Page 84 of Time for Change

Jack just grins. “Most definitely, Sweets. Most fucking definitely.”

***

“Hey, Stevie, let’s go to the bar. I want to introduce you to our newest bartender,” Garreth states when he pops his head into the servers’ station on Wednesday morning.

“Sure. I was just finishing up wrapping some silverware,” I tell him, setting the basket of clean forks and knives on the shelf for later.

“Her name is Adrienne, and she comes to us from Cincinnati. She’s training with Walker today, but honestly, she has enough experience she shouldn’t need much more than to learn our system and processes.”

We stop at the bar front and wait for Walker to finish whatever instruction he’s giving to the newest member of the Burgers and Brew family. The first thing I notice is how gorgeous she is. Seriously, she’s beautiful, with her dark, curly hair barely contained by a large clip at the back of her head and her flawless porcelain skin. She’s curvy, filling out her black pants in a way that makes men stand up and beg.

“Adrienne, I’d like you to meet one of our servers. This is Stevie. She’ll be working the lunch shift with you today,” Garreth says when Walker and the newest hire finally turn our way.

Her eyes strike me instantly. They’re the most stunning shade of light brown with a darker ring around them. “Hi, nice to meet you,” she responds, extending her hand my way.

“Likewise,” I reply, giving her a genuine smile.

“We’ll leave you to it,” Garreth adds. “I just wanted you two to meet before the doors open.”

Adrienne flashes me a wide grin. “Look forward to getting to know you.”

There’s something in her eyes that draws me in. A friendship, of sorts. I don’t know her, but I realize I want to. “Me too.”

Garreth goes to unlock the doors, while I return to the restaurant to prepare for today’s patrons. It seems as if the moment the locks are turned, the crowd starts to arrive. We seat four tables in the restaurant within the first ten minutes of being open and plan for a large party of eight to arrive at eleven thirty.I’m excited when Garreth puts the tables together in my section, hoping the larger party will result in more tips.

The day progresses quickly, and before I know it, the next shift is starting to arrive. I’m finishing up my last table of the day, heading to the bar to retrieve their second beers. Walker is talking to Isaac and Jasper at the end of the bar, so Adrienne comes over to help me.

“Whatcha need?” she asks politely.

“Two Night Crüe drafts, tall, please.”

“Coming right up,” she says, grabbing the two chilled glasses and filling them with beer. “So I hear you’re somewhat new here too?”

I nod. “I am. I moved here right before Christmas and started early January.”

“Follow a beau?” she asks, setting both glasses on my tray.

“No, nothing like that. Needed a fresh start.”

She props one hip against the counter and crosses her arms over her ample chest. “Girl, I hear you. I was tired of getting hit on by every jerk at my old place, so I pulled up a map and pointed. Landed here,” she states, her long red nails tapping on her arms.

“Seriously?” I ask, shocked at the thought of picking my next town by simply pointing to a map.

She laughs, a deep, rich sound. “No, girl, I’m joking. Well, not about the jerks hitting on me, but about how I landed in Stewart Grove. I have family from here and decided to try a slower pace. I don’t know how long I’ll last in Smalltown, USA, but I’m here, and so far, it’s not so bad.”

I give her a warm smile. “I’m from a bigger city too. A small town definitely takes some getting used to.”

Adrienne nods as the heavy door to the bar opens and two new patrons walk in. “I better get these drinks delivered,” I say, lifting my tray and turning to head back to the restaurant.

I stop by my table and place the beers in front of the customers. “Anything else I can get you right now?”

The blond guy with blue eyes and dimples smiles widely. “Maybe your phone number?”

Flashing a friendly smile, I respond, “Sorry, but I’m seeing someone.”

He just snorts and laughs. “Me too.” Then, he throws in a sleezy wink that makes my skin crawl.

“Okay, then, I’ll stop back by your table and check on you shortly.” I turn to walk away when a hand reaches out and snakes around my leg.

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