Page 110 of Back to Willow

He gives me a shy smile, one I give back before pointing out a free booth for him.

“I’ll be right over,” I shout before heading to another calling customer.

It’s busy but not overwhelming.

Thank goodness, otherwise, today would be a complete mess.

After leaving Xico another couple’s order, I head to the counter to prepare their beer, just to notice it’s empty.

“Dylan, do not leave your table! Mum’s going to the kitchen for two minutes just to grab the beer keg,” I tell him.

He looks up at me from his papers and nods.A lot of the clients are regular customers, and there’s a lady right behind Dylan’s booth that already knows him, and I know she’s keeping an eye on him every time I get busier. She told me so when I placed her food in front of her.

It does help ease the worry that someone won’t just barge in and take my kid with them.

“Arthur,” Dylan screeches just as I finish placing the keg in place, making me pop my head up fast enough to see him wave over to Professor Adell.

Does he remember him still? It’s been, what? A month?

My teacher gives me a quizzical look, and I just shrug in return. I’m not going to force him to put up with my six-year-old if he doesn’t want to. He smiles, flashing me his pearly white teeth, before heading to Dylan’s table. What a surprise. Still, I sigh in relief, knowing that someone is now fully paying attention to him.

Walking over to them, I ask, trying to sound as professional as I can, “Good evening, what can I get you?”

Arthur chuckles at my awkwardness while Dylan beams at me before saying, “Mummy, Arthur helped me with my homework. I did my letters and my numbers correctly. Look!”

“Wow, baby! They’re so good,” I tell him. “Thank you, Arthur; you didn’t have to. I’ve been helping him here and there every time I have a bit of time.”

“Oh, it was nothing. He’s really intelligent and did almost everything on his own. I just gave him a few tips.” He smirks at my son.

It’s still weird to see him smile so much, even if they are just small ones. It suits him so much more than he could ever imagine.

“Have you decided what I can get you?”

“Yes, the usual, please. And bring something for Dylan—it’s on me.” Dylan’s eyes shine at Arthur’s words, making me laugh before answering him.

“Oh, no. Don’t worry. Shilah and Xico don’t charge me for his food, which is already being cooked by the way. But thank you, anyway. I’ll be back with your food soon.” He nods, and I turn to Dylan. “And, you, behave. Okay, baby?”

After Dylan’s enthusiastic nod, I go back to taking requests, serving people and cleaning tables after they’re done paying.

Another hour passes, with lots to do everywhere. The door rings so many times I lose count of all of the people coming in and leaving. One of them, though, freezes me to the spot for a few moments.

Walking in are Johanna and Liam. He opens the door for her, letting her in first before stepping into her side. When they settle by the entrance, looking around and locking eyes with me, they freeze. I can see the shock seep onto both of their faces.

Trying not to react in any specific way, I point out a free booth. Liam nods before extending his arm, signalling for Johanna to walk. They’re walking side by side, not holding hands or anything like that, but they’re close enough that their arms keep touching.

Liam and Johanna both knew I wasn’t supposed to be working tonight—nor this weekend.

He knows because he asked, trying to schedule something with Dylan and me this weekend. So, of course, I informed him that I was completely work-free this weekend. Johanna knows because I was adamant with Ethan and Hazel to not leave her out, despite everything. So, she was there when I told them about my plans to have some quality time with my son.

Neither of them told me about the other, so my knowledge of their plans was lacking.Until now.This has to be a date.

They could have chosen somewhere else to go, though.

God, my brain is a mess.I am a mess.

After a few awkward moments, I force a smile, hoping it doesn’t look like a grimace.

Doing the same thing I did with Arthur, I tell them, “I’ll be with you guys in a minute.”

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