Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2)(18)

There was my Mom. Even if it was for a brief moment I needed that little bit of motherly affection. Knowing she was still in there under all this hurt and pain eased my fear some.

“I know that,” I assured her allowing her to take the wash cloth from my hand so she could wipe her nose.

“God Marcus how did this happen? Where did it all go wrong?” she asked in a defeated tone dropping her hands into her lap.

“The minute Dad lost his mind I guess. I’m going to go talk to him. Don’t wait up for him tonight Mama. I’m going to tell him I’ll bring him his clothes but I don’t want him back on the property.”

“Oh honey is that the best idea? What if he realizes this was a mistake? Do I really just end twenty five years of marriage over this?”

“Yes Mama you do! The bastard cheated on you. He is cheating on you. You’re so much better than that Mama. Don’t you let him win. Don’t do it.”

I hated seeing her this way. She really thought Dad would change his mind and come back to her. Maybe he would when his little girlfriend left him or began to get on his nerves. But then there would be another one just like her somewhere waiting to take her place.

“Mama, listen,” I pleaded taking her cold soft hands in mine, “You need to divorce him. Take everything you possibly can by law. Clean him dry. Do you hear me? He is using his money on that slut. Get what he owes you and he owes you everything Mama.”

She straightened up and nodded her head in agreement. Thank God I’d gotten through to her.

“You’re right honey. I need to make him pay.”

Good. I could see the revenge flashing in her eyes. At least it wasn’t pain. Let her be mad as hell. Let her suck him dry. That’s the tough as nails woman who raised me. I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, “I love you Mama. We’re going to get through this. You’re not alone. Don’t push Manda away either. She needs you right now. The two of you need to eat a gallon of Rocky Road ice cream and watch movies together. Bond over this Mama. Don’t let him win.”

Standing up Mama reached out and squeezed my hand.

“You’re right. I’m stronger than this. My baby girl needs her Mama. As long as I have you to lean on I can do this Marcus.”

“Well you’ve got me. Now, why don’t you get out of your pajamas and come make me some breakfast because I’m starving.”

Hearing her laughter was music to my ears.





Willow

It was Spring Break season so the tourist had begun flooding Sea Breeze. Which was a good thing because tips were double their norm. I’d already made two hundred dollars and that was mostly from the lunch crowd. The evening crowd was just beginning to pick up. On nights when the bar side of Live Bay has a relatively known band the restaurant suffers some. Families looking for a nice seafood restaurant are put off by the packed out parking lot. They don’t realize it’s for the bar side. Tonight however crowds were low at the bar so the restaurant was hopping with tourists.

“Low, can you take a four top in section C for Macy? She said she can’t handle any more in her section. That twelve top party is consuming her.”

I nodded my head at Kim, the hostess for the evening and went to grab some waters and a bowl of lemons before heading to their table.

“Hey you still looking for someone to close for you?” she asked me as I turned to walk away. I glanced back at her, “Yep.”

She pointed to Seth, a waiter who I knew she’d been seeing lately. She must want him to work late with her tonight.

Giving her a knowing smile I headed over to intercept Seth on his way to the kitchen.

“Hey, you want to close tonight? I’ve got to keep my niece and I need someone to close for me.”

Seth glanced back over his shoulder toward Kim. Apparently he was looking for her approval before answering. His gaze shifted back to me and he grinned.

“Sure. No problem.” His obvious enthusiasm had me biting back a laugh. No doubt he was already planning his evening alone with Kim in a big empty restaurant.

“Hey, isn’t that the lead singer of Jackdown?” Seth asked

I looked over and sure enough sitting at my four top in section C was Krit, Trisha, Rock and Green.

“Yep and the bassist too.”

“Switch with me please,” Seth begged.

I glanced back at the table and Trisha waved. I couldn’t do that to her.

“I would Seth but Trisha and Rock are my friends. I can’t.”

Seth’s eyes widened, “You know Krit then?”

“Yep.”

“Well then can you at least introduce me. I’ve been wanting to audition for Jackdown for forever but they’re never looking for anyone new.”

He was helping me out tonight so I really owed it to him. Even though he would no doubt be getting lucky back in the stock room tonight with Kim.

“Sure, stop by after I’ve got their orders and I’ll introduce you.”





Carrying a tray full of waters, I headed back to my newest table.

“Hey girl, hate you left early last night. You missed the last song. Krit wrote it and it was amazing,” Trisha said smiling up at me.

“I’m sorry. It was just once I got outside in the clean air I couldn’t bring myself to go back inside into that crowd.” Not to mention I didn’t want to see Marcus dancing with Jess.