Page 18 of Sir Avery's Wish
“Except you texted me three times last night asking how he was settling in.”
The heat in Avery’s neck spread to his cheeks. Had it really been three times? He'd been careful to space them out, to make them seem casual. Apparently not casual enough.
“I was concerned about an employee. Like you said, I felt responsible. That’s all there was to it.”
Much to his relief, the waiter chose that moment to show up with their meals.
“Here you go, gentleman.”
The server set down their dishes, asked them if they’d like anything else, then left. Avery laid his linen napkin across his lap. An unbidden thought of Eli draped over his thighs as Avery gave him a hearty discipline spanking shot through his mind.
He let out an aggravated sigh. “All right, fine. I haven’t been taking care of my own needs. I’ll make a point of coming to theclub tomorrow night. No alcohol, no street clothes. I’ll have my gear and be ready to play.”
Zane grinned, patting the side of his arm. “That’s what I was hoping to hear. You know I’m only looking out for you. I think I know you well enough by now to tell when something’s not okay.”
Avery let out a long, slow breath. “I have to agree.” He reached over, squeezing Zane’s hand. “Thank you.”
Zane gave him a knowing smile. “Let’s say we dig in. After waiting for a fresh round of scallops, you don’t want them to get cold.”
Avery snorted. “That’s not the only thing I don’t want to get cold.”
They shared a comfortable laugh, and for the first time in a while, the ever-present knot in his stomach eased.
Now to find someone I think is interesting enough to do a scene with.
Eli thanked the line cook for showing him how to use the dishwashing apparatus. The sanitizer wasn’t all that complicated, but getting the solution right was key. He’d only spent one night and the morning in the presence of Master Zane, but it didn’t take genius perception to realize the guy was meticulous in everything he was a part of. More than anything, he wanted to do a great job, show how grateful he was for all his help.
After clocking out, Eli removed his apron, then dropped it in the laundry basket. One of the perks of the job was a free meal at the end of his shift. He thought that maybe he could get away with having a big meal on the days he worked, so he didn’t have to eat as much of Master Zane’s food at home. Even though he’d been reassured several times that he was welcome to anything in the kitchen, he already felt as though he was a burden.
Eli carried his pesto linguine with shrimp to the staff members’ break table located right outside the kitchen. He was feeling very carby after being without much to eat for so long. Once he finished his meal, he’d take the opportunity to try Lenny again before taking the subway back home.
Eli shook his head.Where I’m staying for now.He didn’t want to get too used to living in the lap of luxury.
He picked at the shrimp with his fork, savoring the garlic and basil. The pasta was perfectly al dente, nothing like the overcooked spaghetti he'd grown up with. His mom had worked long hours at her job, and had always been more concerned with feeding the family quickly than with culinary finesse. The thought of her sent a familiar pang through his chest. She was probably worried sick by now, wondering why he'd disappeared without a word.
But calling home was out of the question. Not until he figured out what to do about what he’d witnessed. He wished Lenny would answer the phone or get back to him. It had been two days since he last spoke with him.
What if something had happened to Lenny? What if the killer had found him somehow?
Eli winced, forcing the paranoid thoughts away. Lenny was probably just busy, or maybe his phone had died. There were a dozen reasonable explanations that didn't involve murder and mayhem.
Right as Eli was about to put another forkful of linguini in his mouth, he glanced up. He dropped his fork, sauce splashing onto his white work shirt as Mr. Lockwood drew closer. A split-second thought rushed through his head that Mr. Lockwood was intentionally heading his way, then he remembered the hallway to the restrooms was right next to the staff table.
Eli’s breath caught in his throat, and he froze the second Mr. Lockwood noticed him. His ex-boss came to a halt, his jaw dropping open. Mr. Lockwood held up his hand, palm out.
“It’s okay, Eli. I didn’t realize you were here. I was just about to leave, so don’t let me disturb you.”
Right as Mr. Lockwood turned down the hallway to his destination, Eli shot up from his chair. He hurried after him without thinking, then called out, “Mr. Lockwood! Wait.”
Mr. Lockwood whirled around, his features a study of surprise as he regarded Eli with a furrowed brow and tilted head.
“What is it, Eli? Is anything wrong?”
What the hell was he doing? So far, abruptly running to the other side and hiding had been his most impulsive act. Apparently, he hadn’t gotten hasty decisions out of his system yet.
“I...” Eli’s confidence evaporated the moment Mr. Lockwood’s intense blue eyes fixed on him. What had he been thinking? The words jumbled in his mind as his mouth went dry. “I just wanted to apologize for running away at the hotel. That was rude and unprofessional.”
Mr. Lockwood’s expression softened, the sharp angles of his face less severe in the hallway’s dim lighting. “There’s no need for apologies, Eli. I’m the one who should be sorry. I approached the situation poorly.”
