Page 147 of The Promise Of You

“What?”

“I have that event tomorrow. They were both going to work it. I’ll see if Ryan and Trevor can help out. But,” I kiss the side of his mouth, “I won’t be able to go out with you.” I feel sad. It seemed to mean a lot to him, to take me out. “Rain check?”

“Course. Even better. I’ll come bartend for you.”

“Really?” That’s awesome. “But—isn’t it weird if the pub’s owner is working next door?”

“What’s weird about that?”

“Won’t your staff be… I don’t know…”

He runs his hands under my sweatshirt. “Don’t worry ’bout my staff. I’ll be there for you.”

“Thank you,” I breathe as he continues his exploration of my body, making swift work of the sweatshirt, and going straight for the front clasp of my new bra.

The next day flies by, and it’s a good thing.

It helps me forget about Gisele. About the fact that in a few days, there will be no hoping things turn out differently. The test results will come back, and if Gisele’s attitude is anything to go by, there will be no more denying that Justin will become a father soon, with new responsibilities, a new focus, a different life.

And as the months go by, will there still be a place for me in his life?

So, yes, I welcome the craziness for now.

In the morning, we go to the station to wrap up statements, charges, and other fun stuff. Midday, I stop by the restaurant to update my staff on the night’s events and help them prep for the evening.

They’re shocked when I tell them Samuel and David were caught stealing, but mostly they stay quiet. “Justin will come bartend for us tonight,” I say.

“Oh right, he’s closed tonight,” Corine says.

Justin’s closed? I didn’t know the pub ever closed. And on a Friday?

Maybe it’s a thing. Staff appreciation day or something. I’ll have to ask him.

“Do we know what the occasion is for our group here tonight?” I ask Shoshana a few moments later, referring to the reservation that was made a while back at the restaurant, possibly even before I started.

“I believe it’s a memorial.”

“Oh, okay. I didn’t see any special requests for flowers or anything.’

“Nope. They said they love the restaurant the way it is. They don’t want anything special, just the menu that was agreed upon.”

I check in with Corine in the kitchen. “Are you okay in there?”

She lifts her head from a sheet of paper she and Eric were examining. “All good!” her smile is genuine, and her relaxed features give me pause.

After Samuel and David were arrested, I called her before going to the station, to fill her in on the night’s events. I wanted to give her the information first, and more details on Samuel’s scheme.

I also offered her Samuel’s job. I was expecting needing to convince her, but she accepted immediately and with enthusiasm.

And now that she’s in charge, the atmosphere is much more relaxed, despite the obvious shock we’re all in.

Justin gets behind the bar at five and sets himself up. I’m in and out of the dining room, and I have to say, I like him there. In what will soon be my restaurant. It also brings back great memories.

When no one is in the dining room, I sashay to the bar, hike on a barstool, and make my voice sultry. “Hey there, bartender, watcha doin’ with the rest of your night?”

He chuckles at my exaggerated act, but lust still fills his gaze. “I’m getting in bed with a hot woman, lady.” He pulls out a chopping board and preps his garnishes.

“Easy cutting those limes, cowboy. I’ve heard some pretty gruesome stories,” I continue in my husky voice. Although we’re being silly, bringing up the memory of our first night together fills me with desire.

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