by M. E. Carter
I really don’t. “Um, I’m right by the fridge so I might as well start working on the fruit.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The silence is palpable as I finish with the touch screen and we both get started on our tasks. I keep trying to come up with something to say, some conversation starter, but I’m drawing blanks. We already know surface level stuff about each other like where we’re from and who our families are so small talk is out. We could discuss the weather but it’s central Texas. It’s hot and humid like every other September day.
Finally, Tammy walks in the door and I breathe a sigh of relief. If I’m not mistaken, Kade does too. But if anyone can break the awkwardness, it’s her.
“Howdy kids! How’s it hanging?” Like I said, Tammy is never short on words.
“Good,” Kade calls back. “You ready for tonight?”
“I’m always ready for this place to be hopping.” She heads toward the monitor to clock in and frowns as she looks at the screen, but that doesn’t stop her from conversing. “Nothing makes me happier than knowing we can let those boys come here and have a good time. And what in the hell am I doing wrong with this computer thingy? Kade?”
I hide my smirk behind my hair. There is a reason Tammy still places orders the old fashioned way—by shouting them out to us. She can never figure out how the touch screen works and we’re all pretty resigned to the fact that she probably never will.
“I got it,” Kade says with a smile and my heart melts when he has to push his black-rimmed glasses up his nose. Not everyone would take Tammy’s inability to use the new system in stride, but that’s just Kade. He won’t hold it against her and he never gets annoyed by having to help with the smallest task.
“You’re a good man, Kade Maxwell.” Tammy pats his arm kindly. “If I had a son, I’d want him to be just like you.”
“That’s really nice of you, Tammy, thanks.”
The blush on his cheeks is back. That seems to happen whenever he gets a compliment and I get the distinct impression he doesn’t get many, which makes me sad. He’s such a good person he should be showered with accolades often.
Kade turns back to me as Tammy begins to set up for the night.
“How’s it going with the limes?”
“I’m almost done.”
“Cool.”
He goes back to the peanuts and the silence settles over us once again. I want to kick myself for having no idea how to talk to Kade. It’s not like I have trouble making conversation. But with him, I just seem to freeze up.
I’m not the only one who seems to notice the quietude and wonder how to fix it.
“What the hell is going on back there?” Tammy slides behind the bar and grabs a clean tray, setting it on the counter. “Are you two fighting?”
Kade and I look at each other and shrug.
“No,” he finally says. “We’re just prepping for tonight.”
Snatching a clean apron off the shelf, Tammy wraps it around her waist. “It’s the most quiet this place has ever been. I get that you’re here to work but loosen up, kids! Don’t be such Debbie Downers.”
My lips quirk up on the side as I place the container of freshly cut lime wedges in the fridge and grab some oranges.
“Don’t worry Tammy,” I jest playfully. “We’ll do better to keep you entertained. I’ll try not to concentrate so hard on working.”
“Good. People don’t like feeling awkward when they’re out for drinks. Awkward feeling people don’t tip well.” She points her finger back and forth at us. “Don’t make me lose out on tips because you two can’t figure out a little sexual tension.”
My eyes widen and Kade makes a choking sound at her shocking accusation. How did she know I had a crush on Kade? And how am I supposed to work with him now that she blew the lid of my tightly held emotions?
“We don’t… we can’t…” Kade stutters over his words, unable to make a complete sentence. I can’t even put words together so he’s doing better than me.
“Oh, pish posh.” Tammy waves her hand like we’re being ridiculous, which we probably are but she just made it a hundred times more uncomfortable. “A little sexual tension and flirting never hurt anyone. You are two grown-ass adults. Figure it out and have a little fun while you work together. I guarantee time will go by faster and this here tip jar,” she clunks it down on the counter, “will fill up faster because of it.”
She takes off again, leaving Kade and I to bumble our way through a forced conversation.
“That uh, that wasn’t really necessary of her.” Kade shoves his hands in his pockets, looking everywhere but at me. Not that I blame him. I’m sure he’s uncomfortable now that my crush has been called out.
“I hope it doesn’t make working with me uncomfortable.”
“As long as we remain professional, I don’t think it will be a problem.”
Professional. If I ever wondered about how Kade feels about me, I guess I have my answer.
“Of course.” I force a smile that I hope he can’t tell is fake. “We’ll just pretend Tammy never said that.”
Kade nods once, gives me a quick smile and goes back to his work. We still don’t make conversation. Awkward turned into uncomfortable for everyone so there’s not much we can do to fix it at this point. We don’t have to try for long, though. As expected, the place is full of customers within a couple of hours.
I’m pretty pleased with myself for keeping up as well as I do, even when Tammy comes rushing up to give me a bunch of orders I have to remember in detail.
“I need two buckets of long necks, a whiskey sour, one whiskey neat, and a bottled water for our old pal Dwayne who is apparently hustling a rookie tonight at the insistence of his team.”
I snicker and grab the buckets since they’re already prepped and ready to go. “What team is that anyway?”
When they first came in, I assumed it was the local basketball team judging by their collective heights. But these days with so many various teams coming in, I’ve learned it’s always best to ask.
