After the Hurt by Shana Gray

later to her. She looked around and saw the piano bar beginning to fill with people. Pepper slid off the stool, picked up her wineglass, and wandered over to the entrance. It was just like when she and Tank were in Vegas, where the dueling pianos had been such a highlight. The crowd had been tremendously engaged, and they’d had such a great time.
    Peeking inside, she was thrilled to see it was actually packed with people. The pianos on the raised platform in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows were positioned perfectly. A faux octagon arena, it cut the room in half, pitting one side against the other. If what they’d experienced in Vegas was any indication, Pepper was certain it got just as loud and wild. The best part about it was the competition between the two sides of the room.
    A small crowd had stopped on the sidewalk and peered through the windows. She wondered if Tank put speakers outside. Free advertising, nothing better than that. In the summer, patio tables would be a great idea too. There was plenty of room to consider it. She was starting to get a little excited about the possibilities and suggestions she could offer. Providing Tank was receptive.
    “I’m sorry, ma’am, we are booked up tonight,” a female voice greeted her.
    Pepper swung her gaze to the dark-haired hostess. “Oh. That’s fine. I was just taking a look. Is it like this every night?”
    “Yes. The pianos play from Thursday to Sunday and there’s never an empty seat. Would you like to make a reservation?”
    Pepper shook her head. “No, thank you. It’s a great idea. I think this was modeled after one Tank had seen in Vegas.”
    “Oh! You know Tank?”
    “Yes, we’re old friends.” Lovers hovered on her tongue, but she bit it back. Clearly this girl had no idea who she was. Pepper wasn’t sure if that made her feel relieved or sad.
    “You should have said so. I might be able to find you a seat.”
    “No.” Pepper smiled and waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll come back another time.”
    “Okay, then.” A new group of people approached the hostess and she turned away to deal with them.
    Pepper watched from the doorway until the music began. Instantly the place was in chaos. She smiled and itched to join in, but exhaustion fell on her like a heavy blanket. She stayed for a few mores songs and couldn’t deny her fatigue any longer. She wanted her bed. The glass of wine made her mellow, and she wanted to curl up. Pepper wandered back to the bar. She tipped her head back, letting the last of the wine slip down her throat like satin fire. She sighed when it settled in her belly with sensuous warmth. Leaving some of the money that Tank had loaned her on the bar, Pepper walked behind the wine cooler to the hall. She was overtired and a teeny bit tipsy—a combination that made her long for some boy time. Tank time. But she put that right out of her mind as fatigue swept over her in another powerful wave. Hopefully she’d sleep like the dead and forget that she was all alone in a big bed with only a wall between her and Tank.
    Pepper walked to the back of the restaurant and pulled open the door that led upstairs. Standing at the bottom and looking up deflated her. The steps rose like a mountain and she wished she had a Sherpa to carry her to the top.
    Slowly, Pepper climbed them, using the railing to pull herself along. Every step was excruciating. She was crashing hard and the wine had certainly contributed. Not to mention the fact she’d hardly slept last night, thanks to the emotional strain of facing Tank and Meg. Everything was finally taking its toll.
    Pepper paused and caught her breath at the top of the stairs. Her heart pounded and she felt a little lightheaded. Once steadied, she tiptoed down the hall, pausing only briefly in front of Tank’s door. She eavesdropped a moment. Music still played and she wondered why he hadn’t come downstairs. She didn’t know his schedule. In the past, his weekends