Two
Lexi couldn’t fight the little bounce in her step as she dropped off Will’s soda—the right one this time. Without spilling it. She cleared her tables, put the umbrellas up, and received a decent tip from the three ladies. Progress.
Brett’s lips moved but he didn’t quite smile. “Can you cover for Tiff Monday morning?” he asked as he refilled the ice.
“I can’t,” she said, with real regret. There was a Monday-morning seniors group that preordered their meals and tipped great. She’d just have to carry food without dropping it. “I still have my full-time job. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll ask someone else,” Brett said, gesturing to the pass-through bar when the bell rang. “That’s your table-two order.”
Because she didn’t want to walk away with him seeming disappointed, she took a tiny leap and shared an idea she’d been turning over. “I was thinking that if you wanted to capitalize on having the senior crowd on Mondays, you could run a couple of specials geared toward them, maybe even do a buy one meal get half off if you bring someone new on a Monday morning.” Regulars were great, but turnover and volume were better.
Brett’s lips pursed in a considering way. years younger than her, he had a degree and ran a staff of twenty so she wasn’t sure he’d take her suggestion.
The kitchen bell chimed again, reminding her of her order. Brett arched his brows, saying nothing about her idea and everything about what she should focus on without speaking at all.
She was thinking about missed opportunities as she brought Will his sandwich. The side of fries smelled delicious. She needed something to eat. Will set his book to the side as she approached. His soda was empty again. He could really put them away. Or maybe he wants you to keep coming back to his table.
Running a hand through his thick, dark hair, he gave her the kind of grin that stuck in a person’s head for longer than it should. The kind she’d probably see later when she closed her eyes.
His brows lifted. “This looks great. Thank you,” he said, putting a napkin across his lap.
“You’re welcome. The food here is really good. Something I appreciate since I’m not great at cooking. Breakfast foods are my sweet spot. Trust me, if I was cooking for you, you wouldn’t be saying thank you.” Her cheeks warmed immediately as she set the plate down. Why had she said that? Why would she be cooking for him?
Will didn’t seem bothered by it. He picked up a fry, lips quirking. “Not one of those people who think the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach?”
Lexi set a few extra napkins on his table, picked up his glass. “Sure. That could work. As long as it’s not my food they’re serving up.”
Will laughed, the sound more enjoyable than the smell of fries. That was saying something since she was getting hungrier by the second.
“I’ll be right back.”
guys walked onto the patio, seated themselves at a table for six. Six people ordering food at once was a lot. Though they could just be table jerks—a specific type of customer that sat at much larger tables than they needed.
“Be right with you,” she told them. Hurrying to the bar, she ordered Will’s refill then grabbed her pad and pen off the tray. She shoved them in her apron pocket—basically the waitress version of a fanny pack. She envied the waitresses who, despite wearing the apron and having notepads and pens, didn’t need to write stuff down. Her memory had become as sedentary as the rest of her life.
Leaving the tray, she took Will’s soda to him, asked how everything was.
His gaze sparkled with amusement she didn’t understand. “Delicious. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
She hurried away, her heartbeat racing at the thought of those guys being joined by four other people. You can do this. You’ve done it before. Step by step. Take their orders, deal with the rest as it comes.
“Hi, guys. I’m Lexi. How are you today?” She pulled her pad out of her pocket.
The darker-haired guy slid his sunglasses to the top of his head. “Better now,” he said, winking at her.
It took effort to keep her eye roll internal. She didn’t mind a little flirting, but cliché, cheesy lines weren’t her favorite.
“We’re good. How are you?” the red-haired guy asked.
“Can’t complain.” Not at the moment, anyway. With a wide smile, she gestured to the rest of the table. “Are you expecting others?”
The dark-haired guy shook his head. “Nope. Just us. We’ll have two of whatever is on tap and on sale.”
So, just table jerks. Relief whipped through her. -top table? She could handle that. Once she got them settled, she could even handle another. It was just the all-at-once that stressed her out, flustered her, made her feel like she was running in four directions simultaneously with no view of the finish line.
“Sounds good. Be right back.”
They picked up the menus and started talking about a concert they’d seen. Lexi glanced at Will. He was already looking her way. Their gazes locked and he sent her a soft smile. Her shiver had nothing to do with the temperature.
“You good?” She mouthed the words more than said them.
He nodded. Lexi was hyperfocused as she returned to the bar, ordered the drafts. More customers had shown up. The music could barely be heard over the chatter. Other waitresses served large tables of four or more. Not a competition. Brett saw her at the bar, handed one of the busboys a bin, saying something to him before coming to fill her order.