“Which table?” Tammy rests against the bar. “We’ve got one table full of basketball players and another of hockey players. All very rich, very attractive, and very single.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me in suggestion.
“I didn’t realize you were on the prowl tonight, Tammy,” I joke and grab the whiskey off the shelf.
“Not for me, you doofus. For you. It’s been how many months since you got away from your jackass of an ex-boyfriend?”
I wince at the reminder. The one bad thing about this being a family-owned and operated business is how many people get in mine sometimes.
“It’s time for you to cozy on up to a new fella.” Tammy leans in as if to tell me a secret. “Nothing says revenge against an ex more than dating someone a thousand times better than they ever were and those two tables are full of men that meet that expectation.”
I swallow my laughter and place the final two drinks on her tray. “Thank you for your suggestion. How about I get through my training period first before I start hitting on the customers.”
She shrugs and picks up the tray of drinks, securing it in her arms. “It’s your life. Just don’t wait too long or those young hotties will be snatched up by someone else.”
“Noted,” I call after her as she walks away.
First, Tammy’s calling out my crush on Kade and telling us to do something about it. Now she’s trying to get me to hook up with a customer. I rarely understand Tammy, but at least she’s entertaining.
“What was that about?” Kade asks as he grabs some liquor from the shelf. He’s been doing double duty as bartender and waiter tonight. Makes me feel good to know I’m doing a good enough job he feels comfortable leaving me alone behind here sometimes.
“Oh, just Tammy being Tammy. Trying to hook me up with a customer.”
Kade gets a hardened look on his face. “You know Paul doesn’t allow that right?”
It takes me a few seconds to
respond, taken aback that Kade would assume I’d ever do anything like that. “I know. I’d…I’d never.”
He inspects me for a few seconds, likely looking to see if I’m lying. I don’t like the way it feels, but I also understand it. He’s worked with so many employees that have quit in the last six months. I’m sure he’s just worried I’m going to get myself fired before things can finally settle down a bit.
“Really, Kade,” I reiterate. “I don’t have any interest in these guys. They’re nice and all, but I’m not interested in dating an athlete.”
That seems to take the edge off whatever he’s feeling. Or at least I hope that’s why he goes back to making his drinks.
I don’t have time to think about it though. I have a customer to serve first.
“Hi, what can I get you?” I say with a smile.
The man pushes his floppy blond hair out of his face. I recognize him. He was here for Trivia Night a few weeks ago and wore an ugly green shirt. If I remember correctly, he’s a member of the San Antonio Slingers hockey team.
Leaning against the counter, he settles in and I already know what’s coming before he says a word.
“For starters, your phone number, beautiful.”
I can’t help it. He’s trying so hard to give me swoony eyes and failing so miserably, I laugh. Loudly. “Does that line ever work?”
The flirtation comes to a screeching halt and he pushes his hair back again. “It never has so far. And yet I still keep trying.”
I like that he has a sense of humor. Makes things a little less difficult after turning him down.
“I’m sure it will someday. But unfortunately, my number isn’t on the menu. I can make you a drink, though.”
He drops down on a stool and I have a feeling he’s going to stay awhile. I don’t mind. I kind of enjoy when our customers are chatty. Makes me feel like I’m pulling out of my shell a bit.
“I’ll just have a long neck for now.”
“Coming right up.”
It takes just a few seconds to grab his beer and pop the top off, handing it to him.
“Do you already have a tab going?”
“Yeah. Tucker Hayes.”
I quickly add his beer to his tab and turn back around to see he hasn’t returned to his friends. He’s still sitting at the bar watching whatever game is on behind me. I never really pay much attention to the televisions here. Even when I’m not working, people-watching is so much more fun.
“You’re Nicole, right?”
“Sure am. And you’re Tucker Hayes. I assume you’re one of the Slingers?”
He gives me a grin, like he’s thrilled I know this about him. Unfortunately for him, I only know because of Trivia Night, not because I’ve done any research.
“I am.”
“Aren’t you guys in the middle of pre-season? Should you be drinking tonight?”
Tucker chuckles and takes another swig. “We go in a little late tomorrow so most of us just decided to come out and relax. Is that okay with you?”
He may not be hitting on me anymore, but he’s definitely still flirty.
“Just let me know if you need me to cut you off at a certain point. I’d hate for you to have to skate around with a hangover. That sounds terrible actually, now that I think about it.”
“I’ll be out of your hair long before you have to intervene, I promise. But do you mind if I just hang here for a bit?” He gestures over his shoulder. “I see those losers every day. I could use a little less guy talk for a bit.”
“Sure. Just let me know if you need anything.”
He gives me a quick wink and I turn back to the computer to see what orders have come in. Before I can grab what I need, Kade sidles up next to me.
“You sure Tammy isn’t onto something? Pretty sure Tucker Hayes just hit on you.”
I’m not sure why Kade is so concerned but I don’t want him to worry. The wink I just got did absolutely nothing for me, which makes part of me wonder if I’m broken, but I assume it’s only because I’m half in love with the guy standing next to me.
