Scandalous Scotsman - M.J. Fields Page 0,12
didn’t.”
“I have to go.”
“Dammit, Tonya, you had six! You drunk dialed —”
“If your house catches on fire, you can call me back tonight. If not—”
“Girl, go get yourself some. Nothing here is on fire.”
“Have you ever witnessed sparks jumping from one electrical line to the next?” she asks.
“What?” I laugh.
“I blame you and hot doc for my booty call tonight. The two of you are electric.”
“Goodnight.” I laugh.
“It’s about to become one,” she says as I hear her heels clicking across the floor, then she whispers, “Goodnight.”
Allowing myself no time to think about what could have been with my little Fraser, I bag up the impulsive purchases that I made for the pup, cringing at the fact that I spent a hundred dollars from my slush fund on items for the pup. None of which can be returned.
After packing up the leash, the baggie of dog treats, and food that the enthusiastic employee wearing the super cute kitty sweater at the pet store talked me into, both opened, the water and food dish and, to be neighborly, I grab a bottle of wine and head out the door.
The sun is setting behind the Kingsley estate, framing it like a picture, as I walk across the street toward the most majestic house in the neighborhood, holding my head high … while hobbling.
The closer I get, the less concerned I become with how this may be perceived. Sexy Scottish doctor, who’s seen my adult wand and me at my absolute worst, should intimidate the hell out of me, except he does the exact opposite. Neither his insane good looks, sexy accent, or street address make me feel less than. I feel like we’re on the same level due to his dirty little secret. Also, for some reason, this whole situation has given me a sense of confidence.
And tingles.
I set the bag and bottle of wine on the front steps, ring the doorbell, and then start back toward my house.
“Ms. Bloom.” I hear Maryanne call from behind me.
Lifting a hand, I wave without looking back. “Welcome to the neighborhood, Maryanne.”
“Thank you, dear!”
“You’re very welcome.”
“Shirley, I can assure you that I’m perfectly fine to wait tables.”
“That boot says otherwise.” She shakes her head as she looks over the schedule. “You’re on for a double today.”
“I can handle it.”
She releases a heavy sigh as I reach around her to grab a waist apron and tie it on.
“I did yoga yesterday for two hours, lady.” I smile. “This is going to be a walk in the park.”
From the kitchen, someone calls her name.
“It’s busy today. You’ll take the section four, closest to the kitchen.”
“I’m scheduled for the deck.”
“But—”
“Lucy’s seven months pregnant with twins.” I pop a kiss to her cheek. “I got this.”
The first hour of my shift, I eased into what became one of what seemed to be the busiest shifts since I began working here part-time in my senior year of high school. Did my ankle hurt? A little bit. But the tips I was raking in dulled the ache and made it all worth it.
They feel sorry for me.
Not a bad thing.
By the end of my first shift, I am a bit achier.
Sitting down for the first time in four hours, I lift my leg to set it on the empty chair next to me in Shirley’s office while grabbing a bottle of ibuprofen out of my bag and popping three pills.
Good to go for four to six more hours.
“You’re sore,” Shirley huffs as she walks into her office.
“I’m good.” I hold up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
“Were you ever a scout?”
“I was, actually.” I laugh. “And after tonight, I may not have to turn off my light and pretend not to be home when those cookie slingers knock at my door.” I pull a wad of cash out of my apron and wave it around. “I may be able to buy two boxes.”
Her scowl softens. “I’m proud of you, Elizabeth, and so happy for your next step.”
I laugh at the irony and lift my leg off the chair. “Back to work I go.”
“I really think you should let me put you in four. There’s a party of twenty on the deck coming in.”
“Tip tallied in the bill?” I ask as I stand.
“Your health is more important than money,” she says sternly.
“And paying the ER visit, as well as the doctor visit, is part of staying healthy, mentally as well as physically.”
“Are you sure?”
“I certainly am.”
“All right,” she sighs. “If you need me—”
“I’ll just