Page 1 of The Playboy and the Waitress

CHAPTER1

Alecia bumps my hip and nods towards the door. My heart flutters a little when I see him walking in. After watching him parade in here week after week, I have developed a small crush on the playboy. Even if he is everything I tend to hate in a guy, as he is never without a new conquest on his arm.

He isn’t even what you would call drool-worthy. Oh, he is handsome in an old-fashioned way, with thick, dark hair, that perfect smile, and those bright blue eyes that sparkle with mischievousness every time he glances your way. Now don’t get me wrong, he is super cute, but he isn’t the catch-your-eye-the-first-time kinda guy, his looks sorta grow on you. I haven’t been able to put my finger on exactly what the draw is to him, but whatever it is… he knows how to use it. Every girl in a mile radius seems to fall at his feet within seconds.

He smiles when he sees me, and I motion for him to go on over to his favorite table. The flavor of the week isn’t happy to be here, and you can sure see it by the frown on her face.

I watch out of the corner of my eye as he puts his hand on the small of her back, nudging her forward. When she slips on the peanuts on the floor, he grabs her arm quickly, and I hear him ask if she is ok.

It takes everything I have to hold back the laugh that is trying to bubble up my throat as she proceeds to tell him, ‘If she knew he was going to take her out to the local bar she would have dressed accordingly.’This has to be the tenth time in a row now I have heard a similar complaint from the ladies in his circle.

I have no idea what his story is, as I don’t talk to him other than to take their order and bring out their food. But I will say, he has become a mystery I catch myself thinking about way too often.

I am rolling the last piece of silverware in the tray when Alecia asks me, “So… how long have you been waiting on lover boy now, Jenna?”

“Don’t be a hater… He has asked for me and this particular section for the last twelve weeks in a row.” I act like I'm fanning myself, trying not to swoon now that he is here. “You know, it’s not that I'm counting or anything.” Both of us crack up laughing.

“It doesn’t hurt that he is easy on the eyes.”

“Not at all! I mean, I really have no complaints, he is always polite, even if his dates are not, and he is a great tipper. All I have to do is keep his drink full, don’t interrupt if they are talking, and he will pay well. He is actually one of my easiest to wait on as he is never demanding. Normally, he won’t tolerate his dates being overly needy either. To be honest, I know this makes me look desperate, but I have come to look forward to his weekly visits. He is almost what I would call a steady income and right now I need every dime I can get since the furnace went out.

“I know curiosity killed the cat, but I would love to know his name though, and yes, I flat out refuse to ask him directly. Soooo, in my mind, his name has become Playboy.”

“Damn, Jenna, now every time I see him, that name will stick in my head. You better go on, I’ll finish these; my section is empty right now anyway.”

“Thank ya, doll.”

I turn to get some bread and I can already hear his new conquest bitching all the way to the hostess station. Lord, I have no idea where he finds these women, or why he brings them here. They have all made it quite clear how unhappy they are with his restaurant choices. Every single woman he has brought in have all been high-class babes who are used to nice restaurants, fine dining, and country clubs. A simple roadhouse is not their norm, and you can sure tell they all feel like fish out of water here.

The one he has with him tonight has on a short black skirt, and three-inch stiletto heels. She is built pretty enough, but that big frown on her face isn’t going to get her a second date. Anyone with eyes can see he is already fed up with her.

I give them a minute to get settled before I walk up to their table. “Hey, guys welcome to the roadhouse, my name is Jenna… What can I get you guys to drink?”

“Hello Jenna, I’ll have my usual.”

“No problem, and ma’am, what I can get for ya?”

“What type of wines do you have?”

I rattle off the list we have behind the bar, and I only have them memorized because we have very few.

“Ewe, I believe everything you named off comes from a department store.”

I turn my head, biting my lip as I try not to laugh at the horror on her face. She really would trip out if she saw my collection of Boones Farm at the house.

“I'm sorry, dear, we do have forty-seven different brews available if you would prefer one of them.”

“Just give me water with lemon, and if it's tap water please don’t tell me.”

“I’ll be right back.” I smile over at Playboy and shake my head as I turn away. Why does he put himself through this kinda torture every week, or is he just that hard up for attention?

I return with their drinks and the tension is so thick at this table you could cut it with a knife. “Are you guys ready to order?”

He rattles off the exact same steak he has every week and when I turn to her, she informs me immediately of my mistake.

“You do know that you are supposed to take my order first, I am the female here!”

Forcing a smile on my face, I say through gritted teeth. “I’m sorry about that ma’am, we aren’t that formal here, but if you’re ready, I am.”

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