Page 42 of SEAL's Patience
“Umm, I guess I don’t know. I’ve never played or been around anyone who was playing. But that wasn’t very nice of you, Quinn. I’d make him pay the tab, Doc,” Patience said. “I mean, it’s only fair if he’s taken all your money.”
“Wait, whose side are you on?” Quinn growled.
“Hey, good idea, girly. Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” She grinned at Doc, then winked at Quinn. “You can afford it. I’ll try to get back here to check on you sooner than the last time.”
“No worries. We’ll be at the bar. I wanted to talk to Pam anyway,” Doc said.
“Gotcha. See you out front.”
Had Quinn just teased her? He wasn’t drunk, but he’d seemed looser somehow. She wasn’t sure what happened, but hopefully, he wouldn’t revert to his grumpy self before it was time to drive home.
The rest of the time passed quickly. Patience and Charity were handling all the tables while Pam handled the bar. When she finally rang the bell for last call, Patience could have cheered. She was exhausted, like she’d worked an eight-hour shift instead of just five hours. Probably the lack of sleep hadn’t helped either. Her stomach growled as she cleared her last table. As hungry as she was, she was even more tired. Her stomach would have to fight it out with her bed for dibs.
Charity pulled her aside as she finished her area. “Did you want a lift?”
“Oh man, I’m sorry. I meant to tell you earlier. No, I’m good. Thank you so much for the offer.”
“Anytime. It was great working with you tonight. They sure kept us hopping.”
“They did. I’m beat. I can’t wait to put my feet up when I get home.”
“Me too. If I’m lucky, the kids won’t wake up when I get them home. See you next time.”
Patience wanted to ask where they were, but she didn’t want to push. From Charity’s reaction, she must have shared more than she’d wanted to.
Pam and Quinn were chatting when she finally finished clearing up. “I’ll be right back. Just gonna grab my stuff, then we can go.”
Quinn nodded but didn’t say anything. Typical. Patience hurried to the break room to get her jacket and backpack. Tony was waiting for her with a bag with to-go containers.
“Make sure you eat when you get home. There’s plenty there for tomorrow for you and Livie. I might have added some cheesecake. Maybe.” Tony winked and headed back to the kitchen.
“Oh my God. I love you.” Patience yelled after him.
“Don’t let Pam hear you say that!”
Still giggling, she slid the backpack over one shoulder and clutched the food to her chest. The aroma of the spicy sauce made her mouth water. Her bed might just have to wait after all.
As she stepped out of the back, Pam was alone at the bar. What the hell? After all his blustering about taking her home, where was he? She scanned the bar area, but he wasn’t there. Maybe he’d gone to the restroom. When she glanced back at Pam, her boss was smiling.
“Quinn went to pull his truck up. He didn’t want you to fall on the ice and snow. I’d say that man has it bad for you.”
“No way. He can barely have a conversation with me without growling.”
“Mmm. I’ve seen a lot of these guys fall over the years. I’m telling you, he can deny it all he likes, but he’s already gone for you. I hope you’re prepared for an overprotective neanderthal.”
Patience laughed. “I think you’re seeing things.”
“We’ll see. See you on Thursday. Thanks for all the hard work tonight.”
“You’re welcome. It was worth it just to get some of Tony’s lasagna and cheesecake. If you don’t hear from me, it’s because I’m in a food coma.”
Pam’s chuckle followed her out the door. Just as she’d said, his truck idled at the curb. Quinn was leaning against the passenger side of the truck, waiting for her.
When he saw her step outside, he took the bag of food from her and then helped her into the seat.
“Do you need to stop anywhere before I take you home?” He asked as he climbed into the driver’s seat.