“I’m pretty sure Tucker Hayes hits on a lot of people. I’m not interested. But if a little conversation means he goes home happy tonight, I’ll be fine. Besides, remember what Tammy said about tips.”
We both turn just as Tucker slides what appears to be a ten-dollar bill in the tip jar.
I raise an eyebrow at Kade who nods, understanding my point, then joins me in mixing.
I spend the rest of the evening with steady orders, fun conversation, and thanking the heavens that the awkwardness finally seems to have dissipated a bit. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
Chapter Six
Kade
I hate morning classes. Not that being here at eleven is early. I just prefer afternoons because of how late I work most nights. It’s hard enough to stay awake during my Economics class without the added issue of being tired. I barely made it through today’s lecture because I just find it all so boring. I swear it was the longest hour and a half of my life.
I would have taken a different class but I’ve been avoiding my mandatory Economics credits for so long I ran out of options and finally had to suck it up. The only good thing about suffering through is at least it helps eliminate one degree option. With the way I’m struggling, it’s obvious that business is out. Now, if I could only figure out what my major should be, it would give me a little more room to play with in my schedule, but I honestly have no idea what I want to do with my life. I’m also a tiny bit terrified that I’ll pick the wrong career path and end up stuck in a dead-end job that I hate.
I’m toying with computer science or even computer programming because I think it would be fun to design video games. But I also know how difficult it is to get a job in that industry. Plus, enjoying playing video games doesn’t mean I would enjoy making them.
Thankfully, I’ve still got a couple of semesters to figure it out. If I can. I’m not holding out a lot of hope at this point.
I sigh deeply as I wander across campus. All those career tests they made us take in high school didn’t help one bit when it comes to figuring this stuff out. I suppose working at the bar isn’t the worst job to have while I sort through it all. Speaking of the bar…
Is that Nicole? And why does she look lost? Do I help her? I can’t just leave her alone to try to find wherever she’s going. That would just be a dick move.
Decision made, I do a quick breath check in my hand before approaching her.
“Nicole, hey.”
Her face immediately brightens when she sees me and I can’t help but smile back at her. She’s so damn beautiful when she smiles. Well, she’s beautiful all the time but this look is my favorite.
“Hi, Kade. How are you?”
“A little overwhelmed with my Economics class and not looking forward to my next exam, to be honest.”
“That doesn’t sound encouraging.” She looks down at what appears to be a course catalog in her hand. “I was hoping to sign up for that class.”
“You’re going back to school?”
Nicole blushes prettily and I know I’ve embarrassed her. I hope it’s not because I reminded her of how she dropped out. It’s not a well-kept secret at Frui Vita that her ex-boyfriend beat her so badly she ended up in the hospital and that’s why she quit school. From what I’ve been told, she didn’t leave Kiersten’s side for a long time, even while her sister was working. Even with her bruises on full display, Nicole stayed glued to her favorite stool with her back against the wall. Or so I’ve been told. Luckily, I never saw the marks.
I’ve only picked up bits and pieces of conversations about the situation, but the regular patrons seem to have put two and two together and now it’s an unspoken rule that no one messes with Nicole. Unless you are having a normal, platonic conversation with her, she’s off-limits until she says otherwise. So far, I haven’t seen any indication that’s she’s done that yet. Not even with that fucker Tucker Hayes who tried to move i
n on her the other night.
“I’m trying to sign up but the campus is so big.” She looks around the grassy area, obviously overwhelmed. “I’m having a hard time finding the registrar’s office.”
“It’s just in the administration building. I can walk you over there if you like.” An idea hits me and I take advantage of it before I chicken out. “Or would you like to join me for lunch first? I was going to the snack bar for food. Their soup and sandwich combo is actually pretty good and a lot cheaper than the deli down the street.”
Her eyes look down at the sidewalk briefly before she peeks up at me through her lashes. “I’d like that.”
Her reaction confuses me. She almost seems nervous to be around me. Is it because of Tammy and her big mouth? I don’t want Nicole to feel awkward. I want her to feel comfortable. To know I’d never hurt her, not ever, and I’d never push her for something more than friendship if she didn’t want it. So, I make a point of keeping enough room in between us as I walk next to her.
“It’s right over here.” I point out the building I was headed toward so we can stroll that way.
“How come you don’t like your Economics class?” she asks after a few seconds of awkward silence. “Is the professor really hard or something?”
I don’t want to tell her the truth—that I’m a loser who can’t get his shit together. But after our initial awkward silence when she started working, I’ve discovered she’s also really easy to talk to. And even though Tammy blew my cover and basically put my feelings on a giant neon sign in front of the one person I didn’t want to know about my unrequited crush, Nicole isn’t treating me any differently. I guess there’s no harm in telling the person who friend-zoned you what your deal is.
“It’s just boring to me. I don’t really care about capital goods versus industrial goods versus essential goods. There is so much more math involved and it’s not like regular math. It’s economics math.”
Nicole giggles. “That doesn’t even make sense.”
“Exactly.” I hike my backpack up a little further as we walk and I grumble, “At least I know I probably don’t want to be a business major,” trying to keep myself in a positive mindset but I’m not sure it’s working.