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“Maybe he’s just trying to catch my attention because he needs a refill.” I attempt to find a logical explanation. Surely this guy can’t be interested.
“I doubt it. He’s looking your way in between sips. I’m going out on a limb here, but something tells me if he needed a second cup, he wouldn’t hesitate to let us know.”
I open my mouth to answer, but suddenly Jane’s voice surprises Abby and I. We both turn around to look at our colleague. “Man, it’s a zoo out there. Are you girls done with my drinks yet? These customers are so impatient this morning.”
“Give us a few more minutes and we should have your first order done,” I say.
“Yeah. The drip coffees take no time at all and I’m nearly there with your skinny cappuccino,” Abby adds.
“I’m sure that’s going to be too long because these people are so antsy, but I guess I don’t have a choice. Just make sure you hurry with the other orders.”
“We will,” both Abby and I say in unison.
Over the next fifteen minutes Abby and I are all business. We don’t have a choice. Once we take care of Susan and Jane’s drinks, other waiters line up to place their orders. It’s nonstop.
Although we put a halt to our conversation about the hottie hunk, that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about him. I try my best not to be too obvious, but every time I look his way, I catch him looking back. I have to will myself to bite down a smile when our eyes meet. At first, I thought it was all in my head, but the glee in his eyes suggests he’s paying attention. I guess Abby was right after all.
As I turn around to place three glasses of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice on a tray, the stranger stands up. My heart thumps so hard in my chest it’s as if it’s trying to escape. I turn around looking for Abby, but just like that she’s by my side. The hunk is still talking to the guy he was having breakfast with and suddenly I’m riveted by his every move.
“I bet you two hundred dollars he’s coming this way to talk to you.”
“Huh? What makes you say that?” My heart is now jackhammering.
“He could’ve flagged Nadine to settle his bill like most patrons do. Instead, he’s clinging onto the bill and cash. He’s definitely coming over to pay at the cash register, which is conveniently located right here,” Abby says with a gleam of triumph in her eyes.
“You think so?” Clearly there are only three options here and I doubt he intends on running out without paying.
She nods. “Yup.”
I’m too petrified to even fold my lips up in a smile. We both turn to follow the action. Now the tall, dark and handsome piece of man candy is laughing with that guy who came on too strong. A few minutes later, the other guy leaves the restaurant from the patio doors while Mr. Hottie starts walking this way.
Oh, God, he really is coming over.
Abby pokes my shoulder. “Let’s keep working so we don’t look so obvious,” Abby suggests under her breath.
“Good idea,” I concede. As I pivot around ready to clean the juicer so I can pretend that I’m immersed in my job and not dying for this guy to come and talk to me, I slam into a person. “Crap,” I mutter, closing my eyes.
“Miranda, you’re not watching where you’re going,” Austin barks. Obviously, he’s annoyed by the fact that I’m totally distracted. I really can’t blame him.
“I’m really sorry about that. It’s just so busy. I was rushing and I wasn’t paying attention.” It’s only a partial lie.
“Well, at least you’re right on that front. It’s a madhouse in here. I just heard back from Lisa. The reason she hasn’t shown up yet is because she witnessed an accident on her way here and she helped the driver out of the car before it combusted into flames. The police needed to question her. She’s not going to be here for another hour. We’re too short-staffed and we’re not keeping up. It’s not as if the flow of customers has diminished since we opened. I need you in the kitchen right now.” Shit, shit, shit.
“Will Abby be able to manage the drinks on her own?” I ask in an attempt to remain out here as long as possible.
“I’ll take over. That way I can also keep an eye on the restaurant,” Austin announces.
“Okay. I just—”
“Listen, Miranda, I don’t have time to argue with you. I need you in the kitchen, pronto.” Austin grabs my elbow and pulls me forward. As much as I want to kick and scream in protest, I restrain myself.
Fuck. If I’m stuck back there, I might never have a chance to see the hunk again.
