Page 37 of Falling Backwards
After quite a few, he says, “You don’t have to do that.”His tone isn’t unpleasant, though.It’s still just tired.
Which is why I reply, “It’s no trouble.The breakroom is by the back office.”I point in that direction and repeat stupidly, “I have to speak to Mr.Polk anyway.”
“What if someone needs to be seated while you’re gone?Who’s gonna greet them?”
Oh.
I didn’t think about that before my offer fell out of my mouth.
But he doesn’t need to know my brain skipped right over that detail, because it doesn’t matter, because I’m remembering I’m not expecting anyone yet.
“Our next reservation isn’t until 4:30,” I tell him.“You have patrons at your bar right this minute, so you’re busier than I am.How much ibuprofen do you want?”
I hear him sigh again.
Watch him rub at his temple as he looks at the people in question.
Abruptly wonder why I’m trying so hard to help him when he doesn’t seem to want me to.
I recall the thing with Ronald; this wouldn’t be the first time Luke was too stubborn to accept my help.
Yeah, what am I doing?He probably thinks I’m being nosy again, so maybe I should—
“Two would be great.”
His quiet words put that flutter back in me, and I don’t know why.
Well, I’ll call it a flutter of surprise this time since I was starting to think he really did want me to leave him alone.
He still isn’t looking at me, but I nod before I look away too.“All right.Give me a couple minutes.”
We get off the phone, and despite my legs having begun to feel this morning’s workout, I swiftly make my way to Mr.Polk’s office.
“Maggie,” he greets me with his usual warm smile.He takes off his reading glasses and slips them into the salt-and-pepper hair on his head.“What can I do for you?”
I realize only now that I haven’t planned what to say.
WhatshouldI say?
Will I sound crazy and dramatic if I tell him how I feel about Kyle?Is it mean to try to ruin someone’s chance at a job just because I don’t like their vibe?
Maybe, and maybe.
The thought of backing out unsettles me, though.
I end up asking, “We aren’t hiring right now, are we?”
The mere shake of Mr.Polk’s head is enough to send relief surging through me.
“Not at this time,” he says.“Why do you ask?I can make a note if you have someone you’d like to recommend.”He sits up straighter and turns to his computer.“Or does the website say we’re looking for staff?I thought I updated it after we hired Chastity, but—”
“Oh, no,” I assure him quickly.“No, sir, on either count.I just had someone come up to my stand and want an application.I told him how we handle things like that and he said he’d check the website, but I was worried he….I mean, I wanted to know for myself that…uh….”Once again unsure of what to say, I just wave a hand.
Mr.Polk nods and smiles again.“Ah, I see!How thoughtful of you to wanna be armed with information so no one wastes their time poking around online.”
That makes me feel a little guilty.
I fold my hands behind my back and dip my head respectfully.“That’s…nice of you to say, sir.”
