Page 37 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

I sip my water, my gaze following him as he moves around the room. He’s good at his job, talking happily to eachpatron. His smile reaches his eyes, making him so personable. He walks back to the kitchen, returns a moment later, and marches to me.

“Enjoy your meal.” He places a plate with two crepes packed with mushrooms and cream in front of me. The aroma of the brandy is heavenly.

“It looks and smells wonderful. Thank you, Spencer.” I pick up my knife and fork, cut into the food, and take a bite. The flavours burst on my tongue, and I let out a groan that’s louder than I planned. Spencer still stands at the table. His lip is back between his teeth, and his eyes have darkened. He still wants me. Whatever he’s decided, he’s still interested.

“Do you need anything else, sir?” he asks, his voice deeper than a moment ago.

“Another chance, please.”

With a shake of his head, he flees back to the kitchen. Fuck!

I finish my crepes without speaking to Spencer again. I put down enough money for the meal and a large tip. Nothing excessive but decent enough if they have to share with all the staff. I thank the girl at the door and leave.

When I return to the showroom, I can’t hold back a smile. Debbie is talking to Nate, who wore smart blue trousers and a light blue button-down. I always told my kids that if they are in the showroom, they’ll have to be dressed and act appropriately. Clients can come in wearing filthy wellies and pyjamas—I never judge a book by its cover—but they always expect us to be impeccably dressed.

“Nate! What a lovely surprise.” I give him a hug.

“I was in the area and thought I’d say hi. Where did you sneak off to?” He laughs.

“I had lunch at Gaston’s on Marlborough Street.” I gesture for him to follow me to my office.

“Damn, I wish I’d come earlier. I’ve heard great things about that place.” He nudges my shoulder with his own.

“Maybe another time.” Thank god he doesn’t come along. No way will I be able to talk to Spencer. And I dread to think of what it’ll look like to Spencer if I bring my son into his workplace.

“I’ll have to go with my mates, then.” He sits on the sofa. “Any chance of some hours next week?”

I pull my phone from my jacket pocket. Hey, a text message from Spencer. I want to open it, but Nate is looking at me expectantly. “Hmm? Sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked if I could work a couple of days next week.”

“Of course. I’ll check what days might be the busiest.” I can’t think straight now. I want him to leave so I can read Spencer’s text.

“Awesome, thanks, Dad.” He stands. I’d already got my my finger on the open tab. “Oh, Dad, I hope he’s worth it.” Then the brat winks and closes the door behind him.

I open the text with a shaking finger.

Spencer: Thank you for your generous tip.

I grin at the innocuous six words. Yes, he hasn’t deleted my number.

Me: You’re very welcome, little one. It was good to see you.

He doesn’t reply, but that’s all right. Today was the first attempt to win him back. There will be more.

“He’s back!” Mollie whispers as I clear a table.

“Who’s back?” I ask, though I have a good idea. Carl. This is the first time he’s come in the evening. In the last three weeks, he’s lunched with us twice, each time breaking my heart a little more. He is so perfect for me, but because of his bloody son, I can’t have him. Nathan has always been pretty cool, and we got on well at school. He stood up for me on more than one occasion when other boys teased me. And we often had a laugh in the few classes we had together.

“The seriously hot guy who looks like he wants to eat you for lunch.” She giggles. “I’ve put him in a quieter corner today. Go flirt with him.”

I let out a long sigh and walk over to Carl. “Good evening, sir. Would you like to hear tonight’s specials?”

“Only if you’re one of them, little one.” He smiles, but it doesn’t light up his eyes like usual.

“Sorry, I’ve been taken off the menu.” My heart clenches when his shoulders slump.

“That’s a pity. You were the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” His words hold no humour or innuendo, only honesty.

---