Page 68 of A Simple Life

I shook my head. “It’s a nightgown on you. Don’t overthink. Now, in.” I winked. “Besides, I’m too hot.”

She blushed, making me snicker. “In,” I said, indicating the bed.

I waited until she was settled, then bent and kissed her. “Sleep well, darlin’.”

She smiled, cupping my cheek. “Probably not as well as when I was with you.”

I winked. “Same.”

I turned out the light and headed to my own bed. The sheets smelled like Quinn. Like us. I liked it, but I had to admit, it felt empty without her.

I was already looking forward to the next night. If Abby was able to spend the night at her friend’s place, I’d get Quinn all to myself for the whole night.

I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

17

QUINN

The glass in my hand slipped, hitting the floor and shattering into hundreds of shards that scattered as far as my eyes could see. It took every ounce of restraint in me not to drop the other glass I was carrying and scream as it, too, exploded.

Instead, I drew in a deep inhale of oxygen, set down the other glass, and looked around the restaurant with a rueful smile. “Careful, everyone. I’ll have this cleaned up in a jiffy.”

The last few tables smiled and nodded, going back to their meals. The bell rang from the kitchen, and I was grateful the final order was ready. An unexpected, large group had shown up half an hour before closing, so we were going to be late. Still, it was good for business.

I went to the kitchen, grabbing the first tray, once again wishing I had help. Tammy had the day off, my other waitress, Jan, had called in sick, and I couldn’t get hold of Chloe. So I was alone for the day. Then Kevin, the other staff member, called in sick as well. Normally, I could manage, but with the lingering heat, it seemed no one wanted to cook, and we had been extraordinarily busy all day. I heard the door open out front, and I rolled my eyes before going through the kitchen door. I had a feeling the day wouldn’t be ending soon.

But as I went out front, I was greeted by John’s confused smile as he sat at the counter. He rose to his feet, immediately reaching for the large tray. For a moment, I almost said no, and then I allowed him to take it. He followed me to the table and held it as I handed out plates.

“Right back with the rest,” I promised.

“Can we get more water and coffee?” one customer asked.

“Of course.”

I returned to the kitchen, loading the tray, hurrying back, and stopping in amazement. John was at the table, coffeepot and water pitcher in hand. He was pouring liquid, chatting with the customers, being charming. Friendly.

I had to blink and make sure I wasn’t hallucinating.

“Ah, there she is,” he said, meeting my gaze.

I crossed to the table, and once again, he held the tray as I gave out the rest of the plates.

“Anything else I can get you?”

“No,” was the chorus I was pleased to hear. “John here got us ketchup and everything else while you were getting the food. We’re good,” one woman assured me. “I know we’re late, so we’ll eat up so you can close.”

“Please take your time. It’s not a problem,” I lied.

They all began to eat, and I recalled I needed to clean up the glass. Except when I turned, I saw John by the booth, broom in hand. I approached him. “I’ll finish that.”

“Almost done.” He looked around. “Where’s your staff?”

I moved closer, dropping my voice. “Tammy has the day off. Jan called in sick, then about an hour later, the busboy, Kevin, did the same thing. I have a feeling they were being ‘sick’ together. I couldn’t get hold of Chloe. And we’ve been crazy. Clint and I have been run off our feet.”

“Tammy wouldn’t have minded you calling her.”

“She’s at her in-laws for a birthday party. I didn’t want to take her from that. It’s almost done. But I’m not going to get out of here on time.”