Page 12 of Racing Hearts
“Why, going to be a homophobe?” I retort, crossing my arms. “You can leave. We don’t have your type here, asshole.”
“Problem, Evvie?” Sang calls, heading my way since he runs this place. He frowns at Alek. “Are you harassing my staff?”
“Me?” Alek looks him over. “Seems like you were doing that all on your own. Aren’t there rules against the boss flirting with their employees?”
Sang’s eyebrows rise as he looks at me, and I sigh. “He’s an asshole all the time.”
“Jesus, Alek, stop it,” Alice hisses. “You’re so embarrassing. Evan, I’m so sorry. He’s just moody because he’s hungry.”
Sang’s eyes narrow as he leans into the table and Alek, not the least bit intimidated despite the glare Alek gives him. “That better be it. If I hear you are being rude to my staff, we will have a problem. Enjoy your meal.” He straightens and nods at me. “Let me know if he harasses you.”
“I can handle it.” I smile in thanks, and he squeezes my shoulder as he heads back to work. Alek glares at his back, and I wait. “Well?” I prompt.
“What?” he snaps.
“Your order,” I reply. “Or would you rather I just stand here so you can keep checking me out.”
He snorts, looking me over. “You look like a tablecloth my nana owned.”
“Really? Well, she must have good taste,” I retort.
“Honestly, would you two just fuck or fight already?” Alice comments dryly, and we both turn to her, but she’s too busy scanning the menu to notice our incredulous looks.
“You know what? Call me when you’re ready,” I snap, putting my pad away and moving past their table to the one farther down. I force a smile at the college girls who giggle as I come their way.
“All done?” I comment, nodding at the check.
“Yes, thank you,” one gushes, handing it back, and I pocket the cash as she leans in. “My number is on the back, too, just in case.” They hightail it out of there.
Chuckling, I shake my head. The number of times we get hit on is insane, but it’s just a job, nothing more. I never call or text.
They don’t interest me.
My eyes go back to Alek, who’s watching me, and I find myself wishing he would leave his number.
He’d probably call just to threaten me.
ALEK
Honestly, what man wears frills?
Okay, so he doesn’t look terrible, but seriously? The black, long-sleeved shirt has frills at the collar and sleeves, and yes, they might compliment his hair and work for him, but it’s ridiculous, and those pants? They are so tight I can see everything. No wonder every single customer is looking, never mind flirting. He eats it up, winking and teasing. I notice the other waiters do as well, but it doesn’t piss me off as much as it does with Evan. He’s doing it just to upset me. I know it.
“You’re staring again.” I turn around to see my sister playing with her plate as she grins. “Want me to leave him your number like that table did?”
“Shut up and eat your food,” I mutter. She surprised me at work, wanting to go to dinner, and I can’t say I’m unhappy. Now that she is at school and I’m working so much, I barely get to see her, and we have always been close.
“Seriously, Alek, what’s your issue with him? I know it’s not because he’s bi. I know you too well for that. What is it?” she demands. “He’s nice.”
“He’s another rich idiot who thinks the world owes him something,” I snap. Does everyone else think I’m an asshole to him because he likes both men and women? I don’t like that. I don’t give a fuck who anyone likes as long as it doesn’t affect me.
“He’s right. You don’t know him,” Alice drawls. “He’s a scholarship kid.” I blink at her, and she nods. “I heard rumors that his parents kicked him out when they found out he liked men, so he made his own way here, earning a scholarship for his talent. He’s working just like you. Maybe you misjudged him.” I look back at him and wonder if she’s right.
I didn’t expect that.
“They kicked him out?” I mutter. She knows where to hit. We have our own family trauma and shit, and ours is no less fucked up. I don’t want to like Evan Shaw, but finding out his life isn’t perfect softens me a little.
“Yup. Apparently, he doesn’t even speak to them. He puts up a good front, but I saw him staring at a picture he took of a happy family the other day, and he looked so sad. Remind you of anyone?” She nudges me. “I’m just saying, you don’t know him, not really. Maybe you should stop lashing out because of your insecurities and prejudice.”