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“What could make it easier? If I made out with random guys all day?”
I wasn’t convinced this was the best move for me. Even though Tori knew everything that had gone down six days ago, and always had my back, meaning she would never set me up for something she didn’t think was in my best interest, still, I wasn’t so sure.
“You don’t have to kiss them on the mouth,” Tori informed me. “Cole isn’t. He’s just offering up his cheek or kissing theirs. And just look at them. They don’t mind that. Those women are practically trampling over each other to get to the front of the line.”
I looked over my shoulder in the direction of the kissing booth.
Tori was right. The line was at least twenty bodies deep, and the women all looked eager, pushing closer every chance they got, clapping their hands, high-fiving each other and counting their cash. And poor Cole, he did look a little overwhelmed all by himself as he flinched while some grandma planted a big, wet one on his cheek.
“I don’t know,” I said, turning back around.
“Is there any reason why you shouldn’t do this?” Tori asked.
I released a tight breath, then shook my head.
She tilted hers with a soft, sympathetic smile, took hold of my hand again, and tugged me toward the restaurant. “It’ll be good. I promise. But if it is too much, you can always back out. No one will say anything.”
Tori and I walked up the stairs to Whitecaps and pulled the door open to step inside. I pushed my glasses on top of my head.
The brightly colored, beach-themed restaurant was empty, except for J.R., who was in charge of all the cooking today. And I guessed Nate, who was probably back in his office.
If Nate had a choice between being in his office and being out of it, no matter the circumstance, he chose the former.
“But if I don’t do it, who will help Cole?” I asked, following Tori to the kitchen window where trays held stacks of burgers and hot dogs, ready to be served.
“I don’t know. No one, I guess,” she answered. “I can’t. Jamie would blow a gasket and go on a killing spree. Brian too, so Syd’s out. I’m going to have her do the face-painting since Lauren called dibs on games and is refusing to move her ass to another booth, even if it means sacrificing her own selfishness for once and doing something in the best interest of the team.” She rolled her eyes and slid a tray off the ledge. “Help me carry these out, will you?” Tori asked, tipping her chin at the other tray.
I grabbed the tray of hot dogs and smiled through the window at J.R. when he looked up from the cutting board.
He smiled back, immediately, and, like always, wasn’t shy to initiate conversation with a friendly “Hey you.”
Which only made me think about the man he shared that kitchen with, who was the exact opposite when it came to workplace pleasantries and prompting conversations.
My smile disappeared as quickly as it came on. “Hey,” I returned faintly.
“Keep them coming, Jay. We got a big crowd out there,” Tori said. “Lots of mouths to feed.”
“Roger that.” J.R. passed his smile between the two of us before he resumed slicing onions and heads of lettuce. “Why the pouty face?” he asked me. “You and Sean get into a fight or something? Is that why he isn’t here and I’m having to feed the whole fucking town all by myself?”
I let out a small noise that sounded like a squeak, my eyes so wide I was sure I had zero forehead space left.
Damn, J.R. was way more perceptive than I gave him credit for.
Shit.
“Do we look like we have time to chat?” Tori asked, stepping up to the window and saving me from having to answer. “I’ve already been asked twice about the food situation. People are starving, Jay. And considering this is an event hosted by a restaurant where food is supposed to be served, I’m thinking we need to feed them sooner rather than later. What do you think?”
“All right, damn,” he muttered, suddenly looking uncomfortable, which was a common reaction to being on the receiving end of Tori’s signature sass. “Jesus. Sorry I asked.”
J.R. went back to focusing fully on his vegetable chopping.
I sort of felt bad, but apologizing might lead to that explanation I was avoiding, so I kept my mouth shut and followed behind Tori in the direction of the doors.
“Thanks,” I whispered, falling in a step behind her.
She turned her head and winked. “Any time, babe.”
Jenna came rushing inside with her kids, Oliver and Olivia.
She smiled at us. “Hey! Can we use the bathroom? Is that allowed?”
Olivia pinched her legs together. “I’m gonna bust!” she shrieked.
