I need a new angle. This one isn’t working. “What about friends? Do you have time for a friend?”
“Not really. My life is crazy busy.”
I lean against the door and stuff my hands in my pockets. “Explain this crazy, busy life to me.”
“Why bother?”
I grin. “Because we’re friends.”
“I never agreed to be friends.”
“But you would have eventually. You find me irresistible.”
“Annoying is more accurate.”
“Come on. Tell me about your busy life.”
“Fine,” she huffs. “You want to hear about my boring, busy life? Here we go. I work full-time here atFive Fathoms Brewing.More than full-time if I can pick up the extra shifts. When I’m not here, I’m raising my three siblings. And, if I should somehow find a moment of time to myself, I write music.”
“You want to be a singer?”
“Songwriting is the dream. A silly dream.”
“I’ve heard you sing. It’s not silly.”
Her cheeks darken, and she glances away. She’s even more beautiful when she’s embarrassed. “Whatever.”
“And you’re raising your siblings? Why? Where are your mom and dad?”
“Not that it’s any of your business,friend, but my dad left when I was two. I don’t remember him. And my mom is here. Being a single mom is tough. I help out.”
I didn’t think it was possible to be more interested in Addy but I am. She’s helping to raise her siblings when she could leavethis island and chase her dreams of becoming a songwriter. A woman who will sacrifice for her loved ones is the kind of woman I yearn for.
“I’m sorry I don’t have time to have fun with you.” She glances at her watch. “I should get back out there. The lunch rush is in full swing.”
“Of course.” I open the door and motion her out.
She rushes down the hallway to the bar and I follow.
“Table nine,” the bartender says as he shoves a tray full of beers her way.
“I got it.” I lift the tray before Addy has a chance.
She scowls at me. “This is my job.”
“And I’m just helping out. No biggie.”
The tray weighs a ton. I have no idea how she could possibly lift it. She’s such a little thing.
I reach a crowd gathered around the television and lift the tray in the air in order to pass them.
“Table nine’s the other way,” Addy says.
I glance back at her. She giggles and her eyes twinkle. I’m mesmerized. Maybe she’s a witch in addition to waitress, babysitter, and songwriter.
My arms begin to tremble. This morning’s workout was all arms. I should probably deliver these drinks before I embarrass myself. I whirl around to find table nine. My foot stubs into a chair, and before I know what’s happening, the tray of drinks crashes to the floor.
“Shit.” I kneel down to pick up the mess.
