Page 52 of Time for Change

“You’re probably aware of this, but every Monday, we have an owners’ and manager meeting.” He doesn’t wait for me to acknowledge the fact I do know about the meeting, just continues. “Well, Jameson told the guys about you. He wanted to clear the air, letting them know he had no intention of keeping it a secret from them, but also wanting to respect your decision on when you tell people, if ever.”

“Oh,” I reply, shifting in my seat. “What…what, uh, did they say?”

He gives me a small smile. “They were all happy for him…and you.”

I swallow over the sudden lump in my throat and nod.

“Listen, I don’t want to overstep, but, well, we’re family, right?” he teases, flashing me a wide grin. “Obviously, I’ve known. Ever since Jameson found that photo and called BJ, I knew what was going on. I also know how incredibly excited she was when she returned home from officially meeting and talking to you. We want to have you over for dinner soon, so we can continue to get to know you better and meet our kids.” He pauses, seeming to collect his thoughts for a moment. “BJ and Jameson didn’t have an easy childhood, nor have youapparently, but one thing they always had was each other. Whether you’re ready for it or not, that same feeling, that same sense of family, now includes you.”

I didn’t even realize I had tears in my eyes until the first one falls down my cheek. “I, uh…” I start, clearing my throat. “Thank you.”

“Family isn’t just about blood and who you were born to, Stevie. Sometimes, the best family is the one you choose for yourself. You have family, whether you’re ready for them or not, and I’m going to warn you, this family is loud, obnoxious, and sometimes inappropriate, but they’re honest and true and no one loves stronger than this group. You’re a part of that now.”

I lose my ability to keep from crying, bowing my head and letting his words wash over me.

His hand is gentle on my arm as he says, “May I hug you?”

Without giving permission, I stand up and throw my arms around him, absorbing all the warmth and strength he offers during my time of struggle. I don’t really know this man, have only met him a handful of times here at the restaurant, but I let him hug me. In fact, I’m surprised how much I need this hug. For someone who was never really shown much—and definitely rarely given—affection, I’m shocked at how right this feels.

Huh, maybe I’m a hugger after all.

“Thank you,” I snuffle, pulling back and wiping my nose on my hand.

He grabs a tissue off his desk and hands it over. “You’re welcome. And know your secret is safe with all of us. None of us would ever tell a soul until we knew you were ready, but they may say something to you. Actually, strike that. I’m certain they will. Walker, Jasper, Jameson, Garreth, and I are the closest friends and confidants you can have. We’re not only business partners, but best friends. They may share the news with theirwives, but I know the news of you being BJ and Jameson’s half sibling won’t go any further than that. I assure you.”

My mind is reeling, but not in a bad way. The thought of others knowing about me, about where I come from, doesn’t bother me as much as I expected it would. “I appreciate you letting me know, and for talking to me. This is a lot to wrap my head around, honestly. I’ve been alone for so long, I don’t really know what to do with two siblings and a bunch of friends,” I tell him with an awkward chuckle.

“Well, we’re here when you’re ready. Now, they’re probably looking for you downstairs. If you ever need anything, Stevie, my door is always open. Professional or otherwise,” he says.

“Thanks, again.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be down shortly. I’m the manager on duty today,” he tells me as I move toward the doorway.

I pause as I cross the threshold and glance over my shoulder. “Thank you. I know I’ve said that a million times already, but really…thanks.”

He gives me a friendly grin. “Welcome to the family, Stevie.”

My heart is pounding in my throat as I make my way down the steps. I slip into the bathroom to check my makeup. I don’t wear a lot, but I don’t want to have mascara and eyeliner streaking down my cheeks as I begin my shift. Shockingly, my makeup isn’t in too bad of shape. I wipe any moisture remnants from my lashes and run my finger along the underside of my eyes.

Well, this is as good as it’s going to get today.

I step out of the bathroom and move to the servers’ station, where I find Angie, one of the other women I’ve worked with a few times. “Hi, sorry I’m late getting up here,” I quickly say.

“It’s fine. Jasper told me you were up with Numbers,” she replies politely, grabbing a few ketchup bottles from the tray she already filled in the kitchen.

I nod, retrieving as many bottles as I can carry and helping dispense them to the tables. Even though the bar side will be taken care of by the bartender on duty, we still try to keep condiments on those tables. Once that task is complete, we verify we have plenty of wrapped silverware ready, as well as ensure the ice machine is stocked. We work quickly to make sure we’re set for lunch, ready for the doors to open at eleven.

“Stevie? A word, please?”

I spin around and find Jasper standing in the doorway. I quickly nod, glancing over and finding Angie watching. I’m sure she’s wondering what in the world is going on, considering I was upstairs with Isaac first, and now I’m off to talk to Jasper. I can only imagine the rumors if others find out.

No, strike that.

I don’t want to know.

He walks past a handful of staff, all hurrying around the massive kitchen space and prepping for the lunch rush. When we reach his small office in the back, he steps inside and motions for me to enter. As soon as the door is closed, he says, “I’ll admit, I was a little shocked to hear of your relation to Jameson.”

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his stare. Ever since I started here, I’ve felt Jasper would always be the hardest nut to crack. Not really knowing which way to play this, I decide to just be me and revert to my witty sarcasm. “Probably not as shocked as him.”

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