CHAPTER FIVE

SADIE

“Table ten is waiting for their entrees,” Doug huffs as he shoves his way past me.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him they’re not all ready yet, but I don’t bother. He’s already gone, and he would somehow blame me for that. I’m not one of the cooks. I have no control over cooking speed.

I breeze by table ten and assure them their food is coming soon and offer them refills on their drinks. Taking my time I make my way around the rest of my tables and try not to scowl when I catch Doug’s eyes on me repeatedly. He’s such a control freak he’ll probably have a heart attack before he’s forty.

After two, there’s a lull in customers and I use that time to fold napkins and think about Mack. Actually, I’ve been thinking about him since last night. I’m still giddy over Malcolm turning out to be Mack. Somehow the matchmakers knew exactly who I wanted and surprise, he wants me too! It’s like one of those sweet holiday romance movies. Except it’s not Christmas and while Mack is certainly sweet I want our romance to be more hot and wild than merely teeth-achingly sweet.

Glancing at the big clock on the wall, I decide now’s a great time to take a break. Locating Doug in the kitchen berating the new busboy, I give him a cheery way as I make my way to the back door. “Be back in fifteen,” I say, loving how the slamming of the door cuts off whatever tripe he’s angrily spouting.

If only I had been a better student or actually felt passionate about one career choice over another I wouldn’t be stuck here dealing with jerks like Doug. I hate office work, it’s far too boring. I do like being around people. Well, most people. And I love the flexibility that being a server offers me, plus who needs a gym membership when you’re on your feet all the time? Plus the tips more than make up for the low pay.

Usually, I amend thinking about how table ten stiffed me.

In my car, I pull out my phone and call Yvonne. As it rings, I tap my fingers on the steering wheel in annoyance. She better not be boinking Henry.

I grin. Okay, that’s just me being jealous. I wish I could boink in the middle of the day too.

Right when I think the call is going to go to her voicemail, she answers.

Wasting no time I go right to the heart of the matter. “I can’t believe you set me up with Mack!”

Silence fills my ear, then Yvonne laughs. “You asked the matchmakers to set you up and they did. I was merely the messenger.”

“And how did they get Mack’s information? And did you know Mack was a nickname and his real name is Malcolm?”

“It’s a nice name.”

“Yeah, it is. Except after knowing him as Mack, I can’t think of him as anything else.”

“Makes sense. So, how did the date go?”

Yvonne’s used to me being easily distracted. I’m not going to let her get me off track now. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Humor warms my bestie’s voice and I can picture her grinning.

I chuckle and grin back. “You’re trying to change the subject from the way you tricked me with the whole matchmakers bit.”

“What trick? You aren’t interested in Mack? Isn’t he interested?”

My mind goes back to those amazing kisses, but my grin drops thinking about how he turned down my offer of coming back to my place with me. What guy turns down sex?!

“Yeah,” I say, drawing the word out as doubt creeps in. “We had a nice time, but he didn’t seem interested in, ummm... extending our evening.”

“You didn’t like the animal sanctuary?”

I let out a huff. “No, it was really nice. A bit on the sad side that all the animals aren’t in the wild due to injuries caused by human, but also great that they were able to recover and at least live their lives in peace there. The point was the place closed at seven and that was the end of the date.”

“Oh!” Yvonne exclaims. “You wanted to go somewhere else, like maybe grab a coffee or something.”

“Yeah, or something.” I squirm and just blurt the rest out. “I wanted him to come back to my place with me!”

Silence greets that. I glance at my phone to make sure we didn’t get disconnected and happen to see Doug standing at the back door glaring my way. What is that guy’s problem?

Ignoring him, I get back to my conversation.

“Hey! No judging! I’m sure you haven’t just been holding Henry’s hand.”

“Not on our first date!” Yvonne protests.

I roll my eyes, happy to see Doug went back inside. “Hey! Mack’s handsome and I’ve been interested in him for a long time. The kissing might have gone to my head.”

“Kissing, huh?”

“Oh stop!” I stick my fingernail in my mouth and immediately pull it out. I just got my nails done, don’t need to let my bad habit and nervousness ruin them. “Seriously, when does a guy turn down sex?”

“He probably wants to take things slow.”

Sighing, I nod. “That’s what he said too. I’m not sure I believe him.”

“Taking things slowly isn’t a bad thing. How much do you really know about Mack, anyway? Time is our greatest teacher.”

“Oh thank you, oh wise one,” I snap.

Yvonne laughs. “If it’s bugging you so much you need to make the next move. Call him and set up another date.”

I really wanted him to call me, but perhaps she’s right. Especially after how clueless I was after he gave me his number. This might be the chance to show him that I’m serious in my interest in a relationship, not just a hookup. “Maybe I will. Okay, enough about me. How’s Henry doing?”

There’s a brief rustling noise and then Henry says, “Hi, Sadie. Congrats on your date.”

My eyes flare wide, and I fight to hold back a laugh. Maybe I did catch them mid-boink.

“Thanks Henry, I gotta go. You two behave!”

Shoving my phone back in my pocket, I head back into the restaurant to face Doug’s wrath.