Page 36 of Gravity

Fuck.

Chapter Eleven

Nora

“So, over here we have all the condiments that are provided once food is served. Cutlery and napkins are already at the tables for when they arrive. We normally give them a few minutes to take a look at the menu before we go over and ask for their order. Any questions?”

I’ve barely listened to a word Ryan has said because since I’ve walked through the doors of Hot Tuna, my mind has reverted to the other night, and my heart is pounding harder than ever at the thought of seeing Grayson again. Margaritas aside, I was very much aware of the intimacy between us, and my body hasn’t stop humming since. I’d texted him like I said I would once I’d got Makenna home, and we sent the odd text to each other yesterday but nothing other than that and nothing too heavy.

Hearing him divulge his troubles had been hard, but the look in his eyes when he’d done so had felt like I’d been sliced in the stomach.

Dad was right: even with the distance Grayson put between them, he knew in his heart that Gray was struggling. But I hadn’t truly realized just how much until that moment.

As strong as he is, he hadn’t been able to hide how vulnerable he is, and I’ve never seen him more so, not even after his mom died. Looking back, he had put on such a brave face, only now I know it’s because he’d never wanted to be a burden on any of us because of what we were going through with Dad. He must have felt so isolated, and because of that, fell deeper into the struggles that he’s been faced with all this time.

But I’m not going to let him hide away any longer. I can’t.

“Nora?”

Ryan’s voice brings me back from my thoughts. “Sorry. No. There’re no questions.” I look around the dining area of Hot Tuna. It’s a contrast of dark wood and slate, and completely different to the nightlife I’m used to seeing. There’s no doubt about it: Grayson has put everything into this place, and it shows everywhere you turn.

“Actually, yes. I have a question. Is it normal to be this nervous?” My stomach flutters with anxiety. It’s just a little waitressing job, serving food and getting drinks. There’s really not much to it, so why do I feel like I’m about to be sick?

Ryan laughs. “I’d be worried if you weren’t nervous. But just try to relax, and if there’s anything you need help with, give me a shout. That’s what I’m here for.”

His warm smile and soft brown eyes are soothing, and I know that with Ryan on my shifts, I’m going to be all right.

“Now, take a deep breath, get that positivity running your veins, and show me that pretty smile of yours. Our first customer is just about to walk through the door.”

* * *

“Oh my God. That was some shift.” I sigh, sitting on a stool at the bar with my head in my hands. I haven’t had time to be anxious. As soon as the first customer entered it had been all hands on deck, and we’d been rushed off our feet in no time. I’ve known the place to be busy during the day, but I swear every man and woman in Virginia Beach had decided to dine out for lunch.

Four hours in and my little feet think I’ve walked across hot coals.

“It was kinda crazy,” Ryan laughs.

“And there I was thinking I’d be eased into it.”

He hands me a soda from across the bar. “You did good. The customers seem to like you.”

“Must be the smile. Dad has always said that my smile is a weapon.”

“He’s not wrong. So, will you be gracing us with your presence again tomorrow, or have I tired you out already and need to find a replacement?” Ryan asks, placing the clean glasses on the shelves of the bar.

“Hell no. Me and my aching feet will be right back at it. I don’t quit that easily, and especially not over handing out a few meals.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll let Grayson know you’re officially on the books for the summer.”

“Hi, Ryan. How’s it been today?” comes a female voice from behind me.

“Hey, Lacy. It’s been crazy.” He nods in my direction. “This is Nora, our new waitress. She’s literally been thrown in deep with it today.”

“Hey, Lacy.” I’ve seen her a few times before when I’ve been drinking in here with Makenna, getting a strange vibe from her. I’m reassured that my gut instinct isn’t wrong because I instantly feel uncomfortable when she looks at me in a manner that suggests I’m far from welcome. Her eyes are lined with thick black liner, making her look hard-faced, and her tank top is so low that her breasts are practically spilling out.

“The short one that Gray often talks about?”

“That would be me. And it’s Shortcake. Grayson only calls me that.”