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Ryker really appreciated the way she didn’t push for more information about what happened with Derek. He had it right—Amy was definitely worth all the time in the world.
“Okay, I totally understand why you’re still interested in her, except for the lemon cherry soda. For me that might have been a deal breaker,” Zed said with a wince.
“For me, it would have been the peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, but after hearing the ration of shit she was able to shovel back your way, I’d say she was a keeper.”
“So you see my dilemma,” Ryker said as he spread his arms wide.
“How much longer did you talk after that?” Zed asked.
“It went on for months, just like that before she shut me out.”
“I think you need to get to the bottom of things,” Jase told him.
4
“If one more server calls in sick, I’m going to go through the phone and strangle them. I’d say go to their house, but you know damn good and well they’re at the new club that opened up tonight. Everybody’s there. Why aren’t you there?” Amy asked the tall black man in front of her.
“I’ve got VIP tickets for tomorrow, on my night off,” he gave her a slow grin. “Want to go with me and a couple of my friends?”
“Thanks for the thought, but I’ll have to pass, Lawrence.”
“You know, all work and no play makes Amy a very, very boring girl,” he said as he slid by her.
“Makes me a damn good manager though,” she muttered.
“There is that. And when you decide to finally take the plunge, I’ve got a bunch of us lined up to go with you.”
Amy stopped dead in her tracks on her way back to the kitchen. “Lawrence, don’t say that. I know you, you would never leave Noreen and Francois. You love them.”
“That’s a load of crap and you know it. We love you! In the two years you’ve been managing this place you have treated all of us with dignity and respect. You’ve handled every customer problem, and you’ve made sure that Chef Francois never comes out on the floor to cause a ruckus. You’ve been a dream. Before you, this place was a disaster.”
Amy was aghast. Then she watched as Gillian walked by with a full tray and whispered to Lawrence, “Noreen sighting, watch your six.”
“Gotta get back to the bar, Amy. Think about the ticket to Rising Desire, we’d love for you to come tomorrow.”
“I’ll—”
Her phone vibrated, cutting her off. Lawrence shook his head and grinned as she looked at her display. “Hope it’s not Valentina calling in sick, but bet it is,” he sing-songed.
“Leave,” Amy growled as she pointed at Lawrence.
“What is it, Valentina?” Amy bit out. “You better not be telling me you have the Rising Desire flu, because if you do, the next time you come into work will be to clean out your locker.” It wasn’t true, but it sounded good.
“Oh. Uhm. No.” The girl coughed. “I just wanted to say.” She coughed again. “I don’t have the flu.” She coughed so hard Amy thought she might hack up a lung. “I’m just going to be ten minutes late. But I’ll be there,” Valentina promised.
“Oh, forget it. The last thing I need is a server who’s coughing in people’s food all night.” Amy didn’t know who she was more disgusted with, herself for falling for Val’s ploy, or Val for leaving her in such a lurch.
“Oh, well, I’m so glad you understand. Thanks, Amy, you’re the best.”
“Val?”
“Yeah?”
“You probably want to end the call by coughing again,” Amy prompted.
“Oh yeah.” She coughed. “I think I’m going to have some hot tea and honey.” She coughed two more times to make it sound good. “Good night.”
“Have fun tonight,” Amy said before she hung up.
