FOURTEEN
MICKEY
Red’s had a lively atmosphere with the dinner rush in full swing. I’d just sat a couple at our only empty booth and hustled around to keep drinks topped up and orders flowing. The busyness helped me keep my mind off Amos, which was getting harder and harder with each passing day.
We now texted daily and saw each other regularly while taking over more work for the Christmas Eve Community Dinner. If I could talk myself out of it, I would because I knew Amos wouldn’t be in town for long. But I couldn’t ignore the giddy sensation in my gut in the hours leading up to when I’d get to see him or the smiles triggered each time his name popped up on my phone.
It made my job harder though. Gossip about Sparky’s had always been present at Red’s, and I tended to tune it out. Now, I kept thinking people could read my thoughts or feelings for Amos on my face—as ridiculous as it sounded. I’d never had to keep a secret like this before, and it was stressing me out. With Amos eventually returning to Boston, the turmoil would leave with him, so I supposed that was a silver lining.Keep telling yourself that.
I returned to the counter to ring up a bill and smiled wide when I saw Jason and Bellamy sitting at the counter. A pleasant surprise.
“Hey, guys. Good to see you. In the mood for something specific?”
Bellamy smiled sheepishly. “We went grocery shopping, but we can’t be bothered to cook tonight. So, Red’s it is.”
I laughed. “I’ve done that more times than I can count. What can I get you?”
“I’ve already got burgers going for them,” Dad said over his shoulder as he worked the grill.
He usually worked early mornings through late afternoons and went home before other cooks took over for the dinner shift, but he was filling in for a sick cook tonight. I’d expected him to be exhausted, but he was thriving on getting a whole new batch of people to talk with. I would never understand how extroverts operated.
I lowered my voice. “Is that actually what you guys want?”
Dad considered himself a menu whisperer who always knew the most satisfying meal for someone. It was part of the kitsch of this place. To give him credit, he was often right.
Jason shot me an understanding smile. “Works for me. Your dad always delivers something delicious.”
“Me too. I could eat every meal here,” Bellamy said.
I laughed. “Kiss ass.”
He leaned in when Dad began chatting with another customer at the counter. “I’m just angling to get my own milkshake on the menu.”
My friend Ethan’s milkshake, The 27, was a special concoction of maple and peanut butter he’d always ordered as a teenager.
I laughed. Bellamy cracked me up. “You need to figure out a weird special thing to always order to have any chance.”
Bellamy nodded sagely. “Good call. I’ll figure something out.” Jason smiled indulgently at his boyfriend.
I began pouring drinks for the table I’d just sat.
“Did you guys hear aboutGood Morning, USA?” Dad asked.
As expected, he’d been telling everyone about it.
Jason glanced at me before returning his attention to Dad. “I overheard someone talking about the show at the farm, but I missed what it was about. What’s going on?”
Dad squirted his special aioli over a grilled bun. “Our local miracle worker, Bo, convincedGood Morning, USAto come to town for the Christmas festival.” Dad practically bounced in his Crocs.
“No shit?” Jason looked between us. “This will be great exposure for the farm. I’ve got to tell the fam.”
I left them chatting about it while I delivered drinks. After collecting refill requests from another table and taking an order, I returned to the counter where Jason and Bellamy had plates with burgers and steaming piles of fries in front of them. They’d both gotten a larger-than-usual helping. Dad always had a soft spot for my friends.
“Do you know what part of the festival the show is going to feature?” Jason asked.
“Good question. Doesn’t the festival go for a few weeks?” Bellamy lived in Burlington, but he spent a fair amount of time in town with Jason. This would be his first Holiday Hoopla.
“Yeah. Bo sent them the full schedule, and I’m sure he included a lot of commentary on what would be good to cover while they’re here. I haven’t heard what they’ve decided though,” I said while pouring sodas.
