Midnight Roots (Silver Creek Ranch)

Chapter Fifteen

Dillon

I feel like I'm floating when I wake up at five for work. I showered when I got home, but I have another one, so I'm fresh and perky for the day. I didn't get much sleep last night, as I kept thinking about the amazing night that I had. I can still feel Heston inside of me. Every single inch of him. The way he teased my clit. The way he moved his hips. Every one of my senses was engaged. He smelt good, too. His aftershave is sexy.

Once I'm clean, I dress for work and grab my clutch, walking out of the apartment, putting my key around my neck and tucking it into my t-shirt. I am practically whistling as I walk to work. I'm going to see Heston today, and not even Blondie and Brunette can put me in a foul mood.

I wave at people as I pass—a lot of the early morning shop owners getting ready to start their day. I feel so happy I can't contain myself. The elderly man from the shoe store returns my wave and gives me a smile. I pass by one or two regulars walking to work and walking their dog. We greet, and I start to whistle again.

I reach the diner as Cece opens up, and I bounce in. "Good morning," I sing-song.

"Someone's in a good mood," she comments.

I smile brightly and get ready to put serviette holders and sugar shakers on each table. I go to fill up the condiment bottles, which is a lot trickier than Cece makes it look. I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I pack the washed silverware into its holders, and I go to wipe down the tables in the cafe area and then the grill area. I wash the counters down with a giant smile on my face.

I realize I'm whistling at work, and Cece is looking at me.

"Someone had a really good night. What happened?" she asks casually.

"Heston took me out on a date..." I blush and lean over. "And we stopped at a lover’s lane to take in the view."

Cece looks at me surprised and smiles. "Oh, that's nice. I'm happy for you. Looks like I'll have to find someone new again one of these days."

She wanders off to the grill side, and I look after her, wondering about her comment.

I don't have time to ponder on the comment for long. The morning regulars have started coming in. We've been having more interest in the mornings lately, and I'm hoping it's because of my sunny disposition. There is nothing like doing so well at your job you attract more clients. That's a definite reason to keep me on.

I get to work straight away making lattes and cappuccinos, practicing my design work with frothy milk, and distributing pasties and slices of pie as they're ordered. Before I know it, it's Midday, and I'm getting ready for the lunch rush. That's when it dawns on me that Heston should have been in by now, but he hasn't been. I didn't get a phone number from him, and I don't know where he is staying. I'm too embarrassed to ask Cece if she has his number. I mean, who sleeps with a guy and doesn't take his number?

Wild thoughts run through my head as my lunchtime rush starts, and I'm run off my feet. I try not to be distracted, but two cracked glasses later, Cece is running behind me, going over what I need to do again, and I'm embarrassed.

"Darling, I know it's late notice, but can you work tonight?" Cece asks as I'm busy making lattes. "A little less clumsily than you did lunch?"

"Sure, I can use the extra tips." I smile brightly. "Hey Cece, you haven't heard from Heston, have you?"

"Oh, he misses a day or two now and then, I wouldn't worry. He's probably got extra work to do on that ranch of his." She gives me a knowing smile and walks off again.

Blonde and Brunette come in and I read their order off before they even order it. Blonde tilts her head in acknowledgment, and I get to their order straight away. Much to my surprise, Blonde tips me two dollars this time. That's the most she's ever given me. I thank her politely and tell her to enjoy her day.

She doesn't say anything back.

Heston doesn't come in during the lull between lunch and dinner, and it's really got me worried. What if it was just a one-night stand to him? What if it was all an act? No, he's a gentleman. He also works. He can't just drop everything to see me. I need to understand that.

I nervously refill everything and prepare for the nighttime rush. Cece comes to see how I'm doing and stands near me. "Now, the important thing is to remember to smile and give good service. The nighttime guys tip generously cause they all get drunk. You'll be working the grill side."

"Okay," I say. "Should I go wipe down those tables? And fill all those things?"

"Yeah, I've filled everything, but you can go give the tables and chairs a wipe down."

I head off to the grill side, and I can't help but look at Heston's normal seat.

Empty .

I feel empty.

I wish he would come in and reassure me that everything is okay because, to be honest, life hasn't been okay in the longest time, and I'm just finding my feet here, and the last thing I want is for this to become an issue.

Especially because he and Cece seem to be friends.

That's the last person I want to piss off is my boss.

The thoughts race through my head as I wipe down each table and chair carefully. I straighten condiments and serviette holders and I make sure we have enough washed silverware and glasses for drinks. Cook is standing behind the open window between the kitchen and the counter and is watching me curiously. I smile at him, and he smiles back.

I nervously flatten my apron before I stand next to the door to the grill with menus in hand. The first family of four walks in, and I pick up two more menus. "Welcome to Catch + Candle. Can I get you seated and ready with some drinks?"

"You must be new. Hello, we're the Coopers," the wife says, shaking my hand.

"I'm Dillon. I'll be your server this evening."

"Well, isn't that nice," Mr. Cooper says. "Yes, please seat us at the back ‘cause of the kids. They can get a bit rowdy."

I lead them to a booth at the back and get them seated. "What can I get ya'll to drink?"

"Two soda floats and two beers," Mr. Cooper says.

"Coming right up," I jot down their order just in case and go to get their drinks just as someone else walks in. I set down the drinks and go to seat that person at the bar.

It's like this the whole night, except every time the door opens, I'm hoping it's Heston coming to see me.

Instead, I'm met with strangers. Some people I recognize from the cafe side. They are obviously here to enjoy dinner or watch the game over a beer. The TV isn't playing loudly, but Heston's absence is echoing around me. When someone sits in his seat, I almost hiss, but I catch myself.

Cece is right, though. I get generous tips, and a lot of people compliment my service. That makes me feel good, at least. If Heston can't appreciate me, then at least the good folks of Ironhaven can.