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“You sound different,” she says.
“In what way?”
“Honestly, you sound happy. Maybe even more confident. My daughter doesn’t enjoy leaving her house for much, let alone working in a bar.”
I shrug a shoulder, even though she can’t see me.
“I’m having fun. And I’m happy.”
“Well, that’s all that matters, then. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, honey. I’m going over to check on your condo in just a little while. I’ll let you know if anything is wrong, but I’m sure it’s fine.”
“I appreciate you checking on it for me. I’m sure it’s fine, too, but you never know.”
“It’s good to hear your voice, Lexi. Let’s not wait so long to chat next time.”
“Just call me, Mom. Honest.”
She laughs in my ear, and it makes me miss her. “I will. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Okay, bye.”
I hang up and tuck the phone into my pocket. We’re about to go to the pub for the evening. I never would have thought that I’d look forward to helping out at O’Callaghan’s the way I do. Shawn’s siblings are awesome, and the music is fun.
Maybe my evenings there are what’s bringing me out of my shell a bit. I’ll have to think about it more later.
“I just have to take a quick shower, and then I’ll be ready to go,” Shawn says as he walks into the house, wiping his hands on a rag. He stops when he sees me. “You’re wearing that?”
I glance down at my jeans and Henley top. “What’s wrong with it? Is this shirt stained already? I just bought it before I came to Seattle.”
“It’s tight,” he says. “It fits you like a glove.”
I blink at him, and then realization hits. I look too good in it. “Yep, definitely wearing it.”
He sighs. “Good to know so I can mentally prepare to break a bunch of necks tonight.”
I laugh and shoo him with my hands. “Go get your shower so we’re not late.”
“Bossy woman.” But he’s smiling as he hurries into his bedroom.* * *“Why are you back here alone?” Maggie asks as she bustles into the kitchen.
“Because Shawn is manning the bar while Keegan talks to the police,” I reply. “I guess he had to call the cops on some guys fighting?”
“Oh, right. Is he still outside?” She frowns and blows a stray lock of red hair off her face. “Okay, I need two cheeseburgers and fries, and an order of nachos.”
“Got it.”
“Lex, do you want a job?” I turn in surprise and find Maggie’s expression is perfectly serious. “You’re really good at this.”
I smile. Inside, I’m beaming with pride. “Thanks, but I’m only here for a few weeks to write this movie, and then I’ll be headed back to Minneapolis.”
“Bummer,” Maggie replies just as Shawn returns to the kitchen.
“What’s a bummer?” he asks.
“That Lexi doesn’t want a full-time job here,” she replies before lifting a tray full of loaded plates onto her shoulder and leaving the kitchen again.
“She offered me a job,” I say with a proud smile. “I guess I’m doing okay.”
“Honestly, you’re doing better than that, and I’m not just saying that because I want to get into your pants.”
I roll my eyes and turn back to the griddle to turn the hamburger patties. “Thanks.”
Maggie returns, but her good mood has disappeared, replaced by a scowl as she slams her tray on the table. “Slimy bastard. Who does he think he is coming in here looking like that?”
“Who?” Shawn and I ask at the same time.
“No one,” she mutters and leaves again, the scowl still in place.
“I’m going to go grab a beverage. Can I get you something?” I ask Shawn.
“No, thanks.”
Before I can walk out, Shawn catches my hand and pulls me back for a quick kiss.
“What was that for?”
“Just for being you,” he says. “Go get your drink.”
I press my tingling lips together as I stride out of the kitchen and move right behind the bar. Keegan told me earlier to just come back and get myself a Coke whenever I want. So, I fill a glass with ice and shoot the gun thingie into it.
I glance up to find a strikingly handsome man smiling at me from across the bar.
“Hi, I’m Lexi,” I say before sipping my drink.
“Cameron,” he replies with a nod. “You’re new here.”
“I’m just helping out in the kitchen. What are you doing here?” I feel my eyes go wide and clamp my hand over my mouth. “Oh my God, who am I? I don’t just start up random conversations with hot men. Shit, I just said that out loud, didn’t I?”
Cameron is laughing now, and Maggie rushes up to the bar, unloading her tray of empties. “So, I see you met Lexi,” she says. “Don’t be an ass and scare her off, okay?”
“I’m not in the habit of scaring off women,” he replies, leveling Maggie with a cool stare.
