“Of course I didn’t see any.”
“I parked in the other lot.”
Other lot?“What other lot?”
“The one I parked in.”
She speared him with another glare. “Must you be so obtuse?”
“Obtuse?” He turned his head, a dark blond eyebrow lifted in amusement.
“Yes, obtuse,” she spat.
Jake shrugged. “I was just answering your questions, Miss Congeniality.”
“Excuse me? Who?”
“You know. The movie you used to love when we were kids with the hot woman… What was her name?”
“Sandra Bullock?” She shot him an incredulous look.
“Yes! That one!” Jake’s mouth twitched with amusement.
“What about it?” she asked cautiously.
“Nothing.”
The leather steering wheel bit into her palms as she white-knuckled it.
“You’re annoying,” she muttered out loud, and ignored him for the rest of the drive.
Out of habit, she drove through the center of town as Jake remained quiet—something she was thankful for. They pulled up at The Lotus, and Gia wasted no time jumping out of the car. The rain had slowed down to a drizzle.
Stomping toward the restaurant, she heard Jake get out of the car.
“Thanks for the ride! I had a great time!”
Shaking her head, she flipped him off without a backward glance.
What did I ever see in him?
With a hand wrapped around the door handle, she yanked it open and shivered at the burst of cool air. She couldn’t help it. She glanced over her shoulder to see Jake standing in front of the car, umbrella in one hand. He offered her a small wave and smirked as their eyes met. Ducking her head, she rushed inside.
If a small smile stretched across her lips, it was because of being back in a familiar setting. It certainly had nothing to do with the tall drink of water who saved her from a thunderstorm today.
Nope. Not at all.
“Gia! Thank goodness you’re here. Come.” Minh’s voice jerked her attention away from her blond savior and to the busy restaurant. Looks like she caught the dinner rush right on time.
Gia hurried to the counter to receive instructions about what Minh wanted her to do. Together, they would tackle the tables and serve food as quickly as the kitchen prepared it.
It felt so natural to jump in and help. Almost as if she hadnever left town. Except at every few tables, someone would stop her asking if she was back in town for good.
“Gia, so good to see you again, sweetie.” Mrs. Bennett gripped her hand in passing and squeezed it between her weathered palms. Gia smiled thinly at the woman who had been her favorite art teacher. “Things are going to be very exciting in this sleepy town soon.” Mrs. Bennett winked with a wide smile.
Brows furrowed, Gia pulled her hand away and returned to the kitchen.
There was a lull as her parents worked on preparing the next table’s order. Distractedly, she started doing the dishes as she waited.
