Page 19 of Midnight Roots

"Darling, I know it's late notice, but can you work tonight?" Cece asks as I'm busy making lattes. "A little less clumsily than you did lunch?"

"Sure, I can use the extra tips." I smile brightly. "Hey Cece, you haven't heard from Heston, have you?"

"Oh, he misses a day or two now and then, I wouldn't worry. He's probably got extra work to do on that ranch of his." She gives me a knowing smile and walks off again.

Blonde and Brunette come in and I read their order off before they even order it. Blonde tilts her head in acknowledgment, and I get to their order straight away. Much to my surprise, Blonde tips me two dollars this time. That's the most she's ever given me. I thank her politely and tell her to enjoy her day.

She doesn't say anything back.

Heston doesn't come in during the lull between lunch and dinner, and it's really got me worried. What if it was just a one-night stand to him? What if it was all an act? No, he's a gentleman. He also works. He can't just drop everything to see me. I need to understand that.

I nervously refill everything and prepare for the nighttime rush. Cece comes to see how I'm doing and stands near me. "Now, the important thing is to remember to smile and give good service. The nighttime guys tip generously cause they all get drunk. You'll be working the grill side."

"Okay," I say. "Should I go wipe down those tables? And fill all those things?"

"Yeah, I've filled everything, but you can go give the tables and chairs a wipe down."

I head off to the grill side, and I can't help but look at Heston's normal seat.

Empty.

I feel empty.

I wish he would come in and reassure me that everything is okay because, to be honest, life hasn't been okay in the longest time, and I'm just finding my feet here, and the last thing I want is for this to become an issue.

Especially because he and Cece seem to be friends.

That's the last person I want to piss off is my boss.

The thoughts race through my head as I wipe down each table and chair carefully. I straighten condiments and serviette holders and I make sure we have enough washed silverware and glasses for drinks. Cook is standing behind the open window between the kitchen and the counter and is watching me curiously. I smile at him, and he smiles back.

I nervously flatten my apron before I stand next to the door to the grill with menus inhand. The first family of four walks in, and I pick up two more menus. "Welcome to Catch + Candle. Can I get you seated and ready with some drinks?"

"You must be new. Hello, we're the Coopers," the wife says, shaking my hand.

"I'm Dillon. I'll be your server this evening."

"Well, isn't that nice," Mr. Cooper says. "Yes, please seat us at the back ‘cause of the kids. They can get a bit rowdy."

I lead them to a booth at the back and get them seated. "What can I get ya'll to drink?"

"Two soda floats and two beers," Mr. Cooper says.

"Coming right up," I jot down their order just in case and go to get their drinks just as someone else walks in. I set down the drinks and go to seat that person at the bar.

It's like this the whole night, except every time the door opens, I'm hoping it's Heston coming to see me.

Instead, I'm met with strangers. Some people I recognize from the cafe side. They are obviously here to enjoy dinner or watch the game over a beer. The TV isn't playing loudly, but Heston's absence is echoing around me. When someone sits in his seat, I almost hiss, but I catch myself.

Cece is right, though. I get generous tips, and a lot of people compliment my service. That makes me feel good, at least. If Heston can't appreciate me, then at least the good folks of Ironhaven can.

Chapter Sixteen

Heston

I don't want to see Dillon. It's not that I don't want to see her. It's that I don't want her to see me when I'm in this mood. I don't want her to see this side of me.

Messing around with Tessa last night, and then the night terror and the jerking off really messed with my sleep. I thought I'd sleep like a lamb, but I didn't. My demons came to play last night, and they did not let up, not for a moment. I was back in the war. I was back with the guys. Only this time, a dead whore was speaking to me beyond the grave, asking me if I wanted a blow job. Then she opened her mouth and counted down until she exploded. Guts covered me. That was the second time I woke up after midnight.