“The other sections are getting slammed. Next table needs to be yours,” Brett said, pouring the beer.
“No problem,” she said, pleased she sounded confident. “I’ve only got the two tables. I’m ready.”
He nodded, set the beer on her tray. “You’re getting better at this, Lexi. Don’t let yourself get flustered.”
“Thanks.” He really was a nice guy. He’d given her plenty of chances to get this right. Channeling the girl she’d once been, the one who’d tackled every obstacle like a hurdle in track, she straightened her shoulders. She had this.
The two guys ordered a plate of nachos and a basket of wings, which made things even easier. They kept their flirting to a minimum and Will looked perfectly content munching on his fries, reading his book. When the wings-and-nachos order came up, she took it out to the table, noticing their beers were low.
“Awesome. Thanks, cutie. We’ll take a couple more beers. Too bad you can’t join us,” the dark-haired wannabe Casanova said with another wink.
“Can we get some side plates, too?” the other guy asked.
“Of course. Be right back.”
Why did some people think that because she was serving them food, they were free to call her what they wanted, say whatever came to mind? She needed tips, not dates. Even if she could juggle something else in a schedule packed with two jobs, school, and her mom, she wouldn’t be interested in either of these guys. Her gaze wandered to Will and her belly fluttered.
“Thanks, honey,” Redheaded Guy said, pulling her attention back to them.
Smile. A little flirting goes a long way when it comes to tips.
Back at the bar, Brett poured her drinks, smiling widely at a waitress who’d just shown up for her shift.
“Reese is here,” Brett said like she couldn’t see with her own two eyes. “You can take your break. You get a fifteen. She’ll watch your tables. Take these out first.” He nudged the beer forward.
For the first time, Lexi wanted to argue with him. She didn’t want a break. She didn’t need it. But since she wasn’t the boss, she didn’t have much choice. Eventually, when she got her degree, she’d be in a better position. She could be the boss. And take a break when she damn well felt like it. She put her apron on her tray before picking up the pints. Brett moved it and her tray behind the bar. How could she get better if they pulled her away from the stove just as it heated up? He’d just given her a pep talk!
Say something. Tell him you’re ready to prove yourself. Instead, she took the beer, headed for the patio. She wanted to finish her own tables today, earn her own tips.
“Can we get those plates, sweetheart?” Dark Hair asked as she dropped off the beer.
Irritation mounted. Maybe Brett wouldn’t think she needed a break if she remembered the things she was supposed to. “Right. Sorry. Be right back.” She needed a shirt that said that.
Stopping by Will’s table, she asked if he wanted more soda. His lips twisted in thought. It was an adorable enough gesture to cut through some of her mad.
“One more. Why not? It’s a beautiful day and I just got to the good part of the book,” he said, passing her his glass.
“The whole book is excellent. One of my favorites by her,” she said, aware of how his voice slid over her, smooth and rich, erasing her annoyance. Their fingertips touched around the glass, giving her an odd dual sensation—icy glass under her palm, heat from his fingertips brushing hers.
A jumble of female voices sounded behind her. More customers. She should just take their orders. Show Brett and herself that she’d be fine. Greet them, ask if they’d like a drink, let Reese know, and take your break.
“If I burn, I’m blaming you, Lena,” an oddly familiar voice teased.
“You won’t burn. If anything, you’ll have a rosy glow for your photo shoot this afternoon,” another equally familiar voice said around a laugh.
Why did she recognize their voices? Lexi’s hand wobbled, making the ice clink against the glass. How was it that a voice could transport a person back in time? She knew those voices. Knew those women. From another time when she’d been a hell of a lot more than she was right now.
Turning her head as slowly as possible, she chanced a look before whipping her face back toward Will. No. No. No. Why now? Why not six months from now when I’ve got my shit together? Why not never? Or when my life hasn’t imploded?
“You okay?” Will’s dark brows moved closer together, his forehead wrinkling.
It took her a second to acknowledge him over the buzzing in her ears. Memories rushed back, flitting through her head like an old-time film reel.
“I haven’t eaten here. It better be worth the points,” that voice said. Jacqueline O’Dell. Her nickname in high school was, predictably, Jackie O. Most likely to grace the cover of a magazine. Once upon a time, they’d been friends, both of them heading into life full of optimism and power. Lexi hadn’t seen her in years.
