Page 3 of Waitress at the Shadow Ridge Inn
When the bear-man spoke, his voice held a slight Southern twang. “What do you wanna do, boss lady?” he asked. “I’ve got fixin’s for seventy-five ready to go back there.”
Rose looked like she was about to explode into a thousand tiny pieces, and I felt that tingle at the back of my neck again.
I checked my watch. My goal was to make it to Virginia today, find a cheap place to stay, then spend a couple of days checking items off my dwindling bucket list—Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, Colonial Williamsburg.
I had time. And if I could put a couple of bucks in my pocket, all the better.
On impulse, I stood and approached them. “Excuse me. Maybe I can help.”
The cook’s eyebrows rose in surprise while Rose looked me over and apparently found me lacking.
“Thanks, honey, but we’ll figure something out.”
I straightened my spine. I was no taller than Rose, which meant I could look her right in the eye.
“Forgive me for eavesdropping, but it sounds like you’re in a bind. You’ve got a bus coming. I’ve got experience, a couple of hours to kill, and I could use some extra cash in my pocket. What do you say?”
I felt more than saw the two men regarding me with amusement. Neither of them said anything, leaving the decision up to Rose.
She narrowed her eyes, then blew out an exhale. “Oh, what the hell? I’m screwed either way. Welcome aboard. You’re hired.” Turning to the cook, who was now grinning from ear to ear, she said, “Lou, give our new waitress …” She paused and looked at me expectantly.
“Casey,” I provided helpfully.
“Give Casey an apron and a quick tutorial and cross your fingers.” She tilted her face toward the ceiling. “Lord Jesus, I don’t know why you feel the need to keep testing me. Should have stayed in Baltimore …”
Rose walked away, mumbling to herself.
Lou chuckled and shook his head. “Well, come on then, darlin’. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
* * *
When the largetour bus pulled away some three hours later, filled with glowing, satisfied customers, I sat down with Rose. I passed on the celebratory liquor she’d offered but accepted the cup of coffee.
“You did amazing today,” she said, sliding an envelope across the table.
It was slim, but I hadn’t expected any different. It held fifteen bucks at most. Minimum wage didn’t apply to servers, and I’d only worked three hours. The tips, however, stuffed my pockets. Customers loved me, especially older folks who appreciated a smile and manners.
“Thanks.” I chanced a glance across the lounge, where Larissa was wiping down and refilling a tray of saltshakers.
She hadn’t fared nearly as well. Might’ve been the scowl permanently etched on her face. Or her blatant rudeness.
“Seriously,” Rose continued, “we couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Glad I could help.”
“So … what brings you to Shadow Ridge?” she asked, leaning back and sipping her high-end bourbon.
“I’m just passing through.”
“To where?”
I shifted. I had no intention of sharing my plans. The fewer people who knew where I was, the less chance I had of being found. “South.”
She considered that for a moment. “Are you on a tight schedule?”
I almost laughed at that. I had nothing but time. “Not particularly. Why?”
“Because we have another bus coming tomorrow.”
