Page 24 of Mike's Assistant

Then, let’s not forget Dominic. He once again hit on me outside my door. The boys, still traumatized by their encounter with Mrs. Pauly’s spouse, clung to me, halting Dominic in his tracks. I felt a mixture of gratitude and guilt for their unintended intervention.

I had enough going on and couldn’t deal with Dominic. Like, what was I going to do about Mike and Vanessa? Would I lose my job? Maybe I should look for another job? I would hate to do that, as I enjoyed working at Satchel Industries, and the salary and benefits were hard to beat.

“Jake, are you listening?” Abel’s tiny voice interrupted my whirlwind of thoughts.

I blinked, bringing myself back to the present. “I’m sorry, buddy. What did you say?”

“Can we have pancakes and juice?” Sam chimed in before Abel could repeat himself.

“Of course,” I replied with a smile.

I had woken up early and decided, as it was Saturday, to take the boys out to eat. Ryan had mentioned a nice restaurant by the beach that was affordable. The Pavilion. The Pavilion was an interesting building with a great view of the bay and beach. The decor was nautical-themed. It had fishnets hanging from the ceiling, deep blue curtains, and bright linen tablecloths. It had a cozy atmosphere as soon as we entered. We were instantly greeted, and the hostess had no problem bringing us to a nice round booth in the corner.

“Yay!” Abel and Sam squealed with happiness.

I was glad to see them smiling, but at the same time, I missed our parents. I wanted them here with us, and I wanted to forget everything that had ever happened. Then I wouldn’t have met Mike., I shook off that thought as soon as it entered. No matter how many times I dreamed of the man or how amazing the kiss felt, I couldn’t let it proceed.

“Jake,” Sam said urgently, and I blinked again.

“What?”

“I’m sorry. Are you ready to order?” An older waitress with a rough voice, likely from years of smoking, stood by our table. Her hair, a mix of black and silvery gray, was neatly tied back, reminiscent of a skunk's tail. Her demeanor, however, was warm, and her eyes twinkled with amusement.

I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn’t even notice her walk up. “I apologize. Yes…um, these two are hoping for some pancakes. Do you have a children’s order?”

Sam’s face puckered in indignation. “We’re not kids. We want big pancakes,” he said, and Abel jerked a nod in agreement.

I forgot my parents had said he was going through the grown-up phase and hated to be referred to as a kid. But before I could correct myself, the waitress leaned in, a sly grin on her face.

“Well,” she began with a playful wink toward me. “We have Mickey Mouse pancakes. Do you think anyone here would like those?”

Sam’s ire instantly changed, and both boys called out. “Me!”

“I want Mickey pancakes. Jake, can we have some?”

I chuckled and opened my mouth to reply, but instantly stopped at the voice behind me.

“Jake?”

My heart raced, and I didn’t want to turn around. How could I see him now? After last night, after the kiss? I wasn’t ready, but I knew I had to. I slowly turned. Mike’s smiling face greeted me, and a shiver raced through me.

“I thought that was you. How are you?” He asked. I could hear a quiver in his voice I’d never heard before. Was he nervous?

“I…um, I’m fine,” I stuttered.

“Michael, you know him?”

I glanced at the waitress. I’d forgotten she was taking our order. Her expression had hardened, and she stared at Mike.

Mike lowered his gaze momentarily. “Yes, ma’am. He’s my new assistant, and…” His eyes locked onto mine. “And friend.”

The way he said the word ‘friend’ caused me to shiver more. It was as if it had a deeper meaning to the word.

“I see,” the waitress said, her expression softening. “Is Hayden and my boys coming, or you by yourself?”

Mike flashed a smile. “It’s just me today, Linda. I came for some coffee. Your ‘boys’ are home. Owen’s under the weather still.”

Linda clicked her tongue in sympathy. “I’ll have to call them later. Maybe send them some soup.” Her gaze slid back to me. “Okay then, Mike, why don’t you join your assistant? It saves me a table. You don’t mind, do you, honey?”

---