It took a whole hell of a lot of courage to make his way to Rayâs, but Baker is still standing outside. Maybe heâs making more of a big deal than he needs to, but heâs awkwardly shuffling from foot to foot while debating with himself. He told Charlie he would go with her, but then wouldnât it be too obvious because itâs too normal. Oh, God, Baker hates his overactive mind. Whatever, heâs here now, and itâs about time he returned what wasnât his.
He presses in through the entrance, and well, fuck, he wants to turn around and run. No! If he acts awkward then it will be awkward, and heâll just not breathe a word of what happened. Itâs fine. Theyâre best buddies. Baker will get over it the moment Ray starts talking to him, and he doubts he even cares much. Heâs good like that.
Baker doesnât see Ray behind the bar right away, but he cautiously walks up and glances around the bar to see if heâs cleaning anything up outside of it. He could be in the backroom too, but heâs not about to wander back there. Sure, he slept there that one night, but this is still an establishment. Itâs rude to walk around just because youâre friends with the owner. Luckily though, Baker doesnât have to search much because Ray stands back up, and instantly he smiles as if he didnât have a worry. He stands there and hesitates, doesnât take a seat either, but still is smiling like normal.Â
Okay, cool, this is easy. Itâs as if he never felt worried. âHey, I, uh, realized I took something of yours the other night. Been meaning to bring it back.â He pulls it out from his pocket and holds it out to Ray feeling and looking entirely bashful. Whether thatâs from his mistake or what went on between them he canât decide. âI donât know how I got a hold of it, but I took care of it while I had it. I didnât drink any of whatâs left in it. Sorry about taking so long.â And wow, he feels mostly alright⌠and guilty now that itâs hitting him that heâs waited so long to return something that wasnât his.