Page 133 of DadBod

I’m not sure what Rome expected to happen, but when someone in the peanut gallery says, “Duh,” it angers the man.

“What the fuck…?”

Then, someone claps, which causes a few others to join in, then before we know it, everyone is clapping.

“Finally.” Jeriann stands from her spot at one of the back tables. “It’s about time you made her an honest woman, Boss.”

“Uh––” Sure, I know my best friend is shitting us, but still. An honest woman means something entirely different.

“It’s a bit early for that, Jeriann.” Shockingly, Rome isn’t scowling or growling or doing anything remotely crabby. Nope. On top of all that, the man chuckles.

Chuckles.

“Now.” Rome still has his arm around me. “Let’s talk about staffing.”

“We need more,” Jeriann deadpans. “Unless honey bun’s coming back full-time, we’re all doing double duty.”

“She––”

Holding up my hand, I give Rome a look. “I can speak for myself.”

“Ooooh.” More than one person makes that noise.

“Sure, babe.” Rome smiles down at me, and I’m starting to get a little annoyed with him. I sure hope he’s not going to be ooey-gooey nice to me all the time. I’d miss the surly boss I fell in love with.

“I’ll be back when Rome’s parents get home. In three weeks. Until then, I’m only working weekends.”

“Like she was before.”

“So, we need to hire some people, Boss.”

“I’m going to train Gianna to wait tables and…”

There’s a collective groan from most of the people in the group. “Will she get to have her phone with her?”

I’m not sure who asks that question, but it forces me to cover my mouth so he doesn’t hear the giggle that escapes my lips.

“No. She’s no longer allowed to have her phone on the floor. Even while hostessing.”

“Finally.” I think that may have been Jackie. I’m not sure, though.

“I placed an ad on an employment website and have gotten a few applications. I’ll check references later today and hopefully hold interviews this week.”

“Who’s going to hostess?” Jeriann asks. She already knows the answer. I guess she’s helping Rome out here.

“Ryann will work several evenings per week, primarily weekends.”

The team must like that idea, because there are several “yays” in the group. I’ll be sure to tell her that when I see her later.

After that, the meeting goes on like usual. Rome tells everyone what they’re doing wrong, but he’s not quite as critical. Jeriann said that he had a “hell of a time” waiting tables. Maybe that softened him.

“How many fucking times do I have to tell you servers, upsell.”

Never mind.

He’s back.

Prepping for the evening, I’m setting up the tables in my section when someone taps me on the shoulder. “Hey, Jackie.”

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