Page 20 of Sugar Coated Lies
Daire glances at me but doesn’t do anything other than stare for a moment. No wave, verbal greeting, or nod. Not even a smile.Crap. He thinks I’m slacking.
I jump up, hoist the tray server-style, and race inside, but not before noticing how Tennie clutches Daire’s hand and drags him toward the pecan trees like they’re a couple.
Are they a couple? Not that it’s any of my business, but for some silly reason, I thought he might be single. Then again, guys like him are never single. For all I know, he’s married. What if Tennessee is his wife? I never noticed a wedding band on him, or a sparkling diamond on her finger, but I wouldn’t because I don’t look for those things. I did, however, get a fake vibe from Tennessee. She’s not a fan of mine, for sure.
I hope I didn’t upset her somehow. I’ll need to play nice in the future and get on her good side in case she is important to these guys and this place. I don’t know these people, but they’re all connected, and I want to keep a job here. If that means kissing ass, so be it. The fact that my heart pinches a little at the thought of Daire being taken is ridiculous. Men like him don’t want anything from women like me, unless it involves the bedroom and one night—or one week. That’s a mistake I’ll never make again.
Chapter6
Daire
I standat the window of my office and stare down from the second floor to the parking lot below. An old Prius pulled in a second ago. It must be her.
Raven hair appears from the open car door and Everleigh emerges, stealing my breath. Well, fuck, she cleans up nicely. The dress covers more of her than the diner uniform did, concealing her frailty and giving the illusion of curves. She’d look amazing with a little more weight. I’ll have to make sure Millie feeds her and informs her that all food is complimentary for employees.
She turns just as a gust catches the hem of her skirt, raising it up and showing off her long, toned legs, and a hint of something small and black. I hiss and rub my groin as blood rushes to that region.Shit. I can’t be attracted to her. I shouldn’t have even given her a job, but here she is and here I am with a semi from the mere sight of her panties.
I force myself away from the view.
Millie walks in. “You wanted to see me?”
I sit at my desk and motion for her to sit in one of the two leather chairs across from me. “I hired a young woman to help you in the café.”
“You did?” She lowers onto the chair, her surprise evident on her face. “Where did you find her? I didn’t think we placed an ad yet.”
“We didn’t. I met her through a friend.” Not an entire lie. “She has restaurant experience as a server, some kitchen experience, and she makes an extraordinary pecan pie. One of the best I’ve ever tasted.”
The best, but I can’t say that to Millie. She’s been with us for over a decade and does one helluva job keeping the café in top form and the pastries delicious.
“Sounds good to me. You know I’ve been dying for help. I didn’t expect you to go and do my job for me, but I appreciate it.”
“It all came together on its own, really. Fate, perhaps.” More like guilt.
“When does she start?”
“Today. Now.”
“Now?” she asks, flustered.
“I apologize for the last minute. Like I said, it all just sort of came together, but she’s here and grateful for the opportunity.” This place will be like a palace compared to that diner.
I pass Millie the iPad from my desk. “You remember how the new system works, yes?”
She takes it. “I can manage. Is she downstairs?”
“I believe so.”
“Okay.” Millie stands. “I better go take care of this. Thanks again.” She gives me a grateful smile.
“And Millie?” I say before she disappears into the hallway. “Take your time. Have breakfast with her while you go over things. Make sure she knows all food and beverages are complimentary for employees. Mondays are always slow. No need to rush.” I smile and hope my request doesn’t seem too out of character.
Hustling has never been our motto. This is a farm, not a city office. We work hard but we try to implement balance to avoid burnouts. Millie has been juggling a lot and heading toward a burnout. This is as much for her as it is for Everleigh.
Millie smiles. “I was about to eat breakfast, so the timing is perfect.”
When she leaves, I pull up the camera feed that overlooks the store and café. I never look at this. I tell myself I’m only doing it now out of curiosity. Any good boss who hires someone on the spot without a background check or employee references would be curious. It’s natural. Not stalkerish.
She stands out in the store, but she also fits in with that country-vibe dress, like she belongs here. Maybe it is fate that led me to hire her. No one belongs in that diner, working for that disgusting man. Here, she’ll be cared for and respected. I want that for her, even though I don’t know why.
