“Then why aren’t you saying anything?”
“I’m staring at you, taking in all that is Claire. To me, you’re the same, but all new. I miss the messy bun and the short shorts, but I’m just as intrigued by the competent woman you’ve become. Though, I’d like to do a few other things with that tie.”
“I’m standing here in a tie and cheap slacks because I’m waiting to take your order in one of the most expensive restaurants in Palm Beach County. You can afford to eat here, but I can’t. I’d hardly say that reeks of competency. As for the tie, let all your thoughts fade away. That’s not even on my radar these days.”
Did I just admit to being celibate? Gah, I’m such a flake.
Not really. Drew was a well-educated, well-mannered, and wealthy man, and I was an emotionally stunted college-dropout single mom who waited tables to support our daughter and myself.
“You couldn’t be further from the truth. But I’m not going to sit here and sing your praises. I’d rather whisper them in your ear on the beach, or over breakfast with our daughter.”
“Listen, Drew, I have other tables. I have to get your drink order and move on.” I couldn’t stand there and listen to his promises—they were wishes and dreams to me.
“Club soda, lime, New York strip, medium rare, broccoli, and a glass of cabernet with my steak. Send your runner and go do your thing. I’ll watch from a distance, and then I’ll drive you home.”
“I’ll be back with your order, but you’re not driving me home.”
“We’ll see.”
I let out a long sigh and trudged off to the bar.
Tonight couldn’t end soon enough.
Drew
With my monster hangover still looming, or perhaps it was just the realization I had a kid, I nursed my second glass of cabernet while waiting for Jules to finish.
The ever-efficient “Claire” ran from table to table, checking on customers, making sure they were happy, and taking the time to smile and thank each one for coming to the Southern.
Everyone but me.
I didn’t care. I was watching the woman I’d pined for over the last seven years saunter back into my life.
With hooded eyes, I watched her cash out.
“I’m done for tonight.”
She ran a hand along her smooth hair until it met the bun. I wished she would take it out, but she didn’t. I matched her moves, raking my hand through my own short hair.
“I didn’t pay, so I guess you’re not finished.” I stood and reached in my back pocket for my wallet.
“I treated you to dinner—which I plan to do every time you show up in my section, or this restaurant for that matter. You can’t just barge back in my life, involve my boss, and make promises to my daughter that I don’t even know if you know what it means to keep them.”
She turned and headed toward the door.
“Jules!” When she didn’t even turn around, I shouted, “Claire, wait.”
“Let her go, buddy,” the manager called after me. Luckily, the place was empty except for a few employees now drinking at the bar.
“Don’t tell me. You don’t know,” I spat back at him.
“I do know. In fact, I’ve known Darla since she was just a month old. I always figured she looked like her dad, but it’s uncanny. So, don’t you tell me what I know and what I don’t know. Where have you been while I’ve been watching your daughter grow up?”
He shouldn’t have gone there. I shouldn’t have cared what he thought. My body shouldn’t have filled with jealousy at his mention of knowing Darla since she was a month old, but it did.
And I punched the ever-loving shit out of Bryce.
My fist connected with his cheek, knocking him into a table, and glasses and silverware went flying. He was about to fall when I grabbed him by the throat, prepared to squeeze the life out of him.
