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“Whatever,” he spits, “in addition to paying for the Rosewood’s drinks today you will also pay for their meal this morning as an apology for your unprofessional behavior, Elinor. You can give the money to me now or go pay the cashier.”
His hand is gripping her arm, making her wince as he propels her toward the doorway near where I’m seated. His face is filled with smug pleasure while hers looks sickened by his allegations and unreasonable decree.
“Lawrence, I… I... I can’t afford that.” She stammers, pale-faced and openly distressed.
“You should have thought of that before you went up there and acted like trash. I should have known better than to let you on my staff.” His words infuriate me, even before she speaks, her voice small again, cowed by his harsh attitude.
“Lawrence, please,” she pleads. “Their tab will be at least a couple hundred dollars.” I can hear the tears in her voice and I can’t help but wonder what the hell kind of breakfast the Rosewoods were enjoying this morning.
“Not my problem,” he snaps, pushing past her and rushing by me. “Fucking cunt, that’ll show you,” he mumbles under his breath, thinking no one will hear him, but I do. The urge to chase him down and beat his ass into a bloody pulp for tormenting her takes every ounce of my military training and self-control.
Tina’s black rimmed eyes speak volumes when they meet mine as she hurries past me and into the kitchen where Elinor is standing, huge tears rolling down her face while her shoulders shake with silent sobs. I watch, wanting to push her out of the way, while Tina wraps her in a hug, smoothing her hand over her long dark ponytail and murmuring comfortingly to her. Her pain rips at my heart and I know that there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to make things better for her.
A few minutes later Elinor wipes her face with a white towel that someone behind her presses into her hand and Tina returns to her post at the bar. I motion her over to me. “That was fucked up,” I say when she approaches me.
“Told ya that he’s a douche,” she responds, a look of loathing on her face. “The Rosewoods are wretched people. They come here every year and treat everyone like crap. Loser Larry knows better than to send a pretty girl up to their room while they are here.”
“Yeah?” I ask, hoping she will keep talking.
“Yeah. The good doctor hits on every woman in sight and his bitch of a wife pretends it’s their fault. Sending Ellie up there was asking for trouble, in so many ways, and he knew it.”
Ellie. I like it…almost as much as I like Elinor.
“I will be making sure that Xavier knows about this.” I blatantly name-drop, knowing that the word will spread amongst the staff. Her eyes widen in surprise, probably remembering the way that she unashamedly propositioned me and wondering what kind of impact it might have on her job. “When she is feeling up to it, have Ellie clear my dishes please.” I slip her a fifty as a tip. She grins, pocketing the cash and poking her head back into the kitchen.
“Ells, can you come and give me a hand when you’re ready?" I hear her ask gently, followed by the sound of Ellie’s watery voice agreeing. Steeling myself for the impact of her sad face, I wait for her to come out.
It isn’t long before she does. Her
golden skin is blotchy from her tears, her eyes and nose are red. She’s still the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen. She slips behind the bar, her head lowered in shame while she waits for Tina to give her instructions. I hate seeing her look so defeated.
It’s gotten busy again, and I hadn’t even noticed. For several minutes Tina has her running drinks and food out to tables, helping the other waitresses. I sit back, watching as she bustles around, fending off handsy customers and making small talk while she takes orders.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she approaches me with a sad, tired smile.
“Hi.” Her voice is barely louder than a whisper, and I find myself leaning closer to her, not wanting to miss a single syllable falling from her lush pink lips.
“Can I get you anything else?” She efficiently gathers my empty plate and rocks glass, waiting for my response.
“Coffee, please.” I’ve had more than enough alcohol for so early in the day. She looks up shyly into my eyes with a little smile, making my pulse pound heavily through my veins.
“We have fresh cherry pie that just came out of the oven.” She offers, looking down at the dishes in her hands.
“I would love a piece of your cherry pie,” I tell her, truthfully. “Can you take a break and join me?”
Her eyes jump back to mine, wide with surprise. “Oh no, sir. I couldn’t,” She takes a step backward, her gaze lingering. “But I will go get a piece for you. Ice cream or whipped cream?” she asks.
“Ice cream.” I tell her as she turns away.
Can’t blame a guy for trying.
Chapter Four
Ellie
I don’t waste any time pouring the biggest cup I can find full of coffee for the broad-shouldered man at the bar, along with a still steaming slice of pie. The scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is already melting next to it. My cheeks feel as warm as the pie. The way his forest green gaze smoldered when I offered him cherry pie took me by surprise. I can’t help shaking my head at my own ridiculousness. Of all things to blurt out… I didn’t mean to say something inappropriate. Ana always told me to be careful about how I say things, because even though I mean them innocently, they aren’t always taken that way.
Especially by men.
