“Thanks,” she said, breathing easier with just a couple of beverages in her hands, even if one was hot coffee.
“No problem.”
Her brain ran through a list of reminders. She needed to set up the umbrellas before Brett asked. People could still burn despite the cool temperature outside and she didn’t want that on her conscience.
Positive thoughts. You’ve got this. No burning customers with soup, coffee, or sunshine.She noticed the dirty dishes on a side table that she hadn’t managed to clean yet as she brought the coffee over.
“Everything tasting okay so far?” she asked as she set the beverage down safely.
Her smile was genuine. The socializing part was actually pretty fun most of the time. When she wasn’t overwhelmed. At twenty-five, she felt like her days of juggling a busy life were forever ago. This job reminded her that it took some getting used to. One of the women, the skeptic, raised a brow, reminding her of Bitsy, the elderly woman who owned the boutique clothing store for mature women where Lexi worked full-time. Her gaze followed Lexi’s placement of the coffee.
“It’s great, dear,” one of the other women said with enough kindness that Lexi thought she might actually get a decent tip.
“Excellent. I’ll come by in a few to top up the other drinks,” Lexi promised.
She’d clear and wipe down the dirty table after dropping off the cutie’s soda. She just needed a plan before she hit the ground running—which, surprisingly to her, waitressing at a busy restaurant didn’t always allow for.
“Here’s your soda. Anyone joining you for lunch today?”
She cringed inwardly. The answer seemed pretty clear since he’d already ordered and was happily reading his book. Normally she was better at small talk, but this guy’s gaze scrambled her brain.
“Much to my mother’s dismay and my delight, no,” he said, his left cheek showing a hint of a dimple.
Lexi smiled. Disappointed mom. She could relate. “Uh-oh. Let me guess, Mom wants grandbabies?”
He laughed. “Got it in one. Are you fairly new here?”
She nodded. “I am. I’ve been here just over a month but I work full-time at a clothing store so I can’t cover that many shifts. I’m Lexi, by the way.”
She should have started with that. Training 101. She was supposed to say,Hi. I’m Lexi. I’ll be your server. What can I get for you?Close enough.
“Nice to meet you, Lexi. I’m Will.”
Nerves of a different kind fumbled around like drunk, uncoordinated butterflies in her stomach. She didn’t have time for sober or drunk butterflies, but it was a nice reminder of what they felt like.
“Nice to meet you too, Will.”
Looking at his soda, he asked, “Mind if I get a straw?”
Duh.“Of course. Be right back.”
Hurrying back into the restaurant, she took a few breaths, the scent of burgers and deep-fried goodness making her stomach growl.
Pots and pans clattered. Plates and glasses clinked. There were four other waitresses working, a couple of them picking up orders at the indoor pass-through bar while Brett did plate garnishes and quality checks.
Grabbing a straw, Lexi gave herself a minute to tell the butterflies to calm the hell down. Brett walked behind the bar to help the bartender fill some orders. He was a quiet sort. It unnerved her; he was probably one of those people who took it all in, said very little, but had itemized thoughts and opinions on everything.
He gave her a small smile. “Can you set up the umbrellas before you come back?”
Cursing on the inside, she nodded. “Of course.”
Taking the straw out to the patio, she saw the three women laughing over their meals. Happy customers.
Will’s mouth was tipped up as he stared at the book. He saw her approach and his smile grew as he set the book down.
Lexi waved the straw. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” he said.
