Christmas Elopement. Anne Eames
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surrounded by heavy-breathing females. If only he were a little younger and would sweep in here now and make her day.
Fat chance.
Well, this was it. No more stalling. Time for a little humble pie. God, she hadn’t waited tables since she was a teenager. She glanced around the room and found another thirty-something waitress and felt a little better. The lunch crowd had thinned. Now was as good a time as any.
Gus came around the end of the bar and took a stool next to her. She swiveled toward him, eyes cast down.
“If you’re here for a little help—” Gus took both her hands in his and squeezed gently”—I told your pop I’d keep an eye on ya. What can I do, lass?”
Carrie forced her gaze level with his, blinking clear her vision.”I was hoping you might need another waitress…just for a while…till I get back on my feet.”
Gus scratched the stubble on his cheek and studied her out of the corner of his eye.
“I’d work whatever hours you’ve got…bartend, too, if you want. I know it’s been a long time since I did any of this, but I’ll pick it up again—”
“Whoa.” Gus held up both hands.”You don’t let a guy get a word in edgewise.” He chuckled and she knew she had the job. “I was just thinkin’ about something else.”
“Like?”
“Like…” He hesitated, looking embarrassed, but then continued.”Like if you need to work here, then maybe ya can’t afford your house in Monterey, either.” He lowered his head and arched his brows, acting as if he’d pried but daring her to deny it.
“Well, you’re right.” Now it was her turn to be embarrassed.”I have to find a new place. Soon.”
“It’s not much, but there’s a room upstairs…got a sofa bed and little dinette set…and a bathroom with a shower stall, no tub.”
“When can I move in?” She could barely contain her excitement. At last her luck was turning.
“As soon as I get someone to clean it up—”
“Oh, I can do that.” Carrie jumped off the stool and threw her arms around Gus’s neck.”You’re a lifesaver, Gus McGee.”
He patted her on the back and chuckled. As she pulled away and planted a kiss on his forehead, he asked,”When do you wanna start work?”
“Tonight, if you need me.”
“Go home and pack your stuff, Carrie girl, and I’ll have someone clean upstairs.” She started to argue but Gus cut her off.”When ya get settled in, we’ll talk about your work schedule, okay?”
She held up her index finger.”One condition.”
Gus narrowed his gaze.”And what might that be, lassie?”
“That you apply my wages toward rent.”
“I’ll do nothing of the kind. How will you live?”
“If I’m any good at my job, hopefully I’ll get tips.” Gus was shaking his head vigorously, but she persisted. “Besides, this is only temporary. I’ll be getting an office job soon enough. Then I’ll pay you rent like a normal person.”
Carrie stilled his head between her fingers and stopped his protest.”Gus…I’m a big girl now, and I’ve got my pride. Please?”
He took her hands in his once again.”You’re just as pigheaded as your pop, lassie.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and smiled.”And just as beautiful as your mama, God rest her soul.” He stood at last, pulling her into a gentle embrace before returning to his post behind the bar.
“Well?” he said, after a moment.”What are ya doin’ sittin’ around here lookin’ all misty-eyed? Don’t ya have boxes to pack?”
Sunday afternoon Carrie darted in front of the big screen, trying not to obstruct the game behind her. M. M. Day’s was filled to capacity with San Francisco 49ers fans cheering or booing each play of the game. The team was beating the Detroit Lions handily, which meant the crowd was in a good mood. Beer and tips flowed freely. She’d only been patted on the backside once so far.
Funny how the only accident she’d had was in that guy’s lap.
Well, it’d been a long time since she’d carried such a heavy tray, Gus explained to the irate patron as he left for home in search of dry clothes. Gus returned to the bar and Carrie placed another order, busying herself with cherries, olives and the like, ignoring Gus’s probing stare.
“So, lass…is that how you’ll handle anyone who gets too friendly?”
She grabbed a handful of cocktail napkins and kept her eyes cast down.”Probably,” she said, knowing full well she would.
Gus lifted her chin with his finger and looked at her sternly.”Do you suppose when the next accident happens you could have just one or two drinks on the tray and no food?”
A laugh burst from Carrie’s lips.”I suppose that could be arranged.”
He dropped his hand from her face and chuckled.”That geezer’s been a thorn in my backside for years. Don’t know why I never did that myself.”
His gaze left hers and she turned to see what had caught his attention. A young, prissy-looking man in a Brooks Brothers suit had settled into the corner booth by the window, far from the game and the men in jeans.
“Do you know that man?” Carrie asked.
“Afraid so. Comes in fairly regular. Orders salads and Perrier, which is fine with me. But he likes to talk. Gossips about everything and everyone and expects me to sit down and visit.” Gus looked back at Carrie and grinned.”Gee, the boys watchin’ the game are motionin’ for me, lass. Why don’t you go introduce yourself to Dwayne over there. Take a break. Talk to him about opera or somethin’. That’ll make him happy.” Gus patted Carrie on the shoulder as he passed, seeming pleased that he’d dodged the bullet.
Carrie watched the little man in the corner with a critical eye. He seemed harmless enough. Kind of reminded her of Dr. Niles Crane on the sitcom”Frasier.” She couldn’t help but wonder what brought him here. He looked as out of place as Rush Limbaugh at a Democratic fund raiser. Curiosity piqued, she strolled over.
“Can I get you something?” she started, taking a closer look at his precisely cut blond hair and deep-set brown eyes.
He lifted his chin and managed to talk down at her, even from his lower position.”I think I’ll do something daring and have a cup of clam chowder.”
Carrie bit the inside of her cheek.”And to drink?”
“Oh, some of that wonderfully flavored iced tea of yours, I think. Yes, yes. Bring me a tall frosted glass of it, please.” He closed his menu and handed it to her, cocking his head to one side.”You’re new here, aren’t you?”
“Yes. As of this weekend. It’s temporary, though…till I find something in my field.” His snobbishness had drawn the same from her. She scribbled his order and started to leave.
“Wait!”
She turned back and saw a rectangular smile of perfect teeth. With long, deliberate fingers he withdrew a gold case from his breast pocket, removed a business card and presented it to her with great flair.
She read it and said,”Ahhh…a headhunter.”
His back straightened.”I prefer to think of myself as a management placement professional.”
She was sure he did. She shot him a phony smile.”I’ll get your order.”
When she returned with the soup and tea she noticed a legal pad in front of Dwayne, a Waterman rollerball pen poised between his fingers. He nodded to the seat across from