Shit. This was going sideways faster than he cared for. “Things are complicated right now.”
“Because you’re working for our brother, and he has no clue who you are.”
His eyebrows shot up at that.Fucking Walker.
“Walker told me what you guys are up to.” She grinned. “August Boone, carpenter extraordinaire.”
He was going to have words with his best friend. Maybe throw a few fists. Gus stared into his empty mug, and when Kylie approached with the pot, he shook his head and asked for the bill.
He knew Iris well enough to know he couldn’t control her. If she wanted to stay in Fire Lake, she was staying.
“I don’t have room for you. You’ll stay with Walker. He’s renting a place with lots of room on the opposite side of the lake.”
“Walker’s not going to like that.”
“No shit.” At the moment, it was the only thing giving him pleasure. “Let’s go and get you set up.”
They walked to his truck, and Iris snuck her arm through his. she whispered. “I’m glad you’re not making me leave.”
“As if I could.”
“I’m glad . . .” Her voice caught, and she leaned into him. “I’m glad I’m here. I’ve missed you and whenever my world implodes, you’re the only one who can make it make sense.”
“I wasn’t aware your world was imploding.”
“It is.”
Warmth bloomed in his chest, and Gus kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you’re here, too.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Something’s different about you.” Cassidy tossed a stack of menus onto the bar and rested her elbows on top of them.
“My hair?” Faith hid a smile and grabbed the big container of ketchup.
Her shift was almost over, and she was busy filling the condiment containers while her last three tables enjoyed their meals. She’d already checked on them and figured she had about twenty minutes to finish and get the salt and pepper shakers done for the evening shift.
“Your hair looks tousled.”
“Tousled?” she grinned and shot a look at Cassidy. “That’s descriptive.”
“I read.” Cassidy popped a candy into her mouth. “You’ve been singing all day too.”
“Have I?” She shrugged. “I think it’s more of a humming thing.”
“No.” Cassidy raised her eyebrows. “It’s a singing thing. Sappy love songs. Like if I hear you hum that Cal Bridgestone song again, I just might scream.” She made a face. “And I like him. A lot.”
“Well then, I’ll try my best not to sing anymore Bridgestone songs.”
“Oh, you can sing. Just not the sappy ones.” Cassidy picked at a menu. “Jack and I broke up.”
Faith turned to Cassidy and felt like crap. Here, she was practically floating on a cloud while her co-worker was dealing with a breakup. “I’m sorry.”
“I should have known getting involved with a musician wasn’t smart.” The woman shrugged. “He’s a player. Caught him making out with some tourist in a leopard print bikini.” She made a face. “Who wears leopard anymore?”
“No one.” Faith had learned it was easier to agree with Cassidy than poke the bear.
“What are you doing after work?”
