“How long ago was that?”
“Let’s see now.” His eyes narrowed in thought. “Must be over ten years.”
“You must like it here then?”
“Oh aye,” he mumbled as he watched Shelley swing back through the door from the kitchen, balancing a steaming bowl of stew on her tray. “There’s a lot to like.”
One of Olivia’s brows rose as she watched him.
“It’s a good job the women of Mercy aren’t after your heart,” she said as his sharp blue gaze landed on her. “I get the feeling it isn’t free.”
“Well, aren’t you the perceptive one?” He huffed out a quiet laugh. “Have you a bit of witch in you then?” He teased.
“Doesn’t everyone in Mercy?” she replied in amusement.
“True.” He grinned as Shelley approached.
“Would you like me to find you a table?” Shelley offered.
“Here’s fine.” Olivia shook her head as Shelley slid the piping hot bowl in front of her, along with a plate of warm, fragrant freshly baked rolls. Beside them she set a roll of silverware wrapped in a crisp white napkin.
“God, that smells good.” Olivia breathed in as the spicy scent rose from the dish.
“It’s one of Owen’s signature dishes. Enjoy!” Shelley replied and turned back to Jackson and began loading the drinks order onto her tray.
“Where’s Adam?” Jackson asked.
“I think he’s out back on a cigarette break,” she answered.
“Can you tell him to hurry up?” Jackson muttered as he glanced at the time. “The movie theater will be emptying out soon and it’ll start to pick up.”
Shelley hesitated.
“What is it?” he asked sensing her reluctance.
“Um, it’s just that.” She paused, toying with the tie on her servers apron. “Stu called. I can’t work this Thursday. He needs me, some work thing with his boss.”
“This Thursday?” Jackson replied in an even tone, his eyes giving nothing away.
“Yes.” She gave a reluctant nod.
“Shelley, you’ve spent months trying to book the band coming in on Thursday, they’re your favorite.”
“I know,” she sighed. “But sometimes I need to put his needs first. His career is important to him.”
“It seems to me that you do plenty for him,” Jackson replied, his jaw clenching. “Perhaps, he should think of you occasionally.”
“He does,” she snapped defensively. “He’s not as bad as you think.”
“You really don’t want to know what I think,” Jackson mumbled under his breath.
“Can I have the night off or not?” Shelley frowned.
“The truth is, I don’t know as I can spare you,” he huffed in frustration.
“Josie says she’ll cover for me, and I’ll work my night off instead,” she replied.
“Fine.” His tone was curt, and his expression neutral. Olivia got the distinct impression he wasn’t so much mad at Shelley but for her.
