“Hi, welcome to Macady’s. I’m your server Gabby, I’ll be taking care of you today,” I say, the whole nine yards rolled right off my tongue. My thumb is already hovering over the tablet screen, ready to type.
Then I look up.
And everything in me freezes.
Lincoln is seated there.
Across from Sarah.
For a second, I honestly think my brain misfires, because I just…stare.
My eyes go between the two of them, then back again. I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
He blinks like he’s shocked to see me, likeI’mthe one who’s out of place.
Like it’s not my job, like he didn’t know this is the city I live in now.
I keep my posture straight, tablet still in my hand, but inside my chest something tightens so suddenly I feel it in my dry throat.
Of all tables.
Of all nights.
Ofcourseit’s this one.
-??-
Chapter 27
After my brain recovers, something my heart fights to do, I straighten up, forcing my shoulders back, tablet balanced in my hand. I put on my customer voice.
“You guys look great today. What can I get you? Would you like an appetizer or whatever you’re in the mood for?” I say, the usual upbeat tone I’ve practiced a thousand times.
Lincoln just stares at me.
I feel my heartbeat drop straight into my stomach.
Damn it. Despite how I thought I’d feel, nothing prepared me for this. I feel a throb between my legs, and my heart is beating so freaking fast right now.
Damn, he looks so good. His hair is combed back; he looks like he just cut it recently. He’s freshly shaved, eyebrows freshly groomed. The way he’s looking at me is making me do doubles, and I don’t miss the look of annoyance on Sarah’s face.
Her eyes keep darting back and forth between Lincoln and me.
“Hello Gabby,” Lincoln says, finally breaking the ice.
I freeze for half a second, stuck between not knowing whether to be professional or acknowledge that I know him. The boss said to keep personal things out of work. That’s grounds for firing, so I have no idea what to say.
Sarah doesn’t say anything.
“Hello sir. What can I get you today?” I ask as I smile at Sarah, too.
The smile is very practiced and fake. Lincoln gives me a soft smile in return, his eyes softening as if he’s seen me for the first time… like really seeing me. It’s a look he used to give me. The look right before he’d slide into bed with me or start kissing me.
God damn it, why am I thinking about this now?
Fucking hell.
Why now? Why did I have to get this table?
