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“My dad usually picks it up, but he can’t tonight,” I lie. “You’re my only hope.”
She rubs the back of her neck while she considers my offer. “Okay, but I’m not covering any damage.”
I laugh. I’ve seen her balance a tower of champagne glasses on a thin silver tray. I’m certain she has an eye for detail and will look after my car.
CHAPTER Five
Nellie
My boss, Janette, busted my ass for being late to work, but I promised I’d make up the time. Christopher has slowed down his drinking but is still at the bar, watching me with curiosity. It’s unnerving, although I’m thankful for the lift home.
“Nellie, are the drinks ready for table five?” Polly, my friend and fellow barmaid asks.
“Yes. Just one more thing.” I pull up the tray from under the counter and add an umbrella to the pina colada before gesturing for her to take the order. “Perfect.”
“Thanks.” She takes the tray, and I look at the next scrap of paper with table one’s martini choices on it. I get the glasses and line them up ready to get to work on the order.
“Last orders in ten minutes,” my boss announces.
“Is it always this busy?” Christopher asks.
“Yes. You just miss it. By ten, your dates are usually getting handsy and you’ve left.”
He laughs. “You’re probably right.”
“So, why is tonight different? Why don’t you have a date?”
“I thought about what you said.”
“And what was that?” I finish up the martini drinks as a crowd accumulates around the bar. “Hold that thought.” I serve the customers, and Polly hands out the last few orders I have written down on scraps of paper. My boss rings the final bell to signal we’re closing as I print the last few bills. Polly takes them to the customers, and I start to clean down the bar top.
Leaning on the bar, I say, “So…?” ready to hear Christopher’s answer to my question.
“Last week, you said I need someone more permanent. Someone who understands my needs and won’t get wrapped up in planning our future.”
I did say that, didn’t I? I’m surprised he was ready to hear it, though. “Good for you. Where do you think you’ll find this girl?”
He gives me a look. One that suggests the answer is obvious. Who does he have in mind? The only person he’s staring at is me. No. That can’t be right.
“Me?” I touch my chest, feeling my heart rate accelerate.
Polly puts a tray of empty glasses on the bar, breaking the daze that’s washed over me. She doesn’t linger as she goes to get some more glasses.
“Why not you?” he asks.
Bile rises in my throat as panic sets in. I never thought I’d see the day he showed an interest in me. I’ve found him attractive since the first time I laid eyes on him, but I didn’t think we’d ever be friends. “I work most nights. I’ve got other responsibilities with my sister. Dating someone is the last thing on my mind.”
“They sound like excuses rather than a no.”
My boss comes over with another tray of dirty glasses. “You can close tonight, Nellie. I expect everything spotless for when I arrive tomorrow lunchtime. Come on. Get a move on. These trays aren’t going to clear themselves.”
“Sure,” I say with a frown. She’s pissed off that I was late, even though I couldn’t help it. Urgh. Closing is the worst, although I should have expected it for my tardiness. At least Christopher will be able to walk me along the River Mersey if I accept his ride. The docks are beautiful, but a little scary this late at night.
My conversation with Christopher will have to wait until I’ve got on top of some of the cleaning. I load the dishwasher in the back room before helping Polly wipe down some of the tables.
“What’s with Mr McNabb tonight?” she asks.
“No idea, but he’s offered to help me get home, which I could really use.” That’s an ounce of the truth. He’s sort of told me why he’s solo tonight, but I need to stay focused on my job rather than think about his offer.
