Page 43 of Healer’s Betrayal

“You calling me a liar,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

I take a steadying breath. “I’ll go put in an order of onion rings.”

“Yeah, you will, Sweetheart.”

I bite my tongue, so I don’t say anything. On my way to the kitchen, I make the mistake of looking over at Jackson’s table. His eyes meet mine, and I can see the fury in them from here. It surprises me so much, I nearly trip over my own two feet. Ransom drops a hand on Jackson’s shoulder, and Jackson looks away from me. I hurry into the kitchen and scribble out an order for onion rings for my table. “Butch, I need an order of rings for that same table as quickly as you can get them to me.”

He picks up the order and frowns at it. “Somebody giving you trouble?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

I leave the kitchen and make my rounds to each of my tables. I don’t get to Jackson’s table yet because I circle back to the kitchen to see if the onion rings are done. I only have to wait a minute longer, and then I carry the piping hot rings to the table. “Here you go.” I set the rings down and force myself to be polite. “Enjoy." I leave before they can cause more problems. I finally make it to Jackson’s table with drinks. “Sorry, Guys. Here we go.” I hand Ransom his Coke and Jackson his water. I pick up the Sprite and try to hand it to Jackson, but he nods at Noah. I put the Sprite in front of Noah and ruffle his hair when his eyes widen. “What can I get everybody to eat?”

“What’s good here, Noah?” Ransom asks.

“The burgers,” my burger-loving brother answers without hesitation.

“The meatloaf and mashed and the chicken parm are both really good too,” I add. “And Butch makes amazing fried chicken.”

“Well, fried chicken it is then,” Ransom orders.

“Mashed and gravy and green beans okay?” I ask.

“Sounds delightful.”

I look at Jackson next. “What can I get for you?”

“Steak and baked potato.”

I smirk because that’s exactly what I guessed he would order. I write everything down and then pocket my book. “I already know what you want,” I tell Noah. “I’ll put those in,” I tell the guys.

“Thanks,” they both say as I head to the next table. Thankfully, my trouble table left. I take one look at the receipt and shake my head, not really surprised. I will never understand why customers take out their frustration with their server over something that is out of their control by not tipping them. At least they’re gone; good riddance.

I check in with my other tables and deliver food to another table before Noah’s burger is ready. I grab Noah’s burger first and carry it to the table. “Here, Noah.” I eye Ransom and Jackson. “Yours should be coming soon.”

“No rush,” Jackson says in a low voice.

I drop off their food a few minutes later, but now, we’re full into the lunch rush. So, I’m kept incredibly busy. I check in with the guys a few times and refill drinks but that’s about it. I take back their empty plates and bring over the check, minus Noah’s burger and drop it off. When I come back through, there’s a card on top of the receipt. “I’ll be right back with this.” I take it to the register and process the card before taking it back to them along with an updated receipt. “All right. You are ready to go. Did you guys enjoy it?” I ask as I start stacking the empty plates.

“That was so good,” Ransom says, patting his stomach.

I look over at Jackson. “And the steak?”

He nods. “It was good.”

“Good.” I look down at Noah with a grin. “And the burger.”

“Perfect,” he says, making all of us adults chuckle.

I take the stack of dirty dishes to the back and drop them off next to where Ezra is washing dishes. “Thanks, Ezra,” I call out and set them next to where he’s working.

I head back out, thankful to see the lunch rush starting to fade. I notice Noah is back at a smaller table again. “Hey,” I say as I walk past. “You good?” He nods, and I continue. As things slow down, I get a chance to help do some extra tasks that need to be done. Business starts picking up again around four. When five rolls around, I'm ready to be done for the night. I finish the tables I was serving and then make my way to the back where I clock out. My stomach growls, reminding me I didn’t eat lunch. I noticed the extra fries on Noah’s plate and the way he cut the burger in half. But I didn’t want to throw off Ransom and Jackson, and I really didn’t have time anyway. I usually get Noah’s food during a down time when I can take a break and eat with him, but I didn’t want him to miss out on eating with Ransom and Jackson. But now, I’m starving.

“You heading out?” Jessie asks as she passes me.

“I am. Have a good night.” She gives me a quick hug. “You too.” I pull back, ready for her to release me, but she holds me tightly. “I saw the looks he was giving you.” I pull back harder this time, and she releases me.

“Who?” I ask, genuinely confused.