Blossom Street Brides (Blossom Street #10)(24)

The hostess greeted Lauren as if they knew each other and glanced in Rooster’s direction without comment.

“Like I said, this is one of my favorite restaurants,” Lauren mentioned casually as they followed the hostess. “I’ve been here quite a few times, enough for them to know my name. It will be worth the wait. You’ll notice once we’re seated that there isn’t any silverware.”

“Finger food?”

“Not exactly. With our meal, we’ll each be given a wooden board and mallet.”

“A mallet? You mean a hammer?”

“Of sorts. That’s so we can crack open the crabs ourselves. We’ll get plastic bibs, too, but everyone wears them, so you won’t look silly or feel out of place.”

Over the years, Rooster had heard about these types of restaurants, but he’d never actually been to one. This was sure to be an experience.

“The bib has saved me from dripping butter on myself any number of times.”

Rooster found the image of Lauren with melted butter running down her chin strangely appealing. He quickly cast the vision from his mind. “When you think about the restaurant doing away with silverware, it’s a rather clever idea. Just think of all the forks they’re saving.”

“Don’t feel you need to order the crab,” Lauren assured him. “There’s a regular menu as well.”

“Will I get a fork?”

She was about to answer when they arrived at their table.

They were seated and handed menus when the attendant filled their glasses with ice water. No sooner had he left when he returned with warm sourdough bread. The scent was heavenly.

“I feel worlds better already,” Lauren said, leaning slightly forward. “Thank you, Rooster.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to comment, but he stopped when he noticed a well-dressed man walking purposely across the room toward their table. Rooster bristled and guessed this wasn’t the restaurant manager.

“Do you know this guy?” he asked Lauren.

As Lauren glanced up from the menu, the color drained from her face. “It’s Todd.”

Rooster stood up as the other man approached. At six-one, he stood several inches taller than Lauren’s friend. “Can I help you?” he asked.

The other man ignored him. “I knew I’d find you here. And who’s this …” He paused and looked up at Rooster as though he found the mere sight of him comical. “This is a joke, right?” he asked.

“The name is Wayne,” Rooster said. “Rooster Wayne.”

“Rooster?” Todd repeated as though he found that information highly entertaining.

“Did you honestly think you could make me jealous over him?” Todd asked, again as if he found the situation nothing short of amusing.

Lauren nervously glanced around her. “Todd, you’re embarrassing me and embarrassing yourself. Would you kindly leave? I’ve said everything I intend to say to you.”

“Not before—”

“I believe you heard the lady,” Rooster said.

“You,” Todd returned, and bounced his finger against Rooster’s chest, “stay out of this.”

Rooster clenched his fist. “I’ve heard enough.”

By now their confrontation had attracted the attention of the entire restaurant. The room went quiet, and it seemed everyone collectively held their breath, waiting to find out what would happen next.

Rooster heard a couple of people whisper that this was Todd Hampton from Channel Eight news. Grabbing hold of Todd’s upper arm, Rooster half lifted the slighter man from the floor until Todd was obliged to walk on the tips of his feet. Without another word, Rooster dragged him out of the restaurant.

“Take your hands off me.” Stretching out his arm, Todd pointed at the hostess. “You’re a witness to this. I have witnesses.”

This was supposedly said for Rooster’s benefit. If Todd thought to intimidate him with a lawsuit, he’d failed. Once outside in the cool night air, Rooster released Lauren’s ex.

Todd brushed off the sleeves of his expensive tailored suit. “You’re going to regret this,” he muttered. His gaze narrowed into thin slits. “I have connections.”

“Good for you. So do I. I suggest you heed my warning.”

“Fine, whatever.” Todd held up his hands as if Rooster had pointed a revolver at him. “You know the only reason she’s with you is to make me jealous. She knows I love her; it’s only a matter of time before we get back together.”

Unwilling to get involved any further in this mess, Rooster turned his back on Todd and returned to the inside of the restaurant. He felt every eye on him as he wove his way around the tables to where Lauren remained seated. Taking out his wallet, he peeled off a twenty-dollar bill and set it on the table. Without another word, he left.

He was outside the restaurant before she caught up with him.

“Rooster, wait. Please,” he heard her shout.

He stopped, but he didn’t turn around.

“I am so sorry,” she breathlessly told him.

“Don’t mention it.”

“Please don’t be upset with me.”

As far as Rooster was concerned, he had nothing more to say to Lauren and started walking again.