“You look familiar,” Christian said, his brow furrowed at Davis.
Davis shrugged. “I get that a lot. I guess I have one of those faces.”
Kelsey knew how much Davis hated the attention because of the show and tried to change the subject. “Davis, can I get you something?”
“Uh…” Davis cracked his knuckles, a nervous tell of his. “I was actually hoping we could talk.”
Her breath hitched. He wanted to talk? As much as she knew that it was necessary, she was slammed. And this conversation couldn’t be hurried. It was big. Bigger than big.
“We’re busier than expected and I’m shorthanded. Sophia called out tonight.”
“Okay, no worries.” He patted his thigh, a command for Cooper to come. “Then I’ll just catch up with you tomorrow at the pumpkin patch.”
“I’m really sorry.” Was she though? Because it felt more like relief in her chest rather than remorse.
“Actually, I guess I’ll take a beer, since I’m here.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Oh, yeah, of course.”
Davis never stuck around O’Henry’s for the heck of it. She filled a glass and handed it to him with as she pursed her lips.
“Thanks.” He nodded once at her, took a sip of his beer then turned his back to her, leaning against the bar.
Just what was he up to?
A song began playing loudly and next, Maddie’s voice reverberated through the bar’s old tinny speakers. Attention went to Maddie, and it gave Kelsey a moment to breathe. The awkwardness between Davis and her, and the tourist who appeared to be flirting with her, though as much as she hated to admit it, she might’ve been a bit naive. Maybe he was just being friendly. Maybe he was lonely.
Kelsey was all too familiar with lonely.
As Kelsey served a few other customers, she kept Davis in her peripheral. He finally took a seat on a barstool with his back to her. Cooper laid on the floor, his chin resting on one outstretched paw.
“So…” Christian said to her, his eyes expectant. “What time are you off tonight?”
She wanted to laugh. As the owner, was she ever off?
“We close at two. Then there’s the cash drawers and receipts and locking up. I’ll be lucky if I’m out of here by three.”
“You’re working the closing shift?”
“When you’re the owner, you’re always working the closing shift.”
“Ohh, so you’re the owner.”
She nodded.
Technically. For about three more weeks. The reminder of the timeline hit her like a jab below the ribs.
“This is great, I was actually hoping to talk to you when you have a moment.”
“Me?” was all she could say. Her ears burned.
“You’re busy tonight. What about tomorrow?”
The air in the bar felt thin and she fought to catch a breath. As loud as Maddie’s voice reverberated through the mic, Kelsey was very aware of Davis’s presence and there was no way he wasn’t hearing this entire conversation.
“Sorry, I already have plans. I’ll be at the pumpkin patch all day.”
“That’s unfortunate. I leave Monday. Maybe we could meet for coffee before I head out of town?”
