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“Hayden, I’ve got a problem.” Robb, the restaurant manager, corralled him after he’d delivered salads to the family of six in Booth 7. “I need an order run out to Carl and Barbara Hughes’s house.”
The Hughes were regular customers who called in at least once a week and tipped extremely well. “Where’s Ivan? Or what about Wendy or Martin?”
“They specifically requested ‘the guy with the radio show.’ Unless you know another employee who fits that description, you’re the chosen one.” Robb slapped a hand on his back. “Look at the bright side. While they’re eating, you can sit in the kitchen and scroll through social media, twiddle your thumbs, read, whatever you want.”
“Who’s going to take my tables? Sue already has me covering Table 11 for her.”
“No worries. I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”
He smiled through the surge of disappointment. “I’m on it.
“Thanks, man. I knew I could count on you.”
While he packed up the order in the kitchen, Hayden tried to convince himself his disappointment had nothing to do with the beautiful brunette in the blue dress at Table 11. Another five minutes later, he was on his way to the Hughes mansion on the edge of town. As he drove, Hayden’s stomach rumbled in response to the delicious aromas coming from the bag beside him.
Why didn’t you grab a breadstick on the way out?He should have eaten before his shift, but he’d run late at an impromptu soccer practice before running home to change. Scavenging in the glove compartment, he found a package of Twinkies he’d confiscated from one of the kids on the soccer team. With a scowl, he tossed it back in.
By the time he reached the gates outside the massive two-story house, Hayden still couldn’t shake the image of the guy with Violet. He was good-looking in an urban professional way, dressed in a well-tailored suit and silk tie. Not that he was jealous, but whowashe? Why did he look familiar? Hayden couldn’t recall seeing him around town. He’d probably come to town from the city. St. Louis was less than two hours from Goldenrod.
Violet had never mentioned a man in her life.Not that she’d tell you, anyway.The mystery man’s identity was going to bug him.
“Who’s there?” Barbara’s voice came through the loudspeaker outside the imposing wrought iron gates.
“Hi, Mrs. Hughes. It’s Hayden Brooks from Bella Roma. I’ve brought your dinner.”
“Oh yes, Hayden. We’re so glad you could come. Park anywhere in the front then come in the kitchen door on the right side of the house.”
“Will do, thanks. See you shortly.” After the gates slowly swung open, he drove up the fairly long driveway and parked next to Mr. Hughes’s sleek black Mercedes. At least he might earn a substantial tip tonight. Tommy and Dustin needed help covering the cost of their soccer uniforms, so he’d use the money for an anonymous donation. Haystack was also eating him out of house and home, and obedience school was a very real possibility.
A vision of Violet popped into his head again as he climbed out of the truck and grabbed the bag of food. His gaze momentarily shifted back to the tall gates. If only the gates of Violet’s heart would open so easily.
“Give up the pipe dream, man.” After rapping on the kitchen door, Hayden headed inside.
Chapter Six
“OUR FIRST SERVER WAS TOTALLY INTO YOU.”
“Don’t be crass.” Violet glanced about the dining room. Where had Hayden disappeared to, anyway?
“Sorry. I forgot you hate that expression, but the guy looked like he wanted to slug me.”
“I don’t think Hayden’s the violent type.”
“Maybe not, but he’s obviously theViolettype.”
She shifted on her chair. “This isn’t the best place for this discussion. He might come back to the table.” She’d be mortified if Hayden knew he was the topic of their conversation.
“Hayden’s gone and probably won’t be back before we leave.”
“Gone?” Violet swallowed her disappointment.
“Ever since you found out he works here, you’ve been looking around for him constantly. In a strange way, it reminds me of sitting in the stands during one of your college tennis matches.”
“Very funny.” Violet couldn’t quite muster a smile.
“While you were daydreaming, Robb took over as our server. He’s the restaurant manager, and Hayden’s his assistant. I asked him if Hayden would be returning.”
“I wasn’t…” Violet sighed. She never could hide anything from Trent. “Okay, I’ll bite. Just keep your voice down when the staff is around. What did Robb say?”
