Page 13 of In Daddy's Hands

Luckily, Beau didn’t seem to need him. “The two of you will come to dinner Saturday night.”

“I work Saturday nights.”

Beau didn’t look bothered. “You’ll be at my house Saturday night.”

Shit. This family would get him fired. “I’ll let Boone know.”

“Tell him it’s nonnegotiable.”

“No problem.” Jupiter couldn’t recall the last time he was so uncomfortable. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”

“That’s another thing. I’ll talk to Boone about your working. That’s not a good look for our family. You’re too accessible. It’s aweakness. Plus, it makes it seem like we can’t afford to take care of our own. I won’t have that.”

Damn. It got worse by the second. Jupiter just kept smiling and nodding. He didn’t know what else to do. “Château Pétrus, right?”

“Yeah. Just bring the bottle. Don’t forget what I’ve said.”

“Saturday night. Shouldn’t be working. Bring the bottle.”

Beau gave him a sharp nod. “Good boy.”

Jupiter walked away, still holding on to his fake smile. He had no clue what to do. Was he really supposed to quit his job? How did Beau think Jupiter would pay his bills? He didn’t live with Boone. They hadn’t even discussed it. He couldn’t afford to just sit at home. His family wasn’t wealthy and funding his life. He was just some guy. His mind raced, and so did his heart. Jupiter wondered if he would hyperventilate.

Ross obviously caught sight of his panic. He intercepted him again. “Is everything okay? Do you need to sit down?”

The words burst from him in the middle of his inner meltdown. “It seems I’m supposed to quit my job because this is a bad look for his family. I can’t afford to quit.”

Ross nodded. He looked serious. “I was afraid of this. Men like the Bosis don’t see people as human.”

That ruffled Jupiter’s feathers. He didn’t get a chance to defend them.

Ross’ expression turned determined. “If you need out, I’ll help. You can stay with me. We can switch your position so you’re not seen, or I could transfer you to another location. You can get out.”

A nervous laugh escaped Jupiter. He felt trapped in every direction. “That’s not necessary. I’ll talk to Boone after work. Surely, he can talk some sense into his dad. He knows I can’t afford to be unemployed and that I love it here. Everything will be okay.”

Ross’ features closed again, shutting him out. “I’m sure you’re right.” Once again, he just walked away. Jupiter had no idea what was wrong with the universe. It was like he had wronged everyone in some way he didn’t understand.

He didn’t have time to think about it. Jupiter had customers and a dad to deal with. He grabbed Beau’s bottle of wine and a glass. As he passed his section, he quickly checked on his tables, taking mental notes of everything everyone needed. Then he returned to Beau and set the glass on the table. He poured.

“Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”

“Just the wine. I’m expected home for dinner.” He handed Jupiter a wad full of cash. “This should cover the wine.” Jupiter tucked the money into his apron without looking. He knew Beau wouldn’t short him. “I’ll take care of it and get your change.”

Irritation flashed in Beau’s eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t do change.” He opened his jacket and pulled out a slip of paper and a black card. “Take this too. Everything is already set up for you. Don’t come back here after tonight.”

In Jupiter’s shock, he took what Beau handed him. He didn’t know what to say or how to react.

Beau tossed back the glass of wine and stood. He kissed Jupiter’s cheek. “I’ll see you Saturday night at seven. Keep the wine. Pretty boys deserve nice things.”

Jupiter stood frozen in place as Beau headed for the door. His gaze dropped to the items in his hand. The black card was blank. It was a card Jupiter had seen hundreds of times working in a restaurant for the elite. It was a limitless credit card reserved for the ultrarich. The slip of paper was a check with more zeros than he had ever seen in his life. He supposed that answered how Beau expected him to survive. Now he just had to wonder how long he would live when Boone decided he was done.

Ross rushed to his side. “Are you okay? You look ready to pass out.”

Jupiter looked his way. For a moment, he wondered if he would faint. “It seems I quit.”

Ross swiped a hand over his eyes.

Jupiter rallied a bit. “Don’t worry. I’ll finish out the night. I just…” He didn’t know how to finish. Beau had spoken and Jupiter didn’t know if it could be fixed.

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