Page 150 of The Single Dad

I’ve been trying to leverage my new nannying experience to get a job in social work—to return to what I truly wanted to do, my calling. I don’t want to nanny again. I know it’ll just make me think of Archie, and of Cole. It would break my heart even more.

If I really want to move on, that era of my life has to be completely over.

With a sigh, I pick up my notepad and head back to the table.

“Sorry, guys,” I say sheepishly to the customers, interrupting their conversation. “It looks like we’re actually fresh out of the minestrone. Is there anything else I can get you, sir?”

“Oh, that’s no problem,” the gentleman says, smiling at me. That’s a relief; sometimes, the customers are less than happy about the waste of their time. “I’ll just have the salad, too. Thank you.”

I rush back to the kitchen to fire his order, then bring them their bottle of cabernet as fast as humanly possible. I don’t want to keep these two waiting—no sense in taking advantage of their good will.

As soon as I get them their wine and return to the kitchen, I’m interrupted by the host, Ricky, who stops me at the door.

“Don’t tell me,” I groan. There’s only one reason Ricky would come talk to me, and it’s if he sat another table in my section.

“Table four,” he says, unapologetic. I nod, closing my eyes for a split second before turning on my heel to greet my new customer.

As I draw near, I start in on my spiel. “Hi, welcome to Henry’s, I’ll be your—”

I stop abruptly as the customer lowers his menu, revealing his face. It’s Noah. He raises an expectant eyebrow at me.

“Noah?”

“You haven’t been returning my calls,” he says, setting the menu down on the table. “So I had to chase you down here.”

I bite my lip guiltily. I’ve seen plenty of Noah’s calls, and each time, I told myself that I would drop him a line the next day, when I had the energy. Each time, I forgot.

“Sorry,” I tell him. “I’ve just been… distracted.”

“Distracted?”

I sigh, hanging my head. “Okay… more like heartbroken.”

“That’s what I thought.” There’s a dangerous edge to Noah’s tone. He sounds furious; I’ve rarely heard him this way. “Listen, if you want me to give that asshole a—”

“No, no,” I say quickly. “I don’t want to have anything to do with him anymore. I’m trying to move on.”

The anger fades from his eyes, and I wonder if he’s just hiding it for my benefit. He nods. “I understand. If there’s anything I can do to help you, let me know.”

“I’m okay,” I insist.

Noah looks around at the dining room of the restaurant, then gives me a skeptical stare. “You sure? Because it looks to me like you’re busting your ass for minimum wage again.”

“It’s actually below minimum.” I make a feeble attempt at a grin, trying to go for the joke. “The rest is made up in tips, so make sure you leave twenty percent.”

Noah doesn’t crack a smile. He looks at me seriously. “Riley, let me help you. You know I could help you.”

“I’ll be okay,” I repeat. “I have some money saved up from nannying, and I’m looking at places to apply. I’ll land something eventually.”

“I know you will. You’re so fucking smart. But listen, if you ever need anything… if this ever gets to be too much… promise you’ll let me know. You’re my sister. I want to do everything I can.”

“I’ll let you know,” I tell him, though internally, I know I never will. “And I swear, I’m landing on my feet here. I’ll be fine.”

He nods, though he looks uncertain.

“I just had to learn to harden my heart a little,” I say. “Give it some time, and everything will work out.”

Noah’s expression remains grim at that, and he shakes his head slowly. “I hate that,” he says. “You weren’t supposed to have to do that.”

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