Page 48 of Wanted Beta

The original plan was to open at noon and officially close at eleven at night, with final bookings at ten p.m. and the flexibility to stay open until midnight whenever it’s busy enough to warrant it.

It’s hard to keep regular hours when the custom just isn’t there.

It’s much easier to throw in the towel when nothing’s happening.

That can’t go on, but tonight it doesn’t matter.

Today’s been a little busier, so I need to give it a bit longer.

I take out my phone and call Arrow.

He answers quickly. “Tell me it’s dinner time?”

I smile. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll start making it now. We’re closing up at eight so we can all go watch Jack’s band play at The Terrace later.”

Arrow orders dinner for himself, and then for Jack, and I make something for myself and Giovanni while I’m prepping our mate’s meals.

We can eat together in the dining area as a pack.

I find myself whistling as I fire up the ovens.

It’ll be nice to get away from the restaurant in a few hours and do something relaxing together for the rest of the night. It’s been much too long since we went on a real date.

Chapter Twenty-One

Beth

Catherine spends ages in the bathroom getting ready for her date, while I relax on the couch, channel surfing to find something on TV that’s actually worth watching. So far, I’m not having much luck. Saturday nights were not made for staying in, that’s for sure.

“Okay!” Catherine calls from the hallway. “I’m heading out. I’ll see you later, Beth!”

I don’t get the chance to take in a breath and yell back before the front door bangs shut and I hear her keys rattling to lock me in the apartment.

“Have fun!” I yell anyway, as I continue looking for something interesting amongst the reality shows and game shows that seem to be clogging up every channel.

I’m sure she’ll have a good time with her date.

He sounds like a nice, normal guy.

Not a creep, like Marcus.

All the same, I doubt I’ll be able to sleep until I hear her get home later.

I get up and go through to my room, leaving a pop star reality show on the TV screen.

If I’m going into the pizza place in a while, I’m wearing something cute.

I don’t want the hot guy to see me in the same casual sweater.

A fitted shirt that shows off my bust a little will be a nicer pick.

Opening the closet, I can see how much easier it’s going to be to find stuff if I leave it hanging up, like Catherine did. Unfortunately, I’m still not sure what I want to wear, so I’m going to have to mess up her good work a little bit.

Tugging out a few of my cutest shirts, I close the closet and dump the pile on the bed.

The mirrored closet doors are great. They make it easier to check which top looks best.

First one’s a bit too tight.

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