“Ohhh, are we going out for drinks after work?” Claire returns, slapping her tray down on the wood.
I shake my head. “I don’t really drink.”
“I’m dying for peach Bellini.” She claps her hands together, looking between Gabe and I.
“See? The girl wants her Bellini.” Gabe coaxes his head towards her. “I can DD.”
I groan. “I…” I think about denying it. I really do. But…now that I’m thinking about it, I really don’t have anything else to do tonight.
I can go home after my shift and just…wait until Elijah calls me again?
Last time we talked, he was getting in from a party becausehehas no problem living his life.
While I’m at home haunted from the shadows around every corner.
Yeah, no. I guess I’m in no rush to get home.
“OH, and they’re doing karaoke at Manny’s tonight.” Claire gasps.
Gabe and I cringe at the same time.
“We’re trying to persuade him to come out, notderailhim.” Gabe shakes his head.
“Come on,pleaaaase.” Claire begs, clasping her hands together.
Gabe shoots me a look too.
Whatever, maybe it’ll even be fun. Get my mind off of some things.
“Yeah. Okay. I’ll join you guys.” I nod.
They both cheer, high-fiving each other which makes me laugh. I didn’t realize they wanted to hangout with me this badly. Maybe this will be good.
We all return to work and thankfully, there are no more mistakes as the night finishes up.
All of us are sitting at the bar cashing out while cleaning up.
“One thousand, one thousand and one…” Claire counts, making her little money pile.
“Shut up.” Gabe laughs, nudging her in the shoulder lightly.
She giggles and continues doing her calculations, but not before flashing me a little smile, showing me how excited she is with him paying her attention.
She’s too cute.
I laugh, shaking my head, counting my own tips. I’m suddenly interrupted by a buzzing noise coming from my pocket. Jumping up and collecting all my slips and money, I swipeanswer, immediately feeling a rush of excitement once I see who is calling me.
“Babe,” I say softly, opening the office, slipping inside and closing the door behind me. “How are you?”
“Hey, Angel. Sorry, did I catch you in the middle of something?” Elijah’s sweet and smooth voice sings through the phone. It instantly warms my heart.
“Not at all. I was just cashing out with Gabe and Claire.” I grin, sitting in my chair.
He’s quiet for a few beats. “Oh, right. I guess that makes sense. You had to serve tonight.”
I nod my head. “Mhm. They’re dragging me out for some drinks tonight. Claire wants to run up some karaoke.” I laugh.
“Oh, jeez. Tobias and karaoke. I can’t believe I’m missing that.” Elijah laughs. The sound soothing my chest. “Just do me a favor and saveHopelessly Devotedto sing with me.”
