Page 73 of Time for Change

And Thursday night just turned into shopping for Rose’s birthday gift, dinner at his place, and our last night together before he spends the weekend with his kids.

“As soon as fourteen gets wiped down, I’ll seat your next table,” the hostess informs me on her way past with dirty dishes.

“Thanks, Robin,” I holler over my shoulder as I deliver drink refills to one of my tables. “Food should be up shortly, guys. Anything else you need?”

“No,” the young girl replies with a giggle, while her friends smile.

I nod, wondering what that was all about, but not really having the time or energy to care right now.

Garreth walks past with a tray of food and quickly delivers it to a nearby table. I move to help him, grabbing the last basket off the tray and setting it in front of the appropriate diner. “How does everything look? Can I get you anything else?” I ask the table of four.

“I’ll take another beer, please,” one of the guys says, holding up his bottle so I can see the brand.

When no one else speaks up, I say, “I’ll be right back.”

“Hey, I know it’s crazy. Holding up okay?” Garreth asks when I move to the computer to put the additional drink on their ticket.

“Yeah, all good,” I assure him with a smile.

“Good. When you’ve grabbed the beer, be sure to stop by your new table,” he replies with a knowing grin.

I glance around him and find Jack sitting at the booth recently cleaned off. But what’s more alarming is the fact his son is sitting beside him, and a head of dark, curly hair is directly across from him. “Holy shit,” I mutter.

“What? Is everything okay?” he asks, concerned.

“Yes, uh, I think.” I meet his gaze and add, “I’ve never met his kids.”

“Well, no time like the present,” he informs me, giving me a gentle bump with his shoulder. “How about I go get your beer from Walker, and you go check on the table?”

I flash him a nervous grin before slowly making my way toward Jack. I’m in complete shock at seeing him here with his kids. He didn’t mention to me he was thinking of bringing them here, not that it would have mattered. Maybe just a heads-up would have been nice, but then again, if he had told me, I probably would have spent the entire day fretting and anxious.

“Welcome to Burgers and Brew,” I greet as I set three silverware bundles on the table. “My name is Stevie. I’ll be your server tonight.”

“Hi!” Jack’s mini-me, Christian, hollers from his seat.

“Hello.” Jack’s voice washes over me, causing goose bumps to pepper my skin. The deep, husky timbre zings through my veins and lands firmly between my legs. I wasn’t wet before, but I am now.

Clearing my throat, I ask, “Can I start you off with something to drink?” It’s the first time I meet Jack’s gaze, and I’ll be damned if my nipples don’t join the party and harden in anticipation.

“Can I have a Sprite?” Christian asks his dad.

“Yes,” he replies with a smile.

“I’ll have a kiddie cocktail,” Gianna responds.

I jot down their selections and glance up at Christian. “Do you want a kiddie cocktail too?”

He makes a face and sticks out his tongue. “Eww, gross. Cherries make my poop come fast and hot.”

I bark out a laugh at the same time Jack groans. “Can we not talk about poop at the dinner table?”

“She asked if I wanted them. I had to tell her why I don’t,” he replies to his dad, matter-of-factly.

“I did ask,” I quip, trying to hide my smile. “And for you, sir?”

When I look back up, a coy smirk toys with the corners of his mouth. “Uhh, just a water for me, thanks.”

“I’ll grab your drinks and come back for your order,” I state pleasantly, hoping I don’t sound as nervous as I am.

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