Page 113 of Holiday Hire

She disappears just as the server steps up to the table.

"Welcome to Piggly's. I haven't met you before. I'm Martha," the older woman states.

"Martha, this is our nanny, Phoebe. She's awesome," Ace exclaims.

I laugh. "Well, thank you!"

Martha's warm smile makes me feel better. She declares, "It's nice to meet you. And I haven't seen you guys in a while. Has your dad been too busy to bring you to town?"

Wilder offers, "Yeah, and Grandma and Grandpa aren't back in town until Tuesday."

"I heard they went on that mission trip early. I was surprised they'd leave over the holidays," Martha admits.

"They're going to return for Thanksgiving and Christmas," I inform her.

Martha smiles in approval. "That's good. Holidays without Ruby and Jacob just wouldn't be the same. Now, what can I get you to drink?"

I order water, and the boys order sodas.

Martha asks, "Do you like Reubens? We have those on special today."

I admit, "I don't think I've ever had one."

She feigns shock, dramatically gasping. "What? Then you have to have one. It's absolutely delicious. I guarantee it."

I laugh. "Okay, a Reuben it is."

"I want the cheeseburger and fries, please," Ace tells her.

Wilder states, "I'll take the bacon grilled cheese with the tomato soup, please."

"Done and done. Let me get your drinks, and your food won't take that long. I'll put it in as a priority." Martha winks.

I grin. "Sounds good. Thank you."

She pats me on the shoulder. "It's nice meeting you, Phoebe. Glad someone's taking care of the boys."

"Thank you."

She leaves, and I glance around the restaurant. My chest tightens.

Cheyenne's staring at me through slitted eyes, tapping her fingers on the table. She's not faking anything now.

I look away and converse with the boys, but I can feel her glaring daggers at me. I look back and find I'm not wrong.

Why is she looking at me like that?

My insides quiver.

Our food comes out, and Martha sets it down just as Cheyenne gets up. She strolls over to us and waits for Martha to leave, then says, "Make sure you tell Alexander I said hi."

"Okay, I will," I reply, hoping she'll leave.

Her lips twist into a vicious smile. "Good. And let him know I'm ready to ride that stallion of his again."

19

Alexander

---