“How’s college treating you?” he asked in a serioustone.
Tristan admired her commitment and drive to study and create better opportunities in life. But, the night classes she was going to for her teaching credentials kept Ana away from Chez NousBistro.
“Getting there,boss.”
“Good for you. High schools need more awesome teachers likeyou.”
“It’s elementary, but that’s okay.” Her long, tanned fingers thrummed the counter as she waited for the drinks. Then she smoothed the front of her white button-down shirt and tucked it into her black mini-skirt. The elegant restaurant logo was embroidered in golden thread in the black apron she wore over the skirt. “I guess old Mrs. Oliveira couldn’t take Dani to the doctor, huh? It sucks. Depending on others,” Ana clarified at his quizzicallook.
Moira paid a neighbor to babysit the kids and the generous elderly woman would even take them to doctor appointments whenever shecould.
Not that day, though. He knew the hardships of single parenthood first hand. His mom had the hardest time raising him by herself, so he didn’t hesitate to cover forMoira.
“Tell me about it. The poor woman had a conflict of schedule today, or something. She couldn’t reschedule it, so Moira needed to take Dani to thedoctor.”
“And you just waltzed in to save theday.”
He shrugged. “Not a big deal. Glad to help.” He put the two glasses filled with the greenish mix of lime juice and cachaça, and lots of ice cubes on Ana’s tray. “There yougo.”
“Thanks, boss.” With a million-dollar smile, and another playful wink, Ana swirled and flounced toward tablefive.
Tristan smiled as he noticed the sea of heads turning to follow Ana’s graceful movements as she went. He wished Noah would grow some balls and ask the woman out before another smartass did so. He loved Noah like a younger brother, but the man could be dense. He was missing out on a woman likeAna.
He gave himself a mental slap on the forehead and quit pretending he was a matchmaker. With his sad track record, he should be the last person giving anyone advice on love and relationships. He’d better return his focus to the task athand.
Being something of a night owl, made the late shift in the restaurant perfect for Tristan. His partners gladly let him take charge of closing time. Although that day was an exception, he was glad to cover for Moira since bartending would keep his mind busy. It was something he loved doing, but rarely had a chance to. Focusing on preparing the drinks kept the problems at bay. Maybe the ghosts from his past wouldn’t haunt him. He could only hope that’s be the case. God only knew he could use some qualitysleep.
The ringtone he had set for his partner’s calls blasted, a U2 classic, so Tristan tucked his cell phone on the crook of his neck, holding it in place with his shoulder, while he mixed drinks for another order. He smiled into the mouthpiece. “What’s up,loser?”
“That’s how you greet your business partner and lifelong friend?” Noah Cartwright’s amused retort was buried under loud guitarriffs.
Tristan knitted his eyebrows. “Where the hell areyou?”
“Home, rehearsing. Where the hell areyou? I’ve banged on your door so hard it stung myhand.”
Tristan smacked his forehead. “Shit! Totally forgot,dude.”
He had promised Noah he’d rehearse for a while before heading out to the restaurant. Another reason he should not have taken that damnnap.
“I kind of figured that one out, man,” Noah chortled. “Clicking and swashing sounds, muffled voices. Bet you’re at the bistro. A bit early, isn’tit?
“Covering for Moira, remember? I’m sorry I forgot aboutrehearsal.”
“One day, I’ll drag you to the dark side, kicking and screaming if I have to,” Noahpromised.
Trying to convince Tristan to start a rock band was Noah’s thing. He would return to the topic as often as he could. Lately, more so. Apparently, he had been hanging out with a couple of talented musicians. Tristan had sworn off that life many years ago and Noah had a front row seat to the whole depressing spectacle. He should have known better than toinsist.
Who am I kidding? It’s Noah I’m talking about here. He’s worse than a dog with abone.
Tristan had to say something, though. He chose the obvious. “Been there, done that, didn’t do much forme.”
“What the hell are you babbling about, Big T? You made a shitload of money with your lyrics and I’m not talking only Izzie Anderson.” That name still stung Tristan’s chest as if his friend had pressed the tip of a hot iron to his flesh. Noah must have heard Tristan’s sharp intake of breath, because he kept talking. “Anyway, that’s all in the past. She moved on. You moved away to anothercountry.”
“Not that simple.” Tristan forced a tight-lipped remark out of his constrictedthroat.
“Hey, it’s me you’re talking to, dude. I was there. Iknowhow bad it was. I’m just saying you shouldn’t dwell. It’s been fifteen fuckingyears.”
“I haven’t been living like a monk,” he said the words out loud as if they could convince his brain that empty nightstands and short-term relationships count foranything.
