Page 26 of Bargain with the Bachelor
“We’re closing.”
“I know.”
Her eyebrows lifted in a sardonic expression. “Would you like me to bring you a funnel… or may I cork that for you,sir?”
“I was hoping to speak with you.”
Kristal’s shoulders stiffened, and she glanced at the exit. “It’s been a long day. My feet are tired. I’m ready to go home.”
“Why don’t you sit down a minute?” I gestured to the empty chair across from me, joking, “I’ll be happy to share my bottle of liquid gold with you. At least I hope that’s what this stuff is made of at the price they charge for it.”
“What do you want, Hunter?” she asked bluntly, clearly not impressed with either my wine budget or my joke.
Okay then. Cut to the chase.“I want to know why you’re avoiding me, why you’re having your co-workers takeyourtables whenever I come in.”
Kristal’s cheeks colored. Her eyes flicked to the side.That’s right, sweetie. You’re busted.
Her gaze came back to meet mine, looking stronger, more determined. She lifted her chin in defiance.
“I didn’t appreciate that tip you left last week at lunch.”
“Not big enough?” I quipped.
Her tone scolded me. “You know it was way too much.”
“Listen, Kristal, it’s not that big of a deal…” I wasn’t trying to impress her this time but to make her feel better.
She cut me off before I could finish.
“I already know how well you’re doing. You don’t have to flaunt it,” she snapped.
“Is that what you think I was doing?”
She gave the wine bottle a significant glance. At her isn’t-it-obvious expression, I changed my tone from cajoling to sincere.
“I’m sorry it came across that way. When I saw you at the Charity Relief Ball, I admit… Ididwant you to know about my success.”
I rolled my eyes in a self-deprecating way. “The wine tonight was just a ploy to keep your wanna-be boyfriend from kicking me out. But as far as that tip goes, I’m a generous tipper—sue me. It wasn’t that long ago that I was bussing tables every night and on weekends, then waiting tables all through high school and in college. It’s hard work, and so many customers leave stingy little tips—or none at all. I wastryingto be nice.”
Kristal’s whole body seemed to sag, and her face softened. “I’m sorry. I’m having a rough day—a rough month, actually.”
Pouring several ounces of fragrant golden liquid into a wine glass, I pushed it across the table toward her.
“Maybe a couple thousand dollars’ worth of chardonnay will take the edge off. Come on. If you make me drink this all by myself, I’m going to get the world’s most expensive hangover. Or get mugged on the way home for my bladder contents.”
She snickered. “Ihavealways been curious about what that wine tastes like.”
Sliding into the chair opposite mine, she lifted the glass, bringing it to her nose and inhaling. “You’ve never ordered this before?”
“Of course not. It’s ridiculously overpriced.”
Kristal laughed, making me feel like I’d won a prize. I wanted to earn more of her laughter, to see her beautiful smile.
“I still shop at Marshall’s and look at the price tags. Old habits die hard,” I said.
She parted with a reluctant grin. “So, the old Hunterisstill in there.”
And still just as in love with you as ever.
