Patrick comes out of the kitchen with the broom and a mop bucket, and I lean toward Dylan. “Did you know he was still here?”
“Yep.” He continues stacking chairs. “I have no idea why. He’s usually gone by now, but I’m sure he won’t tell you if you ask him.”
“True.” Our beloved cook is amazing, but keeps to himself most days. The only people I really see him talk to are Angie, Stella, and Carlos. Maybe it’s the whole age thing. We probably feel like children to him. Even though I don’t think we’re that much younger.
Patrick starts sweeping and Lisa goes behind him with the mop. Where did Joan go? I hadn't heard the bell above the door, so she didn’t leave.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Something hits my shoulder in quick succession. “Thanks for being there for me tonight.” Joan’s voice is soft, but loud enough to be heard by me alone.
“Hopefully we won’t have that issue again.” If anyone was paying attention tonight, they got the message about acting like an ass. This was way past strike three for that guy.
“God, I hope not.” She looks up at the ceiling as if it holds all the answers. “I’ve never been put in that position before. I didn’t know how to react. I thought if I let him down gently, he’d leave.”
“You can’t reason with people like that. They feel like they are entitled to everything, and refuse to take no for an answer.”
“Well,” she huffs, “guys like that can kiss my ass. I never want to feel like that again.”
“You won’t.” I reach for her hand, and am surprised she allows me to take it. Maybe she likes me more than she’s willing to admit. Future date aside, and all that. “Next time anyone asks you the same question more than once, get me or one of the other guys. We’ll take care of it.”
“Does that offer only extend to me?”
“Nope. It goes for anyone who works here.” A gentle squeeze of her hand, and her fingers interlock with mine. “We were lucky Dylan was here and called the cops before I got my hands on the jerk.”
“You don’t need to get into fights because of me.”
“There isn’t really much you can do about that.” It’s time to change the subject. I don’t want her thinking I’m always out looking for a fight. “Are you about to head home?”
“Honestly, I don’t want to yet.”
“I thought you had your kids this weekend.”
“I do,” she rolls her eyes. “Abby is spending the night with a friend, but Isaac has a couple of teammates spending the night. I’m sure they’ll still be awake when I get home. And a bunch of teenage boys isn’t exactly what I want to deal with right now.”
“Maybe we can have a mini date?”
“Is that even a thing?”
Patrick shoos us away as he gets closer with the broom, and I honestly forgot anyone else was here. “More like grabbing breakfast at the diner. It’ll push off going home, and we can hang out.”
I can see her warring over what to say. If she gives in to want or responsibility. All I can do is wait.
12
Joan
He’s staringat me with so much hope. There should be no doubt in his mind that I’ll eat with him. I literally told him I wasn’t ready to go home yet.
“What if we go pick up the food and go back to your house?” He looks like he wants to argue, but I add, “I don’t really want to be around people.”
He chuckles and runs a hand over my arm. You’d think I would shy away after that asshole tried to grab me. I don’t though. With Eric, I know I’m safe. Even if I wasn’t interested in him, more than I should be, I know I’d be safe on his watch. That’s the kind of guy he is. Always looking out for everyone who works here.
“I’m not sure if you know this.” He leans toward me and whispers, “but I’m people, too.”
He always has to be the funny guy. “You know what I mean.” I pull away from him to get out of Patrick’s way. It’s weird he’s still here. He’s normally long gone. “After being around a shit ton of people here, I don’t want to be around a lot of people.”
“I doubt there are a lot of people at the diner. It’s the middle of the night.” He follows me back toward the bar area, but keeps talking. “But if that’s what you want to do, your wish is my command.”
Dylan and Delilah are by the bar, having what seems like an unofficial meeting as we approach them. “I swear, if people keep coming in here acting like jerks, Bryce won’t want me working the night shifts.” Delilah groans and leans against the counter.