“I’ve heard it’s great,” Becca said. Rebecca Kramer, most likely to throw themed parties, had been another girl in their circle.
One more quick glance showed that they still suited the role of It Girls perfectly. Jackie with her long, silky brown hair. She waved her hand at the two other women, the sun catching on the iceberg-sized diamond weighing down her ring finger. Their laughter and words ran over one another’s with the kind of levity Lexi couldn’t remember feeling.
Lexi’s stomach pitched. She nearly lost her grip on the glass. Will stood, stepped toward her. Lexi’s head spun.
“I don’t think anyone works out here,” said the unknown woman with straight jet-black hair, gorgeously lined dark eyes, and a bright-pink top, looking around. Her gaze caught Lexi’s. “Do you work here?”
The other women looked over. Lexi wished she’d dressed better today instead of throwing on her black jeans and a plain white T-shirt. She’d felt cute when she left the house. Fashion wasn’t exactly high on her radar these days.
It took Jackie less than a nanosecond to recognize her, which should have felt good. Lexi had been someone once or felt like a someone. In hindsight, it was easy to feel accomplished in the tiny realm of senior year when you hadn’t taken a step into adulthood and reality yet. As Jackie squealed and came closer, Becca followed suit, and Will slid back down in his chair.
“No, she doesn’t work here! Oh my God. Alexandria. What are you doing here?” Jackie’s arms closed around her neck, nearly strangling her with enthusiasm. Will reached out and took the glass back from Lexi’s open, frozen arms.
“Wow, you look great,” Becca said, picking up where Jackie left off when she finally released Lexi’s neck.
They stood in front of her and before Lexi could speak, they gestured to her, looking back at their gorgeous friend.
“This is Alexandria the Great. Seriously. She set every track record we had in school. She beat most of the guys’ scores in several events. Full ride to college, baby.” Jackie’s energy reminded Lexi of the nights they’d studied together, the parties they’d attended after meets. The fun they’d had when they didn’t know how hard the world could really be.
An older couple seated themselves on the patio. The nacho-and-beer guys looked over, one of them waving at her.
“That’s Lena,” Becca said, pointing to their now seated friend. “Lena, Lexi.” Becca’s voice was bright with an enthusiasm that matched her gaze when she turned back to Lexi. “What have you been up to? It’s been forever.”
Everything spun as if she’d polished off all the beer she’d served today. Lexi sank into the chair behind her, more out of necessity than anything else. Will’s brows rose. Their gazes locked, his widening. He gave a subtle shrug, then looked up at Becca.
The smile he gave the woman should have shocked Lexi back to life. It was nothing short of vibrant. Like he was enjoying himself. “We’re having lunch,” Will said.
Like they’d just noticed him, Jackie and Becca gave Will a once-over.
Jackie made a little humming sound in the back of her throat. “No shock you locked down a hottie.” She poked Lexi’s shoulder with a polished pink nail. “Hi. I’m Jackie. Those are my friends Becca and Lena.” Each woman waved with their introduction and Will simply nodded in response.
Lexi curled her own fingers into a fist. Those three women might look like they hadn’t aged since high school, but they were only a few years shy of thirty. They could do better in terms of conversation. At least she kept her own thoughts on Will’s smile and eyes in her head.
Lexi still hadn’t uttered a word. What could she say? Nice to see you? What can I get you to drink?
Jackie stuck the back of her hand in Lexi’s face. “You’re not the only one.” She waggled her hand. “I said yes. And if you think this is gorgeous, you should see my man.”
“Nice to meet you, Lexi,” Lena called over, still in her seat. “Ladies, I hate to break up the reunion but one of us has a law firm to return to.”
Becca grinned; her pixie-cut blond hair suited her cherub face. She hooked a thumb toward Lena. “Someone just made partner.”
“Congratulations,” Lexi said weakly. She followed it with two thumbs-up because she was just that cool at the moment.
“Okay. We have to catch up but Lena’s right. We need to order lunch.” Jackie looked around the patio. “If we ever get a waitress. Jeez. Becca, you said this place was good.”
Becca shrugged. “My followers recommended it highly.” She looked around, then settled on Lexi. “Sorry. That sounded pretentious. My followers. ” She laughed at herself. Maybe it was easier to do that when life wasn’t kicking your ass.
“She’s an internet sensation, if you didn’t know. She just got a major book deal,” Jackie said, beaming like a proud parent.
