ChapterEleven
Nikki’s hands shook as Paul pulled up outside of the restaurant. Her heart thumped in her chest, and her head ballooned.
“Maybe we’re too early,” she commented.
“It’s happy hour,” Paul told her. “We might be late.”
“Oh dear.” Nikki instantly pulled down the visor to use the mirror. She pinched her cheeks and smoothed her hair. “How do I look?”
“I doubt she will care about that,” Paul replied.
“Humor me,” Nikki insisted.
“You look fine,” he told her. “Now, can we go before you get cold feet?”
Nikki placed her hands on her chest to help with steadying her wildly beating heart. “I feel like I’m going to pass out from anxiety.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Paul replied and got out of the car. He met her by her door as she got out. She wore a pair of black skinny jeans and an airy white top that flowed over her hips. Ankle boots finished her look as she walked next to Paul who was similarly dressed in black jeans and a gray T-shirt.
The place was teeming with life when they walked in. It was either the hippest spot in Seattle or the only one.
“Isn’t this a popular joint,” Paul commented, echoing her thoughts.
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Nikki said as they walked up to the desk. Luckily, they had a reservation. “Reservation for Humphry please,” she told the obvious college student.
In fact, she wasn’t the only one. The place was full of college students and otherwise young people. Music blared from the speakers, and the hum of voices filled the air.
“Right this way,” the blond-haired attendant told them and led them to a table along the wall with the street view.
“Thank you,” Nikki replied nervously as she took her seat. She instantly started looking around. “I wonder if she’s already here.”
“She should be,” Paul noted. “Based on Greg’s info, she starts her shift every evening at six.”
“I don’t see her,” Nikki replied as she continued scanning the crowded vicinity for Amy. It was difficult for her to do with all the movement around them—servers and waitresses kept hurrying by, guests came and went, and it was a constant passing of bodies that her eyes felt like they’d pop out of her head.
“Just relax,” Paul told her. “How about we get something to eat or drink to calm your nerves. If you meet her like that, you just might spook her.”
Nikki’s eyes widened as she looked at Paul. “You’re right.” She sucked in a deep breath, closed her eyes for a couple of seconds, and then opened them again. “Okay, I’m fine now.” But moments later, her eyes were roaming again.
Paul laughed. “Don’t worry. She’s here,” he said and chin-nodded past Nikki. “She’s over at that table.”
Nikki snapped her neck so fast that she almost got whiplash. “Where?” But she didn’t have to look for too long. It was Amy. How could she miss seeing the face that looked just like the one she’d grown up with? “Oh my.” She covered her mouth. “I thought she looked like Trish in the picture, but this is insane.”
“Don’t stare so hard,” Paul warned. “You might creep out some folks.”
Nikki tore her eyes away, but she had to force herself from looking back every couple of seconds. Her eyes followed her, as inconspicuous as she could, while she floated from table to table, wearing the same infectious smile. She wore the customary black-and-white outfit, and her hair was caught at her nape.
“I hope she comes to our table,” Nikki said.
“Can you handle that?” Paul chuckled.
She’d hardly said the words when she noticed Amy coming toward them. “Oh shoot, she’s coming.”
Paul continued laughing at her. She was acting like a teenager, and Nikki knew it well, but she couldn’t help it.
“Good evening,” an all-too-familiar voice said as she stood next to the table. “I’m Amy, and I’ll be your server for this evening.Are you ready to order, or do you need a couple of minutes?”
All Nikki could do was stare at her, which only produced tears. Amy started to look uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, what’s wrong?”
