an excuse to get away from them quickly without looking like I’m trying too hard. “What can I get you?”
“I want fries, and make sure your dirty hands don’t touch them. You didn’t even wash up after picking up money from the table.” I inwardly roll my eyes, I just had my hands in bleach water. Delaney is just trying to get under my skin.
“And you?” I urge the others.
“I’ll have fries too, and a diet coke,” one girl fires off.
“Rootbeer float for me.”
The last girl bites her lip, her eyes volleying back and forth on the menu, and flicking to the girls surrounding her. “I’ll take a cup of chicken noodle soup and a water.” She pushes the menu away from her, toward the wall. Her face is rounder than the others but she isn’t even close to over weight. The pressure to be thin and perfect is probably paramount in their group.
“Should be up quick,” I tell them, walking over to the counter. “Thanks Maggie,” I whisper out the side of my mouth, placing the ticket on the spinner and ringing the bell to let Gus know he has an order.
“Anytime honey.” She gives me a wink.
I get busy making their drinks, Delaney didn’t order one but I’m making her a water anyway. Maggie will take care of the float when the rest of the food order is up. I place the three glasses on the table with each girl, pulling straws from my apron pocket. I don’t speak to them and they ignore me too.
I’m able to wipe down a few more tables as they empty while I’m waiting for the girls’ fries and soup to come up. Glancing up at the clock I sigh, less than an hour before I get off.
Gus rings the bell notifying me an order is up, and I finish wrapping my bundle of silverware and hop off the stool. The door jingles when I’m placing the plates on my tray. It’s empty enough that they’ll be able to find a seat without my help, so I continue what I’m doing and grab ketchup on my way to the table.
“Fries for you.” I place them in front of the other girl first. “Soup for you, and fries for you. Can I get you anything else?” Delaney’s eyes are looking past me, her mouth hanging open.
“Oh no way.” Her hushed words have me turning. I know what’s got her attention the moment I see him. Ares is standing at the counter. His back is to us and the slim fit of his trousers and shirt leave little to the imagination, showcasing the fit body underneath. I know, I’ve seen a little of that body.
Facing her again, I clear my throat. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, no.” She waves me off, her head lowered to the table, but her eyes not leaving Ares. I hear “Dante’s brother” whispered as I walk away. Returning to the opposite end of the counter I finish rolling the forks and knives.
I think Ares is here for me; he’s probably my ride home, or rather to his house. I get a sick thrill knowing how crazy jealous it’s going to make Delaney. I know it’s immature, but I don’t care.
Trying not to look his way, I still know the moment he’s done speaking with Maggie and he’s headed in my direction. My breath quickens, along with the beating of my heart. “Hello Cara,” he purrs near my ear after placing his hand on the back of my stool.
“Hello Ares.” My voice is breathy in response. His body moves in closer and I feel the fabric of his shirt brush against my arm as he does.
“Excuse me, may I have a refill?” Delaney’s sweet voice coos over to me. I’ve heard her use that tone with Dante before.
I huff. “I’ll be right there,” I call back loud enough for her to hear. “Sorry, just a sec,” I tell Ares as I slide out of the stool from the other side.
Delaney is holding up her glass of water, it’s not even empty. “Thanks.” She pushes it at me without looking in my direction. “Oh hey, you’re Ares, Dante’s brother.” She flips her hair over her shoulder then runs her fingers over her arm. “He told me you just came home. Happy to be back?”
Ares watches me take her cup and pour it out before adding new ice and hitting the button for filtered water from the soda machine. “Yes, very,”