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Order up!”
“Got it. Thanks, Sam.” I whirl around, looking at the clock on the wall, picking up the plates. I brush the strand of hair back into my loose ponytail.
“No prob, hun. Gotta keep ‘em coming fast and hot. My best girl needs her tips.”
“You’re the best, Sam.” I smile. “I know it’s kind of busy, but can I take my lunch break in fifteen, please?”
“Go ahead. The lunch rush should start dying down. You’ve been on your feet since you got in here for breakfast rush. Sharon and Tandy got it.”
“You’re too good to me, Sam.”
“Not good enough. Get those orders to my starving customers. By the way, tell your mom I’m still waiting for the invite to sit next to her at church.”
“I’ll remind her.” I place the drinks on my tray for my last table.
“Good.” He waves me off.
Thank God I have a boss as old-school cool as Sam. Helps he has a thing for my mother, too, though she won’t give him the time of day. Even though my dad’s been gone for years, she’s never dated. I guess when my dad died she couldn’t get over it, and she focused all her attention on us and threw herself into her job at the church. It’s a shame; Sam’s a really nice guy.
Speaking of nice guys...Landon should be here by 1:40 p.m.
“Here you go. Seasoned fries, triple heart attack cheeseburger with everything, a Coke and a slice of German chocolate cake.” My God, Mrs. Bentley has to be pushing eighty but once every week she comes in and orders the same thing. She never finishes. She eats a quarter of it and wraps the rest to take home.
“Thank you, Lacey.”
I think she’s lonely. Her husband passed six months ago. They didn’t have kids. They used to come in together, order a meal, and split it. She’s still following the routine. They were cute.
“Such a sweet girl.” She smiles, her eyes crinkle at the side. “How’s that handsome son of yours doing?”
“Actually, he’s doing great. Thank you for asking.”
“How are you doing?” I place my hand on one hunched, frail shoulder.
“Oh, a young, pretty thing like you wouldn’t know, but old age is a bitch and a half.” She laughs. “Other than minor aches and pain from wear and tear, I’m good.”
“I have a little time to sit with you, if you want? I’m waiting for someone, but once he’s here, if you need anything, I’ll be sitting right over there.” I point to the corner booth. “Tell them you want me and I’ll come right over.”
“No need for that. You go on and take your break in peace. I’m not that addled yet.” She smiles.
I hug her gently and head to the booth. Sitting down, I pull the postcard out of my pocket that the mail carrier gave me earlier. “Wow. He’s traveling the world like he said he would. On his own terms. Good for him.”
“For who, beautiful?”
I look up with the biggest smile.
He’s staring at me, smiling, and kisses me. “Whose ass am I going to have to kick for putting this smile on your face?” He doesn’t even look at the other side of the booth. He scoots in next to me, pressing his leg against mine, peering at the postcard in my hand.
“Is it possible to kick your own ass?”
“In that case, I deserve an award. Don’t you think?” He pushes his lips out.
I laugh, intending to give him a chaste kiss, which he changes to a welcome home, mouth open, delicious, tingling one, giving me all the wonderful feels from our night together.
“If it’s not possible for us to get out of here, one of us better pull back,” he says against my lips. “We’re going to get in trouble for indecent behavior.”
Hesitantly I pull back, cheeks warm. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in way too long, but it was only two days ago.”
“I know.” He takes my hand in his. “We’re going to find a way to fix that. First, should I be jealous? Tristan?” He tips his chin at the card in my hand.
