Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(20)

“Takes one to know one.”

We finished up our dinner and walked over to Reynolds’, where Quincy was picking up Del, and I’d agreed to have one drink with Kline.

My phone vibrated after I hugged her goodbye, and I looked down to see a text from Hugh.

Bear



What time will you be home? I shouldn’t be too long, so let me know if you need a ride.





I chewed on my thumbnail.

Just got to Reynolds’ to meet Kline for a quick drink, and then I’ll be home. Are you here?





I knew that he wasn’t, but curiosity was getting the best of me.

Bear



Brax talked me into a double date, but I’m tired and not feeling it, and this dinner is moving fucking slow.





Why did that make me smile?

Are you always the heartbreaker, Bear?





Bear



Not trying to break any hearts. Just not feeling it.





You’re preaching to the choir. Story of my life. I’ll see you in a bit. xx





Bear



Call me if you need a ride, and be careful with Kline, all right?





<eye roll emoji> <eye roll emoji>





I dropped my phone into my purse and pulled open the door. Brandy was smiling, but when her gaze locked with mine, she frowned.

“Hey,” I said as I stepped closer. “Can I talk to you?”

She squared her shoulders. “Sure.”

“Do we have a problem?”

Her jaw dropped as if she were shocked that I’d noticed. “I, um. No. I. I’m sorry. I guess I felt a little threatened by you, that’s all.”

“That’s silly. I’m not here to do anything to hurt you. I’m just here to help out for the summer.”

“I guess I have this little crush on the boss, and he seems to be giving all his attention to you, not that he ever gave me any.” She frowned dramatically, which made me laugh, and it also showed her age.

I chuckled. “How old are you?”

“I just turned seventeen.”

“Well, he certainly can’t be giving you any attention because that would get him into trouble, seeing as he’s a grown man. Hugh and I grew up together, so we’re just good friends. But even if I weren’t here, he wouldn’t be any different to you, Brandy. He’s not that guy.”

She let out this long, dramatic whine, stomped her foot, and then shrugged. “I guess you’re right. What do you think of Lionel, the new busboy? We go to school together, but he’s always been so shy.”

I fought back my urge to laugh at how quickly she rebounded from being upset. Lionel had just started working here at the same time I did, and he seemed like a really nice kid. “I think he’s good-looking and very nice. Maybe you should try to talk to him since he’s pretty shy. I was always a little shy myself, and I wasn’t very confident with boys, so if someone made the first move, it was easier for me.”

She tapped her fingers along the wood of the hostess stand and tipped her head to the side. “Really? I can’t imagine you ever feeling insecure because you’re so pretty. Seems like every guy in the room is always staring at you.”

That made me laugh. “I don’t think we’ve been in many rooms together, then, and don’t look now, but Lionel keeps glancing over here. I think you should go talk to him. I’ll cover things here until you get back.”

She beamed up at me and extended her hand. “Thanks, Lila. Can we start over?”

“Absolutely. Now, go get your flirt game on and talk to that cute boy.”

“You don’t have to stay up here. I’m already off the clock. Danielle is finishing up the last table of the night. I was just hanging around to try to talk to Lionel.”

She hurried off, and I smiled as I made my way to the bar. Kline was wiping down the bar top, and he looked up and raised a brow.

“I thought you were blowing me off,” he said, his voice all tease.

“No. I was having dinner with Del, and I told you I’d stop by on my way home.” I pulled out a bar stool and sat down.

“What are you drinking? It’s on me.”

“Thank you. A glass of chardonnay would be great.”

“You got it.” He moved to grab a glass, and I chewed on the back of my thumbnail as I pulled my phone out of my purse and glanced down to see if I had any new texts.

I didn’t.

Why did that disappoint me?

He pushed the glass in front of me and raised his glass, which looked to be some sort of hard liquor straight up. “Cheers to you being back in town, Lila James.”

“I will drink to that,” I said, tapping my glass to his.

He studied me as he took a long pull and emptied the dark liquid in one gulp before setting the glass down on the bar and rubbing his hands together. “Damn. I’m happy you’re here. But I’ve got to ask, what’s the deal with Hugh?”

“The deal? I don’t think there is one.” I took a sip and set my glass down. I wasn’t in the mood for a drink, and I was ready to head home, but I didn’t want to flake on him.