Oh, nice. Gentle parenting for the win, lady.
I remove the empty bottle and place a fresh one on the table with my biggest customer service smile as something pokes me in the shin. I back up and find two kids under the table with corn-dog sticks, laughing hysterically.
It’s almost over. Kids eat free, but they’re rarely here past nine, and this is the only table still occupied by minions.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as I pick up dirty napkins and wipe smashed food off the floor. The family locator app’s warning is accurate. Sam predictably throws the door open, announcing his presence as he holds it open for Annie.
Her eyes go wide when she sees me.
“Rough night, Lu Lu?”
“I’ve had worse. Y’all are wet. Has it been raining?”
“A little,” she says, taking in my disastrous appearance.
Sammy stops short when he sees my hands full of trash. “Imma hug you later, Smalls. Love ya though.”
“You can sit in the back.” I motion to an out-of-the-way spot. “Glad you’re here, but why? You usually only come on Fridays.”
I didn’t mention Nathan. Jude’s been busy, and I was already on my way when Lainey called.
Sammy grins sweetly. “Oh, no reason. We just missed you.”Suspicious much?
“Hey, Lainey?” I call wearily. “Can you get their order? I need to clean myself up.”
“Yes!” She hurries to their table. “Hey, y’all! Annie, sweet tea? Sam, chocolate shake?”
I get sidetracked cleaning the restrooms before scrubbing myself the best I can. When I come back, Annie pats the booth seat next to her.
“Okay, what’s up?” I ask, scanning their faces just as Lainey brings their food. She stands at our table chatting, akaflirtingwith Sam, until Gavin starts moving chairs to sweep.
“Would you mind helping him?” I plead. “My feet are killing me. I already did the bathrooms. Just the floors are left.”
“You’re getting old, woman,” she teases. “But I will. Thanks for doing bathrooms.”
Annie nudges me. “Heard from your man today?”
“Not much. Have y’all?”
Sam looks perplexed and taps his phone before reaching his hand out. “Let me see your phone, Smalls.”
I hand it over and ask Annie about Jace, trying not to smile at how easily she answers. “He got called in. Another tech was sick.”
“Here ya go.” Sam hands my phone back. “I predict you’ll hear from him soon.”
“Weirdo.” I sit with them a few more minutes until Gavin comes back from taking the trash to the dumpster.
“Hey, Lucy?”
“I’m coming, Gavin. Sorry. What’s up?”
“Someone’s outside to see you.”
“Really?” I ask, stealing a glance at Sam. He grins, and I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.
I’m still greasy and have smashed food on my shoes, but I don’t care.
I walk—half running—through the kitchen. Loud pop music distracts Dave from my escape out the back door, and I remember a step too late that it automatically locks behind me.
