Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
Miles
I spent most of the night getting Darryl set up but was relieved when he caught on quickly and didn’t need much guidance after that. I didn’t need to explain to Anthony why he was there. He knew me well enough to know that I was helping someone out and was immediately on board.
We were busy for a Monday night, but nothing compared to how busy Ambrosia was.
I itched to go back inside and watch Kat in her element but refrained from it tonight.
I couldn’t help but wonder if I was the reason they’d had a rough night on Saturday.
I also could feel the tension in her body every time I was near her and knew that she was fighting the attraction that flowed so easily between us.
But with Kat, I wasn’t going to rush anything.
I wanted her to figure out what she wanted and then act on it, even if that meant I had to wait forever.
Pushing her into it would only lead to her regretting it and pushing me even further away.
No matter how hard I’d tried, I couldn’t walk away from her without knowing what this thing between us was, so I wasn’t willing to risk it by being impatient.
While the night progressed on, Darryl and Anthony took over the orders while I sat back and looked through some menu options I’d been playing around with for the competition.
I had no idea what I wanted to make, I just knew I wanted to impress Kat.
For no reason other than I desperately wanted her attention, anyway I could get it.
Did that make me sound like a loser? Maybe. Did I care? No.
I was lost in thought when I heard a slight commotion at the window. I set my notepad down and got up to see what was happening.
“It’s you,” a feminine voice commented, making Darryl pull back from the window.
Anthony leaned forward, his large frame blocking most of the window.
“Do you know each other?”
I could hear the protective tone in his voice and relaxed.
“We don’t know each other per se, but Miles and I ran into him last night. I didn’t expect to see him here.”
I watched as Darryl’s shoulders slumped. I clapped a hand on his shoulder, pulling his attention to me.
“Hey, why don’t you take a break? You’ve earned it. I’ll take this one.”
He nodded and stepped aside as I took my place next to Anthony.
“Lucinda,” I said dryly. “What can I get for you?”
Her face lit up as she saw me, her attitude completely changing.
“How about a do-over of our date last night?” She batted her thick lashes at me.
I leaned down, watching her eyes as they lingered on my biceps as my t-shirt clung to my body.
“That wasn’t a date, Lucinda.”
She pouted her mouth and frowned.
“My grandma asked me to show you around town, maybe help you make some new friends, but that was it.”
“Well, we didn’t get very far, did we? I think your grandma might be disappointed if she knew how the night ended.” She puffed out her chest defiantly.
I rubbed my thumb across my jaw and looked around before answering her.
“My grandma is aware of how the night ended. She’s also aware that I stopped to help someone in need while you played on your phone before leaving.”
For a brief second, I could swear that I saw guilt or shame flash across her face, but then it was gone.
“Well, you had it handled, so it wasn’t like you needed me.”
“No, I didn’t need you,” I agreed. “But it would have been nice if you had wanted to stick around and help.”
“So you’re punishing me for not being there? How was I supposed to know that was what you expected of me?”
I stood up and folded my arms over my chest.
“You weren’t. But that’s the difference between us, Lucinda, and why I’m not interested in hanging out. I want to do good in the world. Help people who need it. I don’t want to be around people who can walk by and ignore it unless someone tells them to stop. We’re two different people, that’s all.”
“Well,” she huffed. “You’re making a huge mistake. Guys are constantly trying to get with me.” She jutted her chin out.
“That’s great, you won’t have any problems finding someone new to hang out with.”
I winked as she glared at me before turning and storming off.
Anthony chuckled and sat down next to Darryl, sitting sheepishly in the corner, sipping a bottle of water.
I looked down at my watch and realized he hadn’t had anything to eat since we’d been open almost five hours ago.
“How about I make us some dinner while it’s slow?” I asked both of them.
“Sounds good, want some help?” Anthony offered.
“Na, I’m good. Anything you guys feel like?”
Tonight had been a sandwich night which made it easy with little prep. While I’d convinced myself that it was to help Darryl get adjusted, part of me knew that I’d picked an easy menu because I’d spent too much time at Ambrosia with Kat.
“I’ll take a BLT,” Anthony answered, looking to Darryl. “What do you like? My man Miles can whip up anything you’re in the mood for.”
“I’m okay, thank you.” Darryl tucked his head and peeled at the label on his water bottle.
I squatted in front of him, waiting for him to look at me.
“One of the perks of working on this food truck is enjoying the food we make. Consider it part of your employee benefits, if you will.”
The corners of his lips tugged up into a smile.
“Either I can make you something, or if you’d like, you’re welcome to make yourself something. You’re already familiar with where everything is; feel free to help yourself.”
“Okay, thank you.”
I nodded and got up. I didn’t want to push or make him uncomfortable, so I gave him space while I made BLTs for Anthony and me. A few minutes later, he was up behind me, making a turkey and cheese sandwich.
“Do you want to warm it up?” I asked, moving to the side, so he had room to join me.
“Sure.” He smiled and put the bread into the toaster oven. “Thank you for the sandwich.”
“You’re welcome.”
My heart felt bigger and fuller than it had ever felt before.