I’m still learning how to use this computer and register, but I think I’ve almost got it figured out. I have to input my tips and decide how much I want to off-load to the busboy. Things have changed with these computer systems in the last few years since I waitressed last. Either that or Noah likes to keep up-to-date with technology.
“HOLY—!”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Noah’s voice whispers against my ear as his cold hand lowers to my shoulder.
“You came up behind me and put your hand on my shoulder. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t get startled while focusing on this damn machine.”
“Are you having trouble?” he asks.
“No, I think I’ve almost got it.” Noah reaches over my shoulder and touches a few buttons. “You’re clocked out now.”
“Thank you,” I offer.
I have the desire to ask him what he’s up to tonight, but it’s inappropriate for multiple reasons now. Nothing between us could happen even if it wasn’t the worst idea for a new employee to get involved with her boss. I don’t want to get in the way of Noah’s financial plans—the prize money.
“What are your plans for the evening?” Noah asks, taking the battling question away from me.
“No plans. I figured I’d …” There’s really nothing to do. “Maybe I’ll head downtown and see a movie. The night is young, you know?”
“Are your roommates acting any nicer at least?” he continues.
“Define nice?” I untie the apron from around my waist. “One of them is batshit crazy, and the other … well, I’m pretty sure she’s also batshit crazy. The second batshit crazy one is also a bitch though, or was until last night. I can’t keep up with them. I can’t figure them out, and they pretty much scare me a little.”
“That’s terrible,” he says, looking caught off guard. “I thought you knew them for some reason.”
“Nope, nope, I don’t know them. I have to get to know them, however. My brother is now engaged to their older sister, which means we’re all going to be one big family. This is my life.”
“Ouch.”
“Yup. So, a movie for one sounds delightful, believe it or not.”
“I can see why.” I don’t like the way Noah has a sympathetic look in his eyes as he talks to me. I guess if he knew I had spent the majority of my adult years alone, he might not be wearing that expression.
“What about you? You have any friends around here?”
I hang the apron up on the wall of hooks behind the register. “Eh,” he says. “I’ve become friendly with Alexander Lopez—the guy next door. We play poker and chat over a beer or two a few nights a week, but that’s it really.”
“Alexander. I haven’t met him yet. I thought I had met all of you by now.”
“Some of us are honestly focused on the prize money and can keep our shit in our pants,” he says.
“You don’t find it hard to keep your … stuff … in your pants?” I raise an eyebrow questioning him.
“I mean, I have urges, don’t get me wrong, but I joined this research project for a reason, and I’m sticking to it.”
“That’s admirable,” I tell him.
“As long as no one throws me off my game, I should be just fine.” I can’t help but wonder if he’s asking for trouble.
“Hopefully that doesn’t happen for you,” I agree. I’m doing my best to keep a straight face, but I think I suck at hiding the truth.
Noah clears his throat and drops his hands into his fresh pair of white pants. “Make sure you clean that wound tonight and change the bandage. I’m sorry again.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he says, smiling with just the corner of his mouth. “It’s no problem at all, but maybe in the future, you should stay away from my lap. I don’t think anything good could come from that again.”
My heart stalls for a brief moment, deciphering the meaning of what he’s saying. Was I totally out-of-line to sit on his lap and offer him a hug?
Yes. I was. But he was gazing into my eyes last night. That was real. I can’t mistake the connection.
