“Maybe.”
“He and Cooper are here tonight, you know. You should stop by their table and chat a little.”
Charlotte hadn’t noticed them. But then, she’d been pretty busy. “Do you know what the decibel levels are out there?”
“Not ideal for conversing, I agree. But there’s an excellent chance of dancing in my forecast.” Brianna finished washing her hands and reapplied her nude lip gloss.
Charlotte peered down at her friend’s heels. “Good luck in those things.”
“They put me at just the right height.” She winked.
Charlotte’s thoughts returned to her biological father as she tried to smooth the strands that had come loose from her bun. It was a lost cause. “Aren’t divorces public record? Maybe I could learn his identity that way.”
“That’s a great idea. All the records are probably online. There you go.”
“I’ll see what I can find tomorrow.”
“Let me know if I can help in any way.” Brianna straightened her skirt. “I should get back to my date.”
“And I should get back to work. Have fun.”
They exited the restroom and went their separate ways. Charlotte’s customers were content, so she bussed an empty table for a newer server who was in the weeds.
As she worked, she scanned the crowd for Cooper and Gavin and found them at a four-top near the bar, sitting with Wes and— She frowned at the familiar face.
Why was Gunner hanging out with her new brothers? Had Gavin or Wes invited him, or had they just run into Gunner and invited him to share their table? It happened often enough on crowded nights like this.
It was just like the Robinsons to be so neighborly, but did they have to go getting close to the man who kept her most guarded secret? Could she trust Gunner to keep his mouth shut? What did she really know about him anyway? Maybe he was a troublemaker or one of those people who created drama at every turn. She really had no way of knowing.
She wished she’d never divulged her secret. But what choice did she have?
Now she didn’t know if she should stop by their table. Whatif when she walked away, she became the subject of their conversation and Gunner spilled the beans?
Then again, maybe putting in an appearance would keep him honest. Let him know she’d seen him with her brothers and would hold him accountable if the truth came out.
She took the dishes to the kitchen and checked on her tables, brought out some barbecue sauce, and removed bone baskets. Then she made her way to the table near the bar.
“How’s it going, fellas?” she fairly yelled over the rollicking tune.
She took pleasure in the slight widening of Gunner’s eyes.
Gavin and Wes offered pleasant smiles and greetings. As they introduced her to Cooper, she took in his dark-brown eyes, strong jawline, and crooked grin. And his nose. Because yep, he really did have her nose.Take that, Brianna.
“Boys’ night out?” She was careful to keep her voice level, even though being near her brothers came with a shot of adrenaline.
“Something like that,” Cooper said. “Noise is too loud for the little ones, so the wives opted to stay home.”
Wes flicked his dark-blond hair from his eyes. “I don’t have any little ones, but my wife’s had enough of these clowns.”
Obviously he was kidding; Avery had spoken so lovingly of her stepbrothers, and Charlotte could tell the feeling was mutual. Would they eventually feel the same way about her? Longing compressed her chest.
“I didn’t realize you worked here.” Gunner eyed her in that quiet, knowing way of his.
“It’s my part-time gig until the expansion starts paying off. Provided it does.” She gave him a warning look.I’ve got my eye on you, Gunner Dawson.
His gaze sharpened on her. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“I sure hope not.”
