Page 53 of Time for Change

The corner of his lip curls up and he physically relaxes in front of me. “No, I suppose not, but nonetheless, it was surprising news when he shared it.”

I nod, mostly because I don’t know what else to say.

“What was more surprising than what he said was how he said it.”

That piques my interest. “What do you mean?”

This time, he flashes me a full-wattage, comfortable grin. One that lights up his entire face, erasing the grumpy look he normally wears. “I mean he seemed…happy. And there’s not a lot of things that make Jameson happy, Stevie, but he was content.”

I feel the relief all the way down to my toes. “I’m glad.”

“I don’t want to interfere,” he starts, standing up tall once more and turning back to business. “What you two decide to do is your decision. I’m sure it’ll take time to get to know each other, and I hope you do. Don’t let his hard exterior be off-putting. He’s one of the most loyal friends I’ve ever met, despite wanting to punch him in the face from time to time, and over the last several years, I’ve gotten to know BJ too. She’s a wonderful woman, mother, friend, and wife. She’s a kick-ass artist and takes no shit from anyone, and believe it or not, I see both of them in you. Know whatever relationship you all decide to build moving forward is welcome, by us, and I hope by you all too.”

Great. Here come the tears again.

“Don’t cry, please. I hate tears, don’t know what to do with them. Should I go get Isaac? Or maybe Walker?” he asks, almost in a panic.

I can’t help but laugh, blinking repeatedly to keep the wetness at bay. “No, I’m all right. But for the record, I want a relationship with them.”

I’ve wanted nothing more since I found that photo.

“Good,” he replies with a decisive nod. “I’m happy to hear that. I’ll let you get back to work. I just wanted to tell you, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’d offer that to any and every employee, but after finding out you’re Jameson’s sister, I especially mean it. If you’re his family, you’re my family.”

Again, I nod, since words won’t seem to come. “Thank you,” I mutter before slipping out the door and scurrying through the kitchen. I keep my head down, completely overwhelmed by what has transpired in such a short amount of time. I guess that goes to show how highly his friends and business partners regard Jameson, and I’m incredibly happy for him, knowing he has friends in his corner the way he does.

I don’t have time to replay the conversations of my morning, because before I know it, the restaurant is open and filling up. I take care of several tables in my section, constantly bouncing between them to ensure drinks are full, orders are taken, and hot food is delivered.

When one of my tables orders two beers with their meals, I hurry over to the bar to place the order. Walker is back there, chatting with a few customers at the bar, and the moment he spots me approach the servers’ spot, he flashes me a wide grin. “I’ll be right back,” he tells the gentlemen before making his way toward me. “Hey, Stevie. What can I get you?”

“I need a Night Crüe and an All-American Crüe draft, please.”

“Coming right up,” he states, filling two chilled glasses with cold beer. “Listen,” he starts after setting the beer on my tray, “I just wanted you to know I won’t say a word about…you know. Jameson and I’ve been through a lot together, friends since we were little, and I’ve never seen him like this. It’s always been just him and Beej, so to hear him tell us he has another sister, even just a half, and to do it with a smile on his face, is pretty telling. He’s excited, even if he doesn’t outwardly show it.”

This time, after hearing it for a third time today, I’m grinning. “Thanks, I’m pretty excited too, and anxious to get to know them.”

He nods and taps on the bar. “Good. They’re great people, Stevie. I don’t think you’ll regret it.”

I flash him a grateful smile and lift my tray, carrying the drinks back to the restaurant. As I deliver them to the table, I spot two newcomers at another table of mine. “Your food will be up shortly,” I tell the two gentlemen before heading for my newest table.

“Good afternoon,” I greet Jack and his friend, Caden.

“Hello,” Jack replies, his voice causing my clit to notice.

“Hey, Stevie,” Caden says, a wide grin on his handsome face. “We just wrapped up an install and thought we’d grab a bite to eat,” he adds.

“Well, you came to the right place. What can I get you to drink?” I ask, my eyes automatically drawing back to Jack.

“Ice water for me,” he says, the faintest smile on his lips.

“I’ll have a Coke,” Caden orders.

“Are you ready to place your food orders or do you need a few more minutes?” I ask, noting their drinks on the ticket.

“I’m ready.” There’s a wildness in Jack’s eyes, a hint of foreplay that lets me know he’s not necessarily referring to ordering food.

“I need a few minutes,” Caden announces, causing Jack to glance his way with narrowed eyes.

“You do not. You get the same thing every time.”

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