“Oh actually, on second thought, I want to make out with my boyfriend later when he comes in here and tells me he aced his promotion interview. I mean really make out with him, tongue and all so…” I pretend to study the menu written on chalk on the wall above the counter as Finn makes gagging sounds at the idea of me making out with Jake, and Patti chuckles. Nova walks over and takes the pen and paper from Finn, hip checking him out of the way. He grabs onto her to keep from tipping over and hitting the floor but lets go like he’s been burned as soon as he steadies himself. He is always so weird with Nova. I guess because she’s married to Declan? I have no idea.
“How about the usual? No worries about make-out sessions after a lobster grilled cheese,” Nova says. “No garlic to worry about.”
“Especially if you wash it down with one of those peanut butter chocolate shakes your boyfriend loves so much,” Patti adds. “I swear he’s the main reason that flavor is our top seller.”
I smile because that’s the first time someone has publicly called Jake my boyfriend. Someone other than family. It feels like a compliment. Better than one. I smile at her. “A PB and C shake too, please.”
Nova nods and walks over to the computer screen on the wall to enter the order in our system. It will pop up on a screen in the kitchen and Javi will get to work on my grilled cheese while Nova makes my shake. My mom is clearing one of the tables when the door opens and Logan walks in. He’s got a grim look on his face but that’s nothing new.
“Logan, honey. Is something wrong?” Ma asks hesitantly as she stops walking toward the kitchen, a tray of dirty dishes in her hand.
Logan walks over and takes the tray from her hands, and that’s when my stomach twists into a knot. He turns and looks at everyone as his mouth opens to speak, and then his eyes land on me and that knot turns to lead. “Has anyone heard from Jake?”
“Not since he left for his interview,” I say and my voice is shaking. “What’s wrong?”
“Captain called me to ask where he was,” Logan says. “Because he never showed up at the interview. And I tried calling him but he didn’t answer his phone and so…”
I yank my phone out of my back pocket and start dialing. It goes directly to voicemail. I text.Jake. Call me. ASAP.
I look up as Logan walks over to place the tray he took from Ma on the counter. Ma has dropped into a chair at an empty table and is clutching the cross at her neck, her eyes shut tight. Patti reaches over and pats my hand. “He’s fine. I know it.”
I wish I believed in her “powers” right now.
“Maybe he has a flat tire?” Finn says. “And you know how bad he’s always been at paying attention to his phone. It’s probably in the Jeep and he can’t hear it because he’s outside changing the tire.”
Or he’s dead in a ditch from a car wreck. Or he’s got some problem with his recovery from the operation and he’s passed out in pain somewhere. “Has anyone checked hospitals? Called the police?”
Before Logan can respond, the door swings open again. This time the bells are announcing Ronan and Nellie Green. Roman is dressed in his formal fireman’s suit, just like Jake was when he left. He takes one look at Logan, who is in his work clothes and instantly says, “Are you on a call? Is someone hurt? How can I help?”
It’s good to know that his firefighter training supersedes his nature to be an asshole. Logan shakes his head at Ronan and turns to me. “Let’s continue this discussion in the back.”
As I start walking to the back, Ronan speaks again. “Seriously, Hawkins. I know I am off-duty right now but if you need something…”
“We don’t,” I reply, my voice too clipped to be anything but rude.
“Well, this is some greeting,” Mrs. Green huffs. “Ronan, perhaps we should go to Stan’s Seafood for lunch. He will be pleasant to us and I so want to celebrate your second interview going so well.”
“The food is better here and you know it, Ma,” Ronan replies as Logan and I start walking toward the swinging door that leads to the kitchen. I’m kind of impressed he’s willing to admit that since he’s never seemed to like us much.
“You had a second interview for the captain’s job? Already?” Logan asks, his thick eyebrows pinching.
“Yeah. Me and all the other candidates,” Ronan explains. “Surprised they’re even still bothering with Maverick, to be honest. Must be a formality.”
Nellie Green keeps shuffling into the restaurant. Ma, worry creasing her face, does the unthinkable. “Ronan, have you seen Jake today?”
“He had his interview about an hour after me, so he should be in Portland or on his way back,” Ronan explains.
Ma clutches her cross again. Ronan’s green eyes bounce around and absorb everyone’s faces. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing you have to worry about,” Logan replies, his tone hard and borderline mean.
My phone buzzes in my hand and I actually jump. “It’s Jake.”
Nova, Logan, and Finn gather around me as I pull up the message.I’m fine. On my way to the Shack now. I’ll explain everything.
“Is he insane?” Finn asks.
“Thank God he’s not injured,” Nova says.
