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“Not really,” she admitted.
“Then go and fix yourself something.” He gently rocked her back and forth. “Take half an hour. I promise I won’t ruin your business in that time.”
Despite her tiredness, he’d made her smile, and she really was feeling a bit wobbly.
“Okay, half an hour, and then I’ll be down again.”
“Great.” He turned her to face the exit. “Off you go.”
At the door she looked over her shoulder. “Are you sure you know where—?”
“Whatever it is, I’ll find it.” He pointed his finger at her. “Go.”
Bella climbed the stairs to her apartment and let out a relieved sigh as she closed the door. That was possibly the nicest thing any man had done for her in decades—if ever. And all without a lecture or any mansplaining . . .
Okay, so she’d wanted to kiss him again, but this time he deserved it.
Her smile faded. She couldn’t go on without a full staff. She’d have to talk to Jay.
* * *
Billy set about dealing with the fruit and vegetables until he’d filled the stacks of boxes, and replaced everything in the refrigerator. Noticing there was very little soup left, he set a huge pan of vegetable and lentil soup on the stove to slowly cook through. He glanced at the kitchen clock, noting that an hour had gone past, and that Bella hadn’t reappeared. He could only hope she’d fallen asleep.
She was a strong woman who’d prioritized the needs of her customers over the state of her kitchen, and he could only admire her for that. The problem was, one person couldn’t do everything. She was wearing herself out.
The back door banged, and Jay came into the kitchen. Billy nodded to him.
“Hey, Bella’s just upstairs getting herself some lunch. I volunteered to finish up in here for her. She had quite a day.”
Jay glanced at the door that led into the bar. “Is everything okay? I asked two of my waitstaff to help out so Mom wouldn’t be alone in the kitchen.”
“I think it got busy out there, so Bella sent them back out.” Billy wiped his hands on the towel. “I know it isn’t any of my business, but I don’t think she should be trying to do everything out here.”
“It’s okay. You’re preaching to the choir.” Jay sat down at the table with a thump. “She’s always been reluctant to accept any help out here. I even offered to get a full-time chef and staff so that she could retire, but she was horrified at the idea.”
“She sounds just like my mother,” Billy said. “Are you okay if I talk to Avery our event coordinator about getting someone to help out more permanently? She usually has really good leads, and great ideas.”
“Be my guest.” Jay sighed. “I feel like I’m failing her all around right now.” He struggled to his feet. “I should go up and make sure she’s okay.”
“I think she might be taking a nap,” Billy said. “She looked worn out.”
“Then I’ll leave her to it.” Jay nodded. “Thanks for helping out again. Are you sure you don’t want a job?”
“I’m happy to help out when I can.” Billy shrugged. “And I’m cheap.”
“A win-win for Mom then.” Jay grinned at him. “I’ll be back in two hours to check the bar stock and get set up for the evening rush. There are fewer orders for food, so hopefully we’ll cope. I’m sure Erin will lend a hand, too.”
With a brisk nod, Jay left and Billy made himself a cup of coffee. He’d given up alcohol after ending up in prison, and still attended the regular AA meetings held in the church hall in Morgantown. He’d never really liked the taste of alcohol, and had just used it to drown his own guilt. Fifteen years ago he’d vowed never to touch another drop, and he hadn’t.
Even being this close to the bar wasn’t making him regret that decision, which gave him a great deal of satisfaction. But he knew himself now—knew how easily a good man could turn to crutches to help himself deal with grief. He finished his coffee and remembered his original reason for turning up at the bar. In the immediate emergency of helping Bella out, he’d completely forgotten to mention the wedding party.
