“Told you,” she said with a smirk.
“I’m still not adopting her.”
The girl approached their table with a tray loaded down with glasses of water and a basket of bread.
He popped up and helped her set the glasses on the table while she placed the basket of bread in the middle.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Can I get a straw?” Jase asked.
She flipped her tray over and held it in front of her. “There are reusable straws with your silverware.”
Bree picked up her napkin-wrapped utensils and pulled out a long, silver tube. “It’s metal.”
“Stainless steel. Americans use five-hundred million plastic straw each day, most of which end up in landfills or the ocean where they kill thousands of birds and sea life each year.”
Bree looked at her straw. “That’s so sad.” She slapped Jase on the chest with the back of her hand, making him flinch. “We’re getting reusable straws.”
“Okay,” he grunted.
Tim’s lips twitched. He’d give Jase shit about being whipped, but it looked good on him.
“Have you had a chance to look over the menus?” the girl asked.
He hadn’t. He opened the menu in front of him. “Is there a dessert only option?”
“We do have the dessert lunch,” she said.
His head snapped up. “The what?”
She leaned over and pointed.
The Save Room Special.
“It’s the quiche of the day and your choice of a half salad and pastry. The warm goat cheese and fig salad with balsamic vinaigrette is my favorite. It comes with walnuts so if you decide that’s what you want, let me know if you have any allergies.”
“I’m sold,” Denise said.
“Me too. No allergies.” Bree said. “Are we waiting for Chris?”
“No. I’m starving. He can order when he gets here.” Denise held her menu out to the girl.
Tim made a show of glancing over the menu, but he was sold as well. “I’ll have the same.”
“What? No steamed chicken and grilled vegetables?” Jase asked.
“Shut up.” It was steamed vegetables and grilled chicken and it was easy. Bland, but easy, which was one of the reasons the delicious smell of fresh bread was causing his mouth to salivate.
“I’ll have the French dip,” Jase said.
“You’re a dip,” Tim said. Not very mature, but when were brothers ever?
Jase grinned. “And can I get extra meat, please?”
“Of course. Did anyone want anything other than water to drink?”
Everyone replied with a negative.
“Great, I’ll put those orders in right away.”
She took Jase and Tim’s menus and left the table. Seconds later a high-pitched shriek rent the air.
Sprocket let out a deep woof.
Tim shoved back his chair as he stood and pivoted, reaching for his service revolver. Which he didn’t have. So stupid. He should have sat facing the door, then he could have seen the threat of…
Zoe and her sister?
