“Yes. She wants a chance with Lewis.”
“I don’t blame her.”
“Dane cheated on her. You know that.”
“I figured as much. The guy was never a monk. Lucy deserves some peace after the crap he’s put her through.”
“I couldn’t agree more with you,” James said. “When will you be leaving?”
“I’m hoping for tonight. I’ve got to rush through the arrangements.”
“I’ll call if I need anything.”
“You’re a good man, James. No one can question that.”
James nodded. “Thank you.”
“Only speaking the truth.” Pixie smiled at him. “You’re doing the right thing.”
“Go and order your vacation. I’m going to handle this mess.”
****
Chloe grabbed the latest plate full of food. The diner was busy today, and her feet were hurting her even in the flats. Teri hadn’t been able to come out, and neither of them had greeted Grace and Drake with their son Joseph.
“Let me help,” Grace said.
“No, you’re not due back for a couple of days. We can handle this rush. I’ll be back to take your order in a second,” Chloe said, passing their table. Putting the two plates down on the table, she smiled. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
The two men were local, and occasionally visited the club.
“No thanks, Chloe.”
She didn’t remember their names, but outside of the club, she rarely did. “Give me a call if you need anything.”
Leaving the table, she took a quick second to catch her breath. She wasn’t feeling too good, and it had started last night. Pressing a hand on her stomach, she closed her eyes and took another long deep breath. “It’s fine.”
“You okay?” Teri asked, calling through the serving hole.
“Yeah, I’m fine. You shouldn’t be such a damn fine cook.”
“I really am, aren’t I?”
Chloe smiled, and got back to work. The hour rush drained her of any energy she had left. Entering the staffroom, she rushed toward the toilet, and stared at her reflection. She was getting really unfit. The sweat was pouring out of her.
Washing her face, and pressing a cool towel to the back of her neck, she released a little cough.
“Hot, so hot.”
Once the buzzing stopped, and she was able to think once again, she took a deep breath, and made her way back outside toward the diners.
Grabbing the coffeepot she walked toward Grace and Drake.
“Hey, how was your vacation?” she asked.
“It was good. Wish one of you had called me to let me know that Dane was back,” Drake said.
“He came back yesterday. We had no idea you were going to be back today,” Chloe said.