Maggie has had Milo working on thingslike changing the light bulbs over the tables and in the bathroom, and dusting the plantsthatare up on high shelves, while we work the dining room. I think she’s been relishing keeping him busy over the last few hours, and I think she’s enjoyed his company too.
As it gets closer to the end of my shift, I remember that Ares won’t be here to pick me up, and that Dante won’t be waiting at home in the kitchen, ready to eat. I look over at Milo, wondering if he’s heard from them again. Dante called right after they landed to let us know they arrived, and that they were going to the hotel. As far as I know, neither of the guys have heard from them since. I’m glad Iwas able to keep busy most of the day, I have a feeling going home without them there will be hard.
Catching me staring in his direction, Milo waves at me. I return the gesture then focus on what I need to do before closing.
“Do you remember the first time we met? We we’re in that booth over there and you came over to take our order. All shy and sweet, with those big, beautiful eyes hiding so many secrets.” Ollie has his hands wrapped around my hips, and he’s standing behind me, speaking softly into my ear.
“I remember, but that wasn’t the first time I saw you.” I turn in his embrace and set my arms on his shoulders.
He cocks a brow. “I’m all ears. Tell me what it waslike seeing me for the first time.” He lowers his voice and his head. I feel the slight brush of his lips across mine as my eyes flutter shut. Ollie’s cocky, cavalier attitude is always there, but he seems genuinely curious about it.
He pulls back and I settle my palm over his heart, his warmth seeping into me without purposefully pulling it from him. I look over his shoulder and think back to the first day I saw him, Dante, and Milo together before school.
“I was hiding behind that big old oak tree, you know, the one just before you get on the school grounds. You three were standing together, and you guys drew my attention immediately.” I peek back up at him through my lashes.
“I couldn’t figure you guys out.” Ollie tilts his head at my statement. “Even from that far away I knew you guys were…” I wave my hand and roll my eyes. “Theguys, you know. The most popular boys, but I was so confused because you all seemed so different from each other.”
One side of Ollie’s lips lift in a smirk as he listens. “I called you Skater boy.” He barks out a laugh, his head falling back. I smile even though he’s kinda laughing at me.
“What’s so funny?” Milo comes over and leans on the mop he was using in the men’s bathroom. I could kiss him for doing it for me. Maybe I will later. I bite my lip, my cheeks heating from the thought.
“You gotta hear this, Laura is telling me about the first time she saw us, and we were all together, apparently.”
“No, I had met Dante the day before in art,” I correct him.“Ijustdidn’t know he was the same boy standing with you yet.”
Ollie’s laughter fades and he prompts, “Go ahead. You were trying to fit us together, I was Skater boy and…?”
I narrow my eyes at him before playfully casting my gaze over to Milo. “You were the Jock.” Milo tries to fight a smile but fails.
“What was Dante?” Ollie asks eagerly.
“The Bad Boy.” I look down, a little embarrassed of my assessment now, even though I got some of it right. “He was wearing his leather jacket,” I confess, and it comes outkind of like a whine.
“You know,” Milo says thoughtfully, “I’ve never really thought about it, but I bet that’s what most people think about him. He’s all quiet and broody, with a big chip on his shoulder.” Milo looks off into the distance and a wide smile forms on his lips. “Dante, the Bad Boy,” he says in a super deep, dramatic voice.
Which makes Ollie lean over, giggling. “Why was I Skater boy and not the beautiful boy, orman of my dreams?” he bats his long eyelashes at me.
I scoff and swat his chest as I turn away from him. “See if I ever tell you anything again.” I comment over my shoulder while walking away. He and Milo are too busy laughing to even acknowledge my threat.
I make my way to the back to say good night to Gus and Maggie, but I don’t expect to find them in a lip lock against one cooler. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” I blurt out when they untangle and see me standing there struck stupid by the sight.
“Quitting time?” Maggie asks, completely ignoring the kiss.
I nod my head and make sure my mouth isn’t hanging open. “Yes, the bathroomsare done, and we mopped the dining room.”
“All right then, have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow?” she says, but phrases it like a question.
“Yup.” I pop the ‘p’ sound before spinning on my heels, ready to get the hell out of there before I embarrass myself anymore.
“Why is your face so red?” Milo asks the moment I clear the door. I widen my eyes and tilt my head, mouthing the word “Later.” His chin jerks back, but he doesn’t question me again, instead he makes a move to go through the doors to the kitchen. I grab his arm with both of mine, stopping him. He looks down at me and my hand. I shake my head super fast with my eyes open wide, telling him not to go in there.
Instead he yells out, “See you tomorrow Gran, Gus.” I drag him, as much as I cananyway, away from the door and rush to grab Ollie too. I don’t know why catching them making out like highschoolers freaks me out, but it does.
I release them the moment we’re free from the doorway and jog to the car, sliding into the back seat.
“You wanna tell me what happened in there?” Milo inquires, leaning into the back from the front passenger seat.
I stifle a giggle with my finger over my mouth, but the laugh breaks free anyway. Ollie starts Dante’s car, and the throaty purr of the engine reminds me of its owner’s deep voice. “Gus and Maggie.” I shake my head, unable to say the words.
