The woman’s eyes softened. “They are a big responsibility.”
I sent her a grateful smile. I had no idea if a dog was even on the table for the boys, and I didn’t want anyone to get their hopes up.
Drew straightened. “Thanks for letting us pet her.”
“Anytime,” the woman said with a wave, heading down the street.
Drew sighed. “A dog would really up my game with the—”
“Don’t even say it,” Luke growled as he grabbed the door to the restaurant and pulled, holding it open for all of us. We filed inside. Dockside was warm and inviting, with a counter to the right, booths lining the left wall, and windows straight ahead. An assortment of tables were arranged in the center of the room. The space was only about a third full, but it wasn’t exactly mealtime.
A woman with a warm smile walked up to us. “Well, if it isn’t the three most handsome faces I’ve ever seen.”
Drew sent her his most flirtatious smile. “I’ve missed you, Miss Jeanie. You’re looking beautiful today.”
She shook her head as she waved him off. “You charmer.”
She turned to me. “You must be the new nanny. Hallie, right?”
I squirmed in place, uneasy that people were clearly talking about me.Small town, I reminded myself. A small town where people would, of course, take an interest in the person working for the chief of police.
I did my best to force a smile. “That’s me.”
Charlie grabbed my hand and gave it another swing. “She’s the bestest.”
The woman laughed. “Well, that’s lucky for you.” She glanced back at me. “I’m Jeanie. Staple at Dockside. You need any menu recommendations or takeout orders, you come to me.”
Her genuine warmth lessened my unease a fraction. “Thank you. I really appreciate that.”
She waved us on. “Come on. I’ve got a booth just perfect for you.”
Jeanie led us to a table at the windows. The view of the frozen lake and mountains was majestic.
I couldn’t help but stare. There was nothing like it. The area my family had a vacation home in had a slightly different view, but it had been no less breathtaking. Something about it had always put me at ease, brought me peace. I’d missed it like a limb when my parents sold the home after the incident.
But that was what they did. They erased anything unpleasant or imperfect. They didn’t talk about my kidnapping or my torture. They pretended like nothing had happened at all. If I wore something with short sleeves that revealed my scars, my mother would tell me to change. Not in a cruel way, but enough to tell me she couldn’t handle seeing the truth.
I didn’t blame her, but I died a little inside each time she did it. Emerson had seen me fading away into nothing. He had done everything he could to help, finally insisting that I come to live with him and Adrian. And that had changed everything.
“Can I get you drinks while you look at the menu?” Jeanie asked, breaking into my thoughts.
“Shirley Temple, please! Then a milkshake!” Charlie cheered as he slid into the booth.
“Coke,” Luke said.
Drew sent her another of his signature smiles. “How would you feel about making me a Cherry Coke and a shake?”
Jeanie just chuckled. “For you? Anything.”
She turned her focus to me.
“Get a Cherry Coke,” Drew urged. “Jeanie makes ‘em with cherry syrup.”
“They’re pretty darn good if I do say so myself,” Jeanie agreed.
“How can I say no?” I said with a smile.
Jeanie clapped her hands together as she turned to leave. “Coming right up.”
