Page 19 of DadBod
ELIZABETH
“Where’s Calvin?”I ask Rome from my spot on the other side of the bar. It’s the first shift since the thing with Monica and Jackie, and Calvin’s nowhere to be seen.
“With my mother.”
“Why?”
“He was in the way.”
“No, he wasn’t.” I sound defensive because I feel defensive. “He was my assistant.”
“The others didn’t like it. I don’t need any discord right now. I’ve got enough of that at home.”
“Rome…”
He arches his brow at me. I guess that’s a warning look. “He can help you on weeknights now and then when we aren’t this busy.”
The feeling of sadness and disappointment take hold of me. My lower lip juts out without me thinking about it.
“You pouting, Elizabeth?”
“I like him here. He’s my buddy.”
Rome stops doing whatever he was doing on the other side of the bar. We don’t have customers yet; he was probably cleaning. Leaning forward, he places both of his hands on the bar. He looks me right in the eye and says in a soft voice, “And I thank you for that. It’s made a big difference to him. I can tell. He’s getting back to himself, and I give you most of the credit for that.”
“Why isn’t he here?” I point down. I’m damn tempted to stomp my foot. “Don’t let those women get in the way of progress.”
Rome puts a hand over his mouth. I can tell he’s laughing.
“What?”
Pulling his hand away, he’s smiling. My God, the man is gorgeous when he scowls, but he’s effing beautiful when he smiles. “You’re the most goddamn stubborn person I’ve ever met.”
“No. I don’t think so. Take a look in the mirror,” I mumble, but he hears me.
“Sure. I deserve that.” Rome nods. “Fine,” he sighs. “Let me call my mother. Maybe she’ll bring him down after the dinner rush.”
“Good.” I give one quick nod and turn. I’ve got a bunch of work to do before the doors open.
“Elizabeth?” I turn my head to see what Rome’s got to add.
“Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank Calvin. He’s a great helper.”
And I mean every word of that statement.
At around seven thirty, I feel someone tap me on the shoulder. Turning, I see Calvin. “Hey, buddy. Please tell me you came to help me out. I’m pooped.”
“I did. Dad told me you needed me.”
“I do.” I pretend to wipe my brow. “This place is a madhouse.” Leaning down, I whisper, “The lady at table six is a real bear. Wanna go over with me? You can charm her out of her bad mood while I get her dinner order.”
“Yeah.” He smiles. “I’m a good charmer.”
“You are.” He really is.
The minute we step up to table six, Calvin says, “You’re having a bad night, ma’am?”