Page 30 of Dodge

Dodge’s habit developed into coming over to my place three or four nights a week after he got off work from the garage. Most weekends, he told me, he had to spend either at car shows or helping his dad. I thought that was really cool, but I was getting concerned about his well-being. Working nearly around the clock wasn’t good for anyone. I made sure I fed him good food every time he came to see me and sent him leftovers for either him or his father.

Our conversations varied from food preferences to tourist seasons to weather patterns. We even debated some politics and religion, two of the most forbidden conversation topics. It was family we stayed away from completely. Without his help, I wouldn’t be this close to seeing the restaurant open, just in time to catch the last of the summer season and open the fall with a real bang.

Hiring staff was also a priority. Few people had answered my ads, but there were some surprises. My saving grace came in that form exactly. A girl named Katie Grace who served in a local diner came in to interview, and I hired her on the spot. Her appearance was clean and professional, and her manner was composed and helpful. Just the kind of server I needed.

“Why are you leaving the diner?”

“Jimmy’s gave me a raise but then cut my hours. Turns out I’m making less than I did before. I can’t live on air and good luck wishes, so I thought I’d apply here.”

Yup, I had all the work hours the girl wanted and then some.

My phone lit up and trilled next to my laptop. Macie’s big kissy face profile pic appeared, and I smiled as I picked it up and answered. “What’s up?”

“The sky and all the prettiest clouds money can buy.”

I arched my back away from the bar chair, and my stiff spine shifted with several loud pops. “You’re in a good mood.”

“Yes I am, girlfriend, and you’re about to be in one too. I quit.”

“What?”

“I quit. I’m done with the Omni. Fee-nee-to. Terence and Juan came in the hotel bar while I was working and started up a little somethin’-somethin’. I am so not into those games. The manager said I had to be nice to them like I would any other patron. I’d rather be fucked by a bull than smile and serve them at my bar. Besides, I found me a sugar daddy, and he’s already said if I decide to leave the resort, he’ll set me up anywhere I want. It just so happens that I want to be in Bryson City for the rest of the summer and working for you.”

Color me stunned.I needed someone like Macie to run the bar and charm the customers. He was excellent at his job, and I considered him a major asset, but… “Sweetheart, you know I can’t afford to pay you what the Omni did.”

His giggle sounded weird in my ear. “Dewey is real eager for us to get over there and get started. I told him about you and your restaurant, and he said he’d support me while I help you out.”

“Support you?”

Another giggle. “Didn’t I mention he’s rich? His family has all sorts of businesses all over the state. He’s got a hoity-toity vacation cabin over there and said it’s ours rent free as long as we like.” He gave a long princess sigh. “Our own little love nest built for two.”

I couldn’t help the laughter that burst from my mouth. “OMG, Mace. I’ve never heard you act so girly girl. You sound like a teenager with her first crush.”

“My first crush was the high school football coach. I’ll be at your place next week. You can meet Dewey later. He’s got some business shit to deal with and will come see me next weekend. I’ll be there tomorrow. Is that hunka-hunka burnin’ love of yours still around?”

My brain immediately flashed to Dodge and his body as he lifted and moved booth components and tables. He’d worn only a thin tank that left nothing to my healthy imagination. All those yummy muscles worked together, smoothly moving under his skin. He caught me once looking backward at his beautiful ass and grinned at me. I was pretty sure I’d drooled.

“No hunkas here.”

“Girl, you are one big disappointment. We’re gonna be fixing that very soon.”

Oh God, please no!“Macie, there’s a lot happening right now, and I don’t need you—”

A knock sounded on the door, and I shouted a quick “Come in.” I flipped my head back to see the hunka-hunka walk in.

That’s it. God has a real sense of humor.

“Honey, you need to get laid. Good and proper. That’s what you need, and that’s the man to do it.”

“Bye, Mace.”

“Oh shit! He just walked in, didn’t he? Listen, gi—”

I hung up on my best friend before he added anything else to his plan. I’d dealt with Macie-in-love many times in the past. It was Macie-on-a-mission who scared the snot out of me.

“Hi, Dodge. You okay?”

He handed me my keys. “Car’s done. Oil changed, filters, topped off the fluids. You should be good for a while.”

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