Page 17 of Edged

Anthony plucked her menu from where it sat in front of her. “Will you allow me to order for both of us?”

“I’d rather order for myself, thank you.” She held her hand out for the menu. A little shiver went up her spine when he asked to order for her. Was he being a gentleman? Or was it some form of control? Kaley was beginning to feel like she was treading in very deep water.

“Very well.” He handed her the menu. The waiter returned with their drinks and bread and asked for their order.

“I’ll have the brisket dinner, beans, and a side salad with ranch dressing.” Kaley shut her menu to see Anthony frowning.

“I’ll have the beef platter with extra beans, mac and cheese, corn, and fries. And please bring us an extra order of rolls.”

“I’ll bring a variety of sauces as well,” the waiter said then left.

“You must be hungry to order the beef platter,” Kaley said. She’d read the descriptions. A full-rack of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and tri-tip.

“I can always take home what I don’t eat.” There was something about the way he said the words that had Kaley wondering if he did this often. “Tell me more about Kaley.”

She shifted her position. “Not much to tell.”

“I doubt that. Did you grow up here in Pleasant Valley?”

“I did.” She took a sip of her soda, gathering her courage. “I grew up in the Winter Village neighborhood.” Kaley watched Anthony closely to see if he knew the place. She had to give him credit. He didn’t flinch at the name.

Anthony nodded. “Not the easiest of neighborhoods to grow up in.”

His tone was filled with compassion, not pity. Did he understand? “Yeah, I was glad when I got out.”

“And when was that?”

“When I turned twenty. My siblings were both eighteen or over and could care for themselves.” She took another drink of her soda.

“Parents?”

“There, but not.” She swallowed. “They were alcoholics. They passed a few years ago.”

Anthony had just picked up his beer and set it down abruptly.

“No, please. I don’t mind if you drink a beer unless you plan on getting drunk.”

“I don’t drink to excess, a beer or glass of wine with dinner once in a while.” He took a sip of his beer and turned toward her. “You tend bar at the club.”

“Only because Max doesn’t allow alcohol. Max understands that if a private party happens with alcohol, I won’t bartend.”

“Their alcoholism left a mark on you.” He reached over and took her hand in his.

She couldn’t deny his words. “It did. That’s one of the reasons we can’t work, Anthony.” There. She said it.

“Oh?” His eyebrows rose. “Care to explain?”

Kaley swallowed. She wanted to say no, but for some reason, she felt she should explain. To give herself a minute to gather her courage, she grabbed a roll with her free hand and bit into it. “Oh my God, these are so good.”

“Yeast rolls are the best.” He kept his gaze on her. “Will you please answer my question?”

She finished off her roll. “I work really long hours.”

“That’s an excuse.”

“Not really. I work six days a week, usually ten to twelve hours a day.”

“I can accommodate your schedule.” He squeezed the fingers he was still holding.

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