miss it. Bianca didn't tell me this until today. She called when I was picking up trash. She sounded frantic, like she always does before a big event, then told me Beverly wants to talk to me when I get back, hinting I'm in trouble.
I swear Bianca did it on purpose. She didn't tell me I had to be there until it was too late. I used to think Bianca was my friend but now I'm starting to think she's threatened by me and wants me to fail. She didn't have to tell Beverly I wouldn't be there, and she wouldn't have done it if I was still her assistant. But now that we're equals, she's doing stuff to make me look bad. She doesn't want Beverly thinking I'm better than her.
Charlie sets my drink down. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No, I'm good. Thanks."
I take a big drink, feeling the bourbon warm me as it slides down my throat. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to relax and enjoy my drink without my thoughts going to Aiden. They do anyway, my heart missing him so much it hurts.
"How was road duty today?"
I look over and see Tom sitting next to me.
"Hey, Tom." I force out a smile. "Today was okay. There was a lot to clean up so the time went quickly."
"You make any new friends?"
"I'm friends with Bess. She lives here in town. She works during the week so she gets weekend shifts like me."
He waves at Charlie at the end of the bar. "Seltzer water with a lime."
"Got it!" Charlie goes to get the drink.
"Can't do the hard stuff when I'm working," Tom says. "But I could sure use one."
I'm not sure if I should ask what he means by that, so I don't, assuming he'll tell me if wants to.
"Aiden have to work this weekend?" Tom asks as Charlie brings him his seltzer water.
"Yeah," I say, not wanting to tell Tom the truth.
"That's too bad. It's a beautiful time to be up here. Very romantic. They had a couple weddings at the church today. I hear they got another one tomorrow." He nudges me. "Might want to consider it when it's your time to tie the knot. I know the minister. I could get you a deal." He smiles.
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be getting married anytime soon."
Or ever, given my luck with men. But I agree that getting married here during the fall would be perfect. I always wanted to get married in the fall, and I pictured doing it in a town just like this, at a white steepled church like the kind that's just down the street. I'd have the reception here at the inn and hire Lois to make all the food.
"What's on the menu tonight?" I ask.
"The special is pot roast with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans."
"That sounds delicious. I've missed your wife's cooking."
"Lois isn't cooking today. She's taking some time off." He takes a sip of his drink, then sets it down.
"Is she still sick?"
He looks at me, like he's not sure what I mean.
"Last weekend," I explain. "You said she wasn't feeling well so she was taking some time off."
He nods. "Yes. She's still a little under the weather."
Charlie walks by, his eyes pausing on Tom a moment before continuing to the other end of the bar.
Tom glances at him, then back at me. "I could reserve you a place at dinner but it'll be late. I'm booked solid until nine."
"That's okay. I'll just bring something back to my room." I finish my drink, then catch Charlie's eye. "Could I get another?"
He goes to get it.
"Trying to get your mind off something?" Tom asks.
"With alcohol?" I laugh. "I'm trying but it's not working. This will be my last one."
"You want to talk about it?"
"Not really." I watch as Charlie sets my drink down. "So do you think Lois will be back in the kitchen next week? I really miss her cooking.”
Charlie stands there, waiting for Tom to answer.
"Don't you have some drinks to make?" Tom asks. "For our dining room guests?"
Charlie nods. "Yeah, boss."
Tom waits for him to leave, then stares down at the bar, seeming lost in thought as he grips his water glass.
"Tom, is something wrong?"
He shrugs. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with."
I turn to him. "Is this about Lois?"
He looks over at me with so much sadness I feel it as though it were my own. I was already