Which is yet another reason I haven’t left yet.
I may be looking over my shoulder every minute, but at least I can breathe here. The clean, clear summer mountain air, coupled with the fact that I’m actually standing still in one place for longer than a few seconds at a time, has given me a chance to do something I haven’t in years—enjoy the illusion of peace and safety.
Even though I know it won’t last.
It can’t.
Nothing is this perfect.
I steal glances at Liam as we work, searching for any signs of flaws, of red flags I’ve somehow missed with others, but all I ever see when this man comes to the diner is good manners, quick smiles, and those grins that seem to melt away the tension from my body for a brief moment.
As soon as all the pieces are safely on the tray, I push to my feet. “I’m going to go get the mop.”
There’s so much chili on the floor that it is a major hazard—as much as my waitressing skills.
Elaine looks our way from behind the counter and follows me into the back storage room, where I plan to grab the mop and bucket. “You okay, sweetie?”
I turn to her and force a smile. “Yep. And I know you don’t want me to keep saying it, but I’m sorry.”
She reaches out and grabs my hands, squeezing them gently. “Honey, we were all like that when we started. It’ll be okay.” Her gaze darts out in the direction of Liam where he stands guard over the spill, ensuring no one accidentally steps in it while I’m gathering supplies. “Nice of Liam to offer to help you.”
“Yeah.” I pull out of her hold and grab the mop and bucket to keep her from feeling the way my hands are trembling just thinking about the way it felt when we touched. “It was.”
He’s always nice.
Always helpful.
Always asking if he can take Gizmo with him to the office while I work on the days he will be there and not up on the mountain where it wouldn’t be safe for the little guy.
“He’s been here every day…”
I nod, filling the bucket with hot water and cleaner. “Yep.”
The tiniest of grins pulls at her lips. “That’s pretty unusual for him.”
My back stiffens, and I try to remain casual as a now familiar warmth spreads through my body. I clear my throat, refusing to believe her words. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, he and his brothers come in maybe once a week, usually, but every day? I don’t think he’s coming for the food.”
She slips out of the back room with that little weighted comment, and I hold my breath, considering her words.
Has he really been coming in just to see me? The shittiest waitress in McBride Mountain?
I hope not.
I would much rather believe it’s because he likes Giz and the food here.
It can’t be because he feels the same spark of attraction I do. Because I won’t be here very long. Certainly not long enough to strike up a friendship, and definitely not long enough for something more—if that were even possible.
Something more.
Those words make the tears burn in my eyes again, but I don’t let them fall. I left tears behind me a long time ago, refusing to let them back into my life. No matter how frustrated, how lonely, how upset I get, I promised I was done with them. Yet this job, this place, and that man are rattling me in ways I never could have anticipated.
I stand for a few moments while the water fills, trying to regain my composure enough to go back, and when I do, Liam has already brought the tray of broken dishes into the kitchen area and is still standing sentinel over the mess.
He moves to grab the mop from me, but I point to his table.
“No. Please go sit.”
