Page 213 of The First Time
My heart sinks. It's not okay. Nothing about it is.
One of us is going places.
One of us is destined for great things.
Lizzy is going to the best school she gets into. Period.
"There's a way. We just haven't figured it out yet." I'll do whatever it takes.
* * *
Blake is sittingin my section.
He's in another designer suit.
His blue eyes are still icy. Impenetrable.
He still looks like a guy who can snap his fingers and get anything he wants.
He's here. That makes him yet another rich customer. I can handle that.
I make my way to his table. I'm a little slower than normal. My ankle is still aching.
He looks up at me. "Did you ice your ankle?" His voice is cool, but there's something in it. Compassion.
"And rested all day yesterday." Not that it's any of his business. "Can I get you something?"
"Whiskey. Rocks."
"You'll get that faster at the bar."
"I prefer here."
"Sure. I'll have that right up." I step back with my best customer-service smile.
His lip corners turn down.
His eyes go to his watch. Then to his cell phone.
Okay…
I guess he doesn't like smiles. Fair enough. I don't like smiling at assholes all day either.
I punch his order into the Aloha and stay busy rearranging salt and pepper shakers. The place is dead this time of day. There are only a few other people here.
And Blake is looking at me.
There's something in his eyes. Like he wants something from me. Like he's sure he's going to get it.
I head to the bar, grab his drink, and drop it off. "Enjoy."
"Wait." His voice is demanding. Sure.
"I have—"
"I'm the only person here." He pulls out the chair next to him. "Have a seat."
"This isn't Hooters. Waitresses don't sit with customers."
