Page 41 of SEAL's Patience
“Patience, if there’s something bothering you, you can always talk to Pam or me. No judgement,” Tony said. His expression pinched with worry.
“You are the best, and I know I could. But seriously, it’s nothing. Just worrying about my car, really. I hate having to rely on others to drive me around. You know?” It was a small lie, but true too.
Tony nodded. “I hear you there. Pam told me you got stuck last night. Hopefully, it will be an easy and cheap fix.” He winked and handed her the last dish for her order.
“Right? From your mouth to God’s ears, as my mother always says. Now I better get these orders out before there’s a revolt at that table. Those Navy guys look like they could eat a bear.”
Tony shook his head and laughed, then waved her out of the kitchen. Thankfully, more customers had come in. At this rate, she’d be too busy to dwell on her thoughts. Hopefully. Maybe she should take Charity up on her offer of a ride home. Except staying away from Quinn was the last thing she wanted to do. After delivering the meals to the starving men, she bounced from table to table. It seemed like everyone had ventured out after all.
She finally made it back to the Pool Room and whatever the tension she’d picked up on earlier was gone. Relief washed over her. At least Quinn hadn’t stormed out. Instead of hushed whispers, they were giving each other shit.
Doc gave her a wink as she walked in, while Quinn was lining up his shot.
“Sorry it took so long. It’s crazy out there. Can I get you some refills? More food?”
Quinn glanced up and seemed surprised to see her. Of course, he didn’t smile or wink, but at least he didn’t look as upset as he had earlier.
“Just another round of beer,” Doc answered.
Quinn nodded in agreement.
“Be right back, I promise.” She grinned and turned to leave when Quinn’s deep voice stopped her.
“What time is your shift over tonight?”
“Let me check with Pam. I’ll let you know when I bring the beers. Charity offered me a ride home. You don’t have to hang out here all night waiting for me.”
“I brought you and I’ll take you home.”
“Okay, then.” Patience nodded at them and headed out to the bar.
Pam was still tending bar. They really were short-handed; it was going to be a long night.
“Is anyone else coming in?” Patience asked as she gave Pam the drink order.
“No, this is it. I didn’t count on Livie still being out of town and Sky needing to go home. But don’t worry, I’m closing at eight. Can you make it that long?”
“Of course, I would stay all night if you needed me. I only asked because Quinn was curious when I’d be done.”
“That’s right, he brought you, didn’t he? Did you finally break down his walls?”
“No way would I say that. He’s the most stubborn man I’ve ever met.”
Pam laughed as she handed Patience the beers. “If anyone can sweeten him up, it’s you.”
Patience grinned. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Pam’s words percolated in her brain as she headed back to the guys. Could she break through his walls? Was he softening at all toward her? Probably not. Especially if she considered the way he’d stormed out of her house after they’d had sex. Nope. Still, he kept doing things for her. It was like an oxymoron. Hetold her to stay away, but then he kept ensuring he’d have to help her.
“Here you go. Not too long a wait this time, right? Oh, and I’m finished at eight. Is that okay?”
Quinn took the beer bottles from her and handed one to Doc. “That’s fine. We’ll probably end up at the bar soon.”
“Yeah, he’s just about cleaned me out,” Doc said with a smirk.
“You bet on the games?”
Doc shrugged. “Doesn’t everyone?”
