“Likewise.”
His eyes rove over her as she shakes off her blazer, revealing a silky royal-blue tank. Can’t blame him for staring, because her creamy skin captures my attention as well. It’s the most skin I’ve seen her expose.
I suppose this is how she normally dresses when she doesn’t have any bruises to hide.
“What’s good here?” She pushes her sunglasses up onto her head while she flips through the menu.
“Everything, sugar.” Gertie smiles wide as she presses her hands onto the counter. “Then again, I’m biased. I own the joint.”
“Then I’ll let you surprise me.” Callie flips her menu closed. “I’m not picky.”
Gertie looks between the two of us before her gaze settles back on Callie. “I’m Gertrude, though everyone here calls me Gertie.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gertie. I’m Callie. I’m a friend of Cole’s.”
“Friend?” Billy blurts out. “Cole’s got friends?”
I flip him off.
Callie laughs. “I’m the only one, I think.”
“Can’t imagine why.” Billy claps me on the back. “He’s so charming and friendly. Always has a smile on his face.”
“All right, all right.” I point at Callie. “You’re not invited to lunch anymore.”
She grins and nudges me with her shoulder. It makes me happy to see her like this. Different. Lighter.
“You’re all dressed up,” Gertie says. “Do you work around here?”
Callie shakes her head. “Just came from a job interview. I’ve been striking out all week.”
“Where did you apply? I know everyone on this street. I can put in a good word for you.”
“Oh, that’s sweet of you. I had an interview at Tommy’s Coal Fired Pizza.”
“As a waitress?” Billy asks.
“As a part-time chef.”
Gertie’s eyebrows lift. “You cook?”
“Well, my grandfather owned a small restaurant when I was a teenager. I used to help him cook and create different recipes. I loved it. I wanted to take over the business after he passed, but my father insisted I go to college and get a degree instead.”
“You’re hired.”
All three of our heads snap to Gertie.
“I’m sorry?” Callie asks.
“You need a job, and I’m looking for some help in the kitchen. You’ll be the perfect fit.”
Callie’s eyebrows dip down. “Are you serious? You’re really willing to hire me on the spot like this?”
Gertie narrows her eyes at me. “Do you vouch for your friend? Will she be a reliable worker?”
I look into Callie’s eyes, wide and round as saucers. “You won’t find anyone better.”
Gertie claps. “Then it’s settled. You can start tomorrow.” She takes Callie’s menu and saunters into the kitchen.
Callie’s mouth is left open. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
“Everything happens for a reason.” Billy winks. “It’s a good thing Cole spotted you walking by.”
Callie’s hand touches my forearm. “Thank you so much. I owe you one.”
I shake my head. “You don’t owe me anything. I’m happy to help.”
She slumps forward onto the counter, resting her head in her hand. “I’m so happy I don’t have to go on any more interviews. I’ve only been on four, but that was torture.”
“Gertie will take you under her wing,” Billy says. “She’s great. You’ll love working for her.”
Billy continues to talk through most of lunch, as usual. Callie laughs at all his lame jokes, and her smile has the corners of my mouth tipping up too. It’s a nice reprieve from the mundane workday.
After we say goodbye to Callie and pay the bill, Gertie stops me before I reach the door.
“That was her, wasn’t it? The woman you told me about?”
I nod. “She left her husband. Moved in with my sister for a while. It’s been tough on her. I really appreciate you giving her a job.”
Gertie pats my shoulder. “Don’t you worry about it. I’ll take good care of her.”
“I know you will, Gertie.”
“She’s beautiful, too.”
I hike a nonchalant shoulder. “Sure.”
“I see the way you look at her.” She clicks her tongue. “And though it might be a little too soon for her, she looks at you the same way. She just doesn’t know it yet. So, you be patient. Don’t rush it. Give her space.”
I hold my hands up on either side of my head. “There’s nothing to rush. Trust me.”
“Boy, how can I trust you when you don’t even trust your own damn self?”
I shake my head. “See you tomorrow, Gertie.”
“Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.”
Crazy old lady.
Work ends earlier than it usually does.
I don’t mind working long hours, but today is especially hot, so I’m thankful to be done. I’d give anything to have a truck with working AC right about now.
I’m disgustingly sweaty when I pull up to Josie’s house. Sounds of the kids playing in the backyard echo as I walk up the path to the gate, but I don’t see Josie or Dan’s SUVs in the driveway.
Laughter and splashing amplifies when I enter the yard and lock the gate behind me. I spot the top of Brandon’s head as he swims across the deep end, legs kicking water everywhere behind him.
These kids shouldn’t be in the pool while no one’s home to supervise. Something could happen to them. Anger spikes my heart rate. With my eyebrows dipped down and my scowl in place, I open my mouth to scold him.
But I freeze mid-step when my eyes land on Callie. She and Miles are sitting on the steps in the shallow end, watching the twins slap at the surface of the water.
Golden waves hang loose around Callie’s shoulders, wet at the ends that stick to her skin. A pale-blue bikini top ties around her neck, accentuating her full chest. My eyes trail down her toned stomach to the matching blue bottoms that tie on either side of her hips. Her shapely legs have a sun-kissed sheen to them, and I drink them in until they disappear under the water. She looks like a goddamn fantasy.
My throat goes dry, and desire fists deep in the pit of my stomach.
“Uncle Cole’s home!” Brandon shouts.
Callie’s head shoots up, and Miles waves excitedly.
“Unkey Cole! Unkey Cole!” Lucas chants.
I unclench my jaw and blow out an exhale. “Hi, guys.”
“Come in with us,” says Miles.
Brandon holds up a beach ball. “We can play volleyball.”
I shake my head. “It’s been a long day, and I need to shower.”
“Please, Uncle Cole. Come in for a little while and play with us.” Miles interlocks his fingers and pleads with me.
Callie swims over to the edge of the pool where I’m standing, craning her neck and squinting up at me. “Do you have your phone on you?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Do you mind if I shoot a text to Josie? I left my phone inside.”