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“Hey Bree, someone is here to see you.” I look up to see my friend, Robyn, standing in the doorway of the manager’s office where I’m counting money, trying to wrap up my shift for the evening.
Today is my last day waitressing at La’ Belle. I thought I’d be more excited to be moving onto bigger and better things, but I’m honestly a little sad to leave the restaurant where I’ve been waitressing for nearly three years now.
When I started applying for jobs with the county last month, I had been warned that it can sometimes be a very long process so I was more than a little surprised that within two weeks of interviewing I had been offered a full-time position working with children services. I got the call less than a week ago and due to the offer, I was only able to give a weeks’ notice here, though my boss, Jane, was amazing about it.
“To see me?” I finally question, having no idea who would be here to see me or why.
“Tall. Broad. Dark hair. I mean, if you don’t want to claim him I will,” she jokes, giving me a quick smile.
“Ant,” I say, the name instantly bringing a smile to my lips.
It’s been less than twenty-four hours since I’ve seen him and yet by how my body reacts to the news of him being here, you would think it’s been weeks.
We’ve been nearly inseparable the last three weeks. And while he hasn’t yet nailed down the job at Thoma Technologies, which was his excuse for wanting to stay with me temporarily, he’s still ended up sleeping on my couch more nights than not over the past few days.
He says it’s because Tess and Sebastian are unbearable, but I think it’s more about feeling like he’s imposing on them than how they are together. Though he doesn’t seem to have the same problem at my place. I swear that man just makes himself right at home which, of course, is fine by me.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love having him around, I do. And while I still get butterflies every time he looks at me a certain way, I’ve managed to compartmentalize those feelings enough that an easy friendship has reformed between us, to the point that you would think almost no time has passed.
Jack loves having him around maybe more than I do. Uncle Anthony is not only the best swing pusher, but he is also the best fort builder, the best grilled cheese maker, and the best story teller among many other things. I try not to be offended that he seems to be so much better at just about everything.
But I still give the best snuggles; that’s a title I refuse to let anyone take from me.
“Go,” Robyn says, cutting into my thoughts. “I’ll take care of closing you out. It’s your last day, get the hell out of here and be free for all of us,” she jokes, a sad smile on her face.
“I’ll come visit,” I promise, crossing around the desk to wrap my arms around her neck. Pulling her into a quick hug, I add, “Besides, now you’ll get first dibs on my section.” I pull back with a smile, knowing my assigned section is the most sought after but because of seniority I always get it.
“Yeah, if Tina’s ass doesn’t swoop in and try to take it.” She rolls her eyes.
“Like you would ever let that happen,” I retort.
“Yeah, good point. I will throat punch that bitch if she tries,” she says so straight faced I can’t help but laugh.
“Girl, I know you will.”
“Now go, don’t keep that hottie out there waiting.” She shoos me away, and I do nothing in the way of correcting her belief that Ant is something more than a friend.
“Thank you.” I quickly grab my bag and offer Robyn one more quick hug before practically skipping out of the office, through the kitchen, and into the dining room.
I spot Ant instantly; how could I not? His tall, broad build and handsome face stand out in any crowd. Of course, the dining room is nearly empty so that helps too.
He smiles the minute he catches sight of me, but it’s not just any smile. He seems genuinely excited about something.
“Hey,” I say the moment I reach him. “What are you doing here?”
“I got the job,” he announces, practically bouncing in front of me.
“Oh my God, Ant, that’s amazing.” I laugh when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me straight off my feet, spinning me in a full circle before setting me back down.
“I was starting to lose hope that they would ever make an offer.”
“It’s California. I swear everything moves ten times slower here,” I laugh.
“Not for you. Hell, you got that job so fast I think even I got whiplash.”
“That’s rare. Trust me,” I assure him.
“So I was hoping I could take you out for a celebratory drink. What do you say?” He gives me a hopeful grin.