Engaged. Book deal. Lawyer. The nacho guys called Lexi’s name. They must have heard it from all the commotion. Jackie looked over at them and waved.
When she turned to Will, she winked and leaned in. “This one hasn’t changed at all. Miss Popular.”
“Looks like it,” Will said, eyeing Lexi.
“We’re sorry. We’ll let you get back to your lu—” Jackie stopped, looking at Will’s table with only one plate and the one glass.
Lexi’s heart leapt like a car battery jumped with cables. “We shared. We share everything,” she said, her voice way too loud. She gestured to the table, then picked up a fry and shoved it in her mouth. Hungry as she’d been, it tasted like sawdust.
Will ran a hand over his own mouth, and Lexi had a feeling he was fighting a smile.
The two women ooh ed but stopped when Lena cleared her throat.
“Let’s exchange numbers before we go,” Jackie said as they went to their table.
One of the nacho guys stood up—the dark-haired one—heading for Lexi. Reese chose that moment to come out to the patio, tray in hand, smile wide. Nacho Guy asked her for the plates Lexi hadn’t brought. Reese nodded and headed for the older couple, not knowing the three women had arrived first. Didn’t matter. She moved with an ease and fluidity Lexi could only relate to if there were a track under her feet. How long had it been since she’d run? And why the hell was she worrying about that now?
Reese glanced at Will, started to speak, then did a double take at Lexi sitting there across from him.
“Uh, Lexi?”
Becca looked over from their table. “Oh my God. You really haven’t changed at all!” She shook her head, looking at Lena, then Will. “She knew everyone back then, too.”
“We’ll take another Coke,” Lexi said, thrusting her glass out to Reese, who came to their table.
Brows disappearing into her bangs, Reese accepted the glass. She leaned in, close to Lexi’s ear. “We’re not really supposed to take our breaks with customers.”
Lexi nodded. “Extenuating circumstances,” she whispered back.
The waitress straightened and looked back and forth between her and Will. “Would you like a drink as well?”
Will smiled, laying his forearms on the table. He’d nudged his plate forward. “Oh, no thank you. Lexi and I like to share everything.”
Understandably, the waitress only looked more confused. She drew out the word “Okay…”
Taking Will’s plate and the glass, she headed back into the restaurant. She’d probably tell her boss and he’d have another reason to question hiring her.
Left as alone as they could be with the patio filled up and Lexi’s past a couple of tables over, she leaned in.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
Will was obviously a genius because he put his elbow on the table, bending his arm so it acted as a shield of sorts but made it look like they were just completely into each other.
“For which part?”
Lexi’s nose scrunched up. There was a lot to choose from. “I just need a minute. I don’t want them to know I work here.” She tilted her head to the side ever so slightly.
Will’s eyes crinkled around the corners when he was amused. Noted.
“I cracked that code, thanks.”
Reese returned like some sort of speed-waitressing champion, leaving side plates and happy customers in her wake. She took all of the orders and left baskets of house-made tortilla chips to tide people over. She wasn’t even sweating.
Stopping at Will’s table, she dropped off the soda. “ straws,” she said, one pierced brow arched.
Will laughed out loud and handed her a credit card Lexi hadn’t even seen him pull out. “Perfect. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Oh, but there was. So many problems. Lexi didn’t know what to say as she sat there trying to figure out how to undo this moment. Reese returned what seemed like seconds later with the credit card receipt.
“Brett’s on his way,” she said urgently.
“Shit. Shit. Shit.”
“We don’t like Brett?” Will asked conspiratorially, signing the receipt, then returning his card to his brown leather wallet. Lexi noticed the faint monogram: WMG . She wondered if it was his initials or the brand.
Way to be focused. Because that’s what really matters right now. “Brett’s my boss.”
“Uh-oh,” Will muttered.
That was the understatement of the century. Lexi stood abruptly. Will followed suit. Reese stepped back. Jackie looked over, her drink partway to her lips just as Brett stepped outside.
“Oh no, you’re leaving?” Jackie set her drink down and dug around in a purse that probably cost more than Lexi’s entire collection of jewelry.
“You’re leaving?” Brett’s irritation was crystal clear.
Jackie stood, and headed over with a card in hand. “You call me. I’m having an engagement party tonight. You have to be there. No excuses. If I don’t see you, I’m coming to find you. It’s been way too long. See you tonight.” She smiled up at Will, pointed at him. “You too.”
Lexi spun around, her heart a jackhammer in her chest.
Time for a new nickname. She was officially Alexandria the Cursed.