Merry with a Gambler (Love Beach Holiday Collection)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

Boots

Stack stayed for a while, then said he had a couple errands to run but would be back before closing. He kissed my forehead before he left. What was that all about? Did he even realize what he’d done? Does he think of me like a child? God, how embarrassing.

Especially when my dreams last night were filled with him and me doing very adult things. Things I’ve never been good at. I guess a girl can dream.

I glance up at the big screen. Football is our biggest draw when our volleyball courts are closed, but we stream all types of sports all the time. The last afternoon basketball game is almost over, and the favorite is way ahead. There’ll be a slight break as the day crowd segues into the evening crowd and more sports start. Grabbing a tub, I glance at Pax. “I’ll start cleaning up the patio.”

He frowns. “Stay where I can see you.”

After my talk with detective Ford, Pax and Nyla have been watching over me like I’m family. I snort as I clean the first table. Like I’d know what that felt like. My parents fell into the ‘do not disturb-EVER’ category. I can’t help but smile. It does feel good that they care. So does Stack.

Clearing another table and wiping it down, I move to the next. Dumping the tub three times, I’m on my way back out to the last four tables by the bathrooms when a group of guys swarm through the front door. Glancing at Pax to see if he needs help, he shakes his head and mouths, “I got it.”

There’s a customer with his back to me at the last table. Normally, I’d ignore it and wait for him to leave but a slew of dirty glasses are stacked precariously on his table. We’ll need them soon.

Propping the tub on my hip I round the table and reach for the first stack. “Excuse me, sir. I’m just going to clean up these glasses. Can I get you another round?”

I glance up into a set of puffy bloodshot eyes that I know too well. “What are you doing here, Eddie?”

“Can’t I come see my daughter?”

“The one you abandoned. No. She doesn’t ever want to see you again.” I turn, stepping away from the table.

“Don’t you want to meet your little sister?”

“I don’t have a sister.”

“Yeah, you do. She just turned four.”

I scrunch my eyes and my fist, then turn back to him. “You had another kid after you abandoned me? Another child to neglect?”

He shrugs. “Mistakes happen. Shit, neither one of you were planned.”

Standing, he tosses an envelope on the table. “In case you change your mind. She’d probably like to meet you.”

Turning, he walks down the steps toward the restrooms and disappears into the tree line.

More like he’d probably like me to take her off his hands. Another dump and run.

Fuck. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did. Crossing to the table I grab the envelope and slip it into my server’s apron before clearing the rest of the glasses.

The crowd picks up and I lose myself in the repetitive work, trying to ignore the memories of my own childhood that torment me. I’m pulled from the chaos of my mind by a warm hand covering mine as I wipe the bar down.

“Boots, what’s wrong?”

I glance up to Stack’s warm gaze. I never noticed him come in and sit down. I want to tell him, I want to blurt it all out. The neglect, the fear, the shame of being unwanted. Of being a mistake.

That’s not how I want him to see me. That’s not who I want to be.

“Just a really long day for some reason.” I glance at the clock. Another couple hours. “I’m a little tired.”

“Then let’s go. They can handle it from here.”

“No. I need the money. I can sleep late.”

He gives me a hard stare then nods. “I’ve noticed Nyla’s got a coffee pot, why don’t you make each of us a cup. Have you eaten?”

I shake my head. “Not hungry.”

“Save my place, I’ll be right back.” He heads outside.

Thirty minutes later he comes back with yogurt, fruit, granola and a bowl.

“Where did you get this?”

“From home. I stopped at the store earlier since you said this was your go to meal.”

I smile. “That was thoughtful. You’re a good man.”

He shakes his head. “Not that good.”

“I get to be the judge.”

“Dig in. There’s more at home.”

Glancing to the side, I see Pax watching. He nods. “Eat.”

I do feel better after eating, or maybe it’s just knowing Stack is here.

After closing he hangs around and helps out with the clean up as if he works here. He helps Pax take care of the patio furniture. They talk quietly as they work.

Nyla catches me watching them. “Men, give them a free beer and you’ve made a best friend.”

“There’s something about the two of them together. I can’t figure it out.”

“Military training,” she offers. “Mannerisms and control. I’ve seen it a lot.”

“That must be it.”

She studies me. “You like him.”

“He’s a nice guy.”

Rolling her eyes, she meets my gaze. “You like him.”

I feel the heat in my cheeks, but I nod. “He’s different than other guys I’ve met.”

“Cuz he’s a grown ass man, not a man-boy.”

I shrug, then nod.

“He’s older.” Her tilted head and raised eyebrow give her comment a question.

“Pax is older. Is that a problem for you?”

She snickers. “Sometimes I think I was born older. Knowing you, and your history, I’d say we’re the same in that respect. Just be careful. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

Glancing at the man in question, I nod. I just hope it’s not already too late.

Stack and I are the last to leave with Pax and Nyla. Climbing on the back of his bike I wrap my arms around his waist like I’ve been doing it for years. Every time we stop, he places his hand over mine and strokes me with his thumb as if he needs the connection, too.

I inhale deeply and gently rub my cheek against his back. Just like I’m starting to need the feel of him, the scent of him, to feel complete. It strikes me that when he leaves, and he will, he’ll be taking a part of me with him.

I wonder if I’ll survive this time.