Page 61 of All Along The Watchtower

Air. Right. Because what I definitely needed was time alone with my X-rated thoughts about my former best friend and current sexy pain in my ass.

“I’m fine.”

I turned blindly toward the door as it opened again. “Welcome to the Brewhouse!” My voice was entirely too bright, and the faintly amused looks on Lindsay and Astrid’s faces told me they’d noticed. “Oh, hey y’all. Here for lunch?”

Of course, they’re here for lunch. Why the hell else would they be here?

“I need emotional support fish tacos,” Lindsay declared.

At my questioning glance, Astrid explained, “Corbin is back.”

“Ah. So you’ll be needing extra mango salsa and a Corona on the side?”

Lindsay folded her hands into a prayer position. “Pretty please.”

Relieved to have something to do, I nodded. “I got you, girl. Astrid?”

“Burger with the works and sweet potato fries. And a Diet Coke.”

As the Brewhouse was only half full, I waved at the dining room. “Sit wherever you like.”

Heading back to the kitchen, I put in their order with Bonita and went to get their drinks. They’d settled at a table by the window.

“Join us for a few?” Lindsay pleaded. “I need to tell someone about the most humiliating moment of my life, and you make the best sympathetic faces.”

I glanced around the dining room. The lunch crowd was thinning out, and I saw Pop sliding behind the bar. “Sure, I can spare a few minutes.”

I slid into the empty chair, and Lindsay immediately launched into her tale of woe. “So I’m at my desk this morning, right? And I’d gotten there early because I wanted to organize everything before Corbin came in. New boss, first day back, wanted to make a good impression.”

“Unlike high school, when you tried to impress him by falling down the bleachers.”

Lindsay shot Astrid a death glare. “We agreed never to speak of that again.”

Relieved to finally have something to focus on instead of my own situation, I grinned. “What happened this morning?”

“I was practicing what I was going to say. You know, professional small talk. Welcome back, here’s what you missed,that kind of thing.” Lindsay buried her face in her hands. “Except I was saying it out loud. To myself. Complete with different voices and facial expressions.”

“Oh, no.”

“Oh yes. And guess who walked in right as I was doing my best impression of his father?”

I winced. “He didn’t.”

“He did! Standing there in the doorway, watching me make a complete fool of myself.” Lindsay groaned. “I can never show my face there again. I should just move. Maybe join a convent.”

“You’re Methodist,” Astrid pointed out.

“I’ll convert! Anything to avoid having to look him in the eye again.”

I fought back a laugh. “What did he say?”

“He just smiled and said ‘Good morning, Lindsay.’ Like I hadn’t just been caught talking to myself and imitating his family!” She slumped forward, forehead hitting the table with a soft thunk. “Kill me now.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.” I didn’t sound convincing to my own ears.

From her position on the table, Lindsay’s muffled voice begged, “Subject change, please!”

“We’ve got you, boo.” Astrid patted her on the head and turned her attention to me. “So you’ve made up with Ford, huh?”

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