a remorseful look and says quietly, “I’m sorry, Bailey. Just ignore me, okay? I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.”
    She reaches over and squeezes his hand with a sad smile. “It’s okay, Nick. I understand.”
    He nods and looks down to his coffee. He never looks back at Chris. When I turn to her, she has a defeated look on her face.
    After a couple more minutes of idle chit chat, Bailey and Chris walk off to meet Mia on the other side of the diner. She keeps her eyes trained on them while they head towards her, never looking in my direction.
    Letting out a sigh, I bring my gaze back to Nick and ask, “Why are you such an asshole to Chris?”
    “Because the bitch won’t leave me alone. She says she wants to be my ‘friend’.” He says the last on a sneer. His answer surprises me, as he sounds so cold.
    “And that’s a problem because?” I ask.
    “Because I don’t need any more friends. I have enough people pitying me as it is. It’s fucked and I’m tired of it.”
    “Then stop fucking moping around like a lost puppy. And stop treating people like shit. We only want to help you because we all care about you.”
    The saltshaker that Nick was holding on to suddenly flies across the table and smashes into the napkin holder. I sit still and look up at him, not surprised at his outburst. It’s not the first one he’s had and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
    He leans across the table at me and says harshly, “I don’t fucking need any help. What I need is for people to leave me the fuck alone.” He gets up out of the booth and storms towards the door, knocking over a couple of empty chairs that get in his way.
    Just then Karyn walks up carrying mine and Nick’s food. Her gaze is on Nick’s retreating back as she sets the food down.
    “I take it he won’t be needing his breakfast now?” She asks when she swings her gaze back to me.
    I give her a wry smile. “No, he won’t. Would you mind bringing me a container to put it in?”
    “Sure.” She says before walking off.
    I glance down to where Mia, Bailey, and Chris are sitting and see Mia looking at me. I give her a chin lift, and she looks away.
    I dig into my food and box up Nick’s before paying for both of ours. Looks like Loafer is going to have a good dinner tonight.

Chapter Five
    Mia
    Her