Page 22 of The Ex Next Door
“It’s what you always wanted.”
They spoke simultaneously and she almost called “Jinx” but instead they both laughed.
“We need a cocktail waitress at the bar. It would just be a few nights a week but it might work for your purposes.”
It sounded perfect, actually, because she might not even need childcare. That would make up for the difference in a lower wage, not to mention the tips. Mom and Lou could help out more on the weekends, too, when they didn’t work. She’d wanted a nine-to-five job Monday through Friday for the purposes of working days while Naomi and David were back in school, but practically, working weekends and nights made more sense right now. And it was just temporary.
“Really?”
“You have to share your tips with me, though.” Declan winked. “That’s the setup we have.”
“And I assume you share your tips with the waitresses?”
“Correct.” He mock saluted her.
Oh, this would be good. Declan would earn astounding tips. Everyone tended to like him. Women thought him handsome, but men weren’t threatened by him and considered him a “bro.” Probably because of the sports thing.
“I’ll go and apply tomorrow.”
“I’ll put in a good word for you. Honestly, you’ve pretty much already got the job if I have anything to say about it, which I do.”
A warm rush of excitement rolled through Amy. She was going to start her journey toward independence. Soon she’d contribute to the household finances and maybe even make a few new friends in the process. At least she wouldn’t be stuck inside the house feeling sorry for herself. It was a new beginning all around. By next summer, maybe she’d be enjoying her first summer off from her teaching position. Her kids would be happy and well adjusted and every moment of pain she’d been through in the past year would be behind her.
“Thanks, Declan. I won’t forget this. You can consider your previous record expunged.”
“I didn’t need it expunged.” He stood. “I just needed itcorrected.”
“Then it’s been corrected and amended.” She took a deep breath. “And, if there’s anything that needs to beforgiven—”
“Which, there isn’t.”
“Well, it would be forgiven if there was anything to forgive since certain people were seventeen.”
“Lucky for you and me both, there isn’t.”
Boy, he wasn’t going to let this go. Fine. It was all good. She smiled her thanks, went inside and shut the door, leaning her back against it. After the divorce, after Rob had said those ugly words,I don’t think I love you anymore, Amy thought she’d never crack a smile again, much less laugh.
Now, she chuckled, remembering the expression on Declan’s face as he asked for their mutual history record to be corrected. It was so long ago she’d honestly forgotten most of it even if her mother hadn’t. That was okay, she wouldn’t soon forget the first man to break Naomi’s heart, either. The truth was her own teenage insecurities had fed into the belief Declan wanted someone else besides her, and that was the only reason they’d broken up. Not that he wasn’t ready to get married, and she was. All that was in the past.
Amy’s old relationship with Declan was gone, replaced with something she would have never imagined.
A sweet and solid brand-new friendship.
Chapter Eight
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill was a throwback to Amy’s college days, and she fell right into step after her first day of training. Debbie, who’d been with the Salty Dog back when it was under its previous ownership, was a great help. As it turned out, she was also a single mom and had been able to support herself and her two kids for years. Encouraging, even if Amy didn’t see this as a permanent stop. One of the owners, Adam Cruz, had given her an interview, which as Declan had said seemed to be mostly out of formality. She’d filled out a bunch of forms and walked out of the bar with the job.
When Rob made his weekly check-in call to the kids, she’d told him of her plans.
“Really? Waitressing atyourage?” Rob snorted.
“Until my teaching credentials come through and I can find a position in the district. What did you expect? It’s not like I have any experience working outside of the home.”
“I thought you’d be able to find something better thanwaitressing.”
It was Rob’s attitude about her efforts more than anything that made Amy say her next words.
“I was hired on the spot. Declan Sheridan got me the job.”
