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Callie’s eyes widen and for the first time in weeks, I feel that connection I’ve had with her for years. I was wondering if she would ever smile at me again. In fact, the last time I saw her grin like that was before my trip to Vegas.
Knowing what happens any time I think of Vegas, I push that thought aside.
Jessica takes our orders and hurries off. While we wait for our drinks, people keep stopping by our table. Even for someone who grew up in a small town, this is more than I expected. Even though she doesn’t technically live here, Avery has apparently made many friends, including the LOLs, a group of busybody women who use an app for spying on their neighbors.
Jessica returns with our drinks and a smile. “Maria said she does have an opening.”
I look a Callie, and for the first time in weeks, she gives me a genuine smile. “I’ll text her after lunch.”
The booth is lighter without my daughter’s impression of Morticia bringing us down. That is one hurdle I’ve cleared. Everything seems to be looking up already.
We chat about nothing that important, cracking jokes, and Avery is her usual fun self.
“Oh, here comes our food,” Avery says. My back faces the kitchen. Sammy picks that moment to almost knock over his glass, but I catch it just in time.
“Hey, everyone. I hear you’re new in town.”
I pause in my actions, a shiver of need rushing through me. I know that voice. I remember it when the kids are asleep in the middle of the night, and I know they won’t hear my trusty vibrator.
“I’m not new,” Avery says in what we all describe as her “frowny voice.”
“I know you aren’t.”
Inwardly, I shake my head. Nope, there’s no way it’s him. I’m exhausted from the move and just need a good week of sleep. After I finish saving Sammy’s glass, I draw in a deep breath and turn to face him.
Those dimples. The sparkling green eyes. That lock of hair that is falling down over onto his forehead.
Yep. Life isn’t done kicking me around.
ChapterNine
MASON
FIVE MINUTES EARLIER
“Ugh, I need a bathroom break,” Jessica says.
We’re insanely busy, and I know that my going out on the floor takes me out of the kitchen, but Jessica is about to hit her third trimester. Bathroom breaks are a way of life for her right now.
“Go. I’ll take it out.”
“Thanks, Mason. They’re new in town. Well, not Avery, but her sister and her kids are.”
“Got it.”
I take the tray she’s prepared, lifting it easily, wondering about putting her on hostess duties. My folks don’t work for tips. I make sure they make a livable wage, and if they get tips, it’s just extra. But soon, Jessica will need to take it easy. That or I need to make sure she has someone to handle the trays.
I head down the aisle, avoiding Mrs. Petersen easily. She’s been after me for some reason. Whatever it is, it can’t be good. It never is with the LOLs.
I keep one eye on table fourteen and one on my path. The restaurant’s crazy, thanks to some TikToker who pushed us this past weekend. I’m not complaining, but I wasn’t ready for it, so we are a little short-staffed today.
I find my attention on the mother Jessica mentioned. There’s something about that ponytail, how it bounces as she saves her daughter from getting a lap of water from her son when she grabs the glass he accidentally hit.
“Sammy, my man, you need to settle down.”
That voice. It’s like smooth whiskey with a hit of spice and…I remember it. How can I not? I hear it in my dreams every night, and I even think I can hear her in the mornings.
I shake my head, trying to get it screwed back on straight. I keep thinking I see her, hear her. I even thought I heard her this morning while I was drinking coffee on my back porch. It’s insane, and I probably should talk to someone about it.
