In slow motion, Harley shifts her attention to me. “Harley’s Java Jolt? You named an ice cream after me?”
My obsession with this woman since meeting her after finding my cheater-ex fucking another man in my cottage wasn’t supposed to come out this way.
I shift in my seat. “You didn’t hide your love of coffee ice cream in the Hamptons. That, combined with your energy…”and how damn alive you are.I attempt to loosen the collar of my shirt. “It made for a catchy name for an ice cream flavor.”
Harley’s jaw drops.
“You’re Harley?” The waitress arches a brow.
Harley glances up at her and nods.
“You’re the lucky girl. We’ve all been wondering who the mysterious Harley was. And today, I get to meether in the flesh.”
I scrub my forehead with my hand.
No, this isn’t embarrassing.
“I don’t know what you did to bewitch the boss, but the coffee ice cream is the only name that wasn’t up for a vote by committee. All the other ice cream flavors were.”
“Thank you, Katie,” I say.
“What?” She furrows her brows. “I think she should know.”
Too much information.
“I’m a romance girly,” Katie says, “and I’ve never read that kind of display of?—”
“Oh, wow, look at the time.” I make a show of checking my watch. “It would be great if you went and grabbed our order.”
“Okay, okay. I know when I’m being dismissed.”
She rushes off.
Chatty and friendly waitresses are great way of insuring patrons come back. It’s also a great way to shine a bright light on all your deep, dark secrets.
I drum my fingers against the table.
Harley’s eyes are burning a hole in the side of my head as I pretend to study the daily specials on the chalkboard.
“Kaz?”
“Yes.” My gaze doesn’t waver from the menu.
“Kaz?”
I sigh and glance her way.
“I can’t believe you did that. That’s so… sweet. And amazing. And freaking awesome. And it makes me feel like I’m a superstar. And like I’m ten feet tall…” Sadness veils her eyes. “Your gesture makes me feel like I’m more than a string of failures.”
Harley bursts into tears.
Chapter 7
Flowers don’t grow without a little dirt
Harley
Igrab the napkin and hide my face in it as I sob.
