The Waitress's Secret

“Sure. I need the keys from you anyway.”

He grabbed a couple more suckers before leading her to her car. They passed a small office. A pink dollhouse and large cardboard building blocks were squeezed beside a cluttered desk. “Every once in a while I have to bring my kids with me. Toys keep them out of trouble. If not, there’s always Attica.”

“Attica? Like the prison?”

He nodded toward a folded playpen. “They hate that thing. Can’t much say I blame them.”

Arden grinned and followed him through the work area and out a steel door. Her Beetle was parked in a small paved lot between a late-model Cadillac and a classic Mustang. After retrieving her overnight bag, she dropped the keys into the mechanic’s hand.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her.”

“Thanks.” She left the garage and paused outside, not sure where to go. Her cell phone rang and she set down her suitcase. Arden glanced at the screen and groaned. Jax. No doubt she was on speakerphone. She knew Jax would do all the talking, but Blake would be listening. Her brothers meant well, but they were smothering her and driving her crazy by being so overprotective.

“Hello.” She sounded calm and mentally patted herself on the back.

“Where are you? You were supposed to call last night. The hotel in Virginia said you checked out yesterday morning.”

“I’m fine, Jackson. There’s no need for you to worry.”

“Of course there is. You finally broke up with that no-good bum. Instead of turning to Blake or me, you go halfway across the country.”

She pulled her suitcase over to a black iron bench and sat. This could take a while, so she might as well be comfortable. “Florida is on the same side of the country.”

“You know what I mean.”

She did. He wanted her to stay in Baltimore where they could wrap her up in cotton balls to keep her from getting hurt. If they could, they’d keep her from having problems, which in essence was keeping her from having a life. Barring that, they wanted to jump in and solve them for her. That was part of the reason she needed to get away. It would be too easy for her to fall back into her old ways and lean on them instead of standing on her own two feet. She’d never gain their respect if she continued to let them bail her out. She was willing to admit she had played a part in their relationship becoming unequal. If it was to change, she knew she had to do things differently.

“Since you haven’t made it to Florida yet, why don’t you just turn around and come home?”

And run the risk of seeing Michael-the-pig? Not for a lifetime supply of chocolate-covered pecans. “No.”

There was a long pause and she could just envision them whispering furiously as they plotted their next move. Heaven help her from meddling brothers. A bird flew down from its perch in the tree and landed on the edge of a flowerpot overflowing with purple, orange, red and yellow blooms. The wind blew and the scent of the flowers filled her nostrils and she sighed. The bird turned at the sound, then hopped into the flower bed where it began digging in the dirt, perhaps looking for a worm.

“We want to help.”

Her brother’s voice pulled her attention away from the bird and back to her situation. “I know you do. And I love you both for it. I just need space.”

“We understand that. But we need to know you’re okay.”

She blew out a breath. Just because she was ready to cut the apron strings didn’t mean they were. But she was willing to take baby steps to help them along. At least for now. “I’ll call you every Sunday.”

“And Wednesday.”

“No way. Once a week is enough.” She had to draw a line somewhere.

There was another long silence, until Jax finally said, “Okay. But you’ll call if you need anything—”

This was becoming ridiculous. “Yeah. Sure. Bye.”

“Bye. We love you, Arden.”

She ended the call and returned her phone to her purse. All things considered, that had gone better than expected. She was finally making strides, no matter how small, in getting her brothers to see her as an adult.

Standing, Arden wheeled the suitcase behind her, curious to see more of the town in the light of day. She’d gone only one block when she came upon Brandon’s restaurant. A redbrick building with large windows and purple-and-yellow flowers in pots on either side of the gold-trimmed glass door, Heaven on Earth had a welcoming look. For a moment Arden hesitated, then tried the knob. It turned under her hand. She didn’t need to check in with Brandon, but she owed him the courtesy of keeping him abreast of the status of her car. After all, she was a guest in his home.

The dining area was empty, but she figured he must be around. Leaving her suitcase inside the main entrance, she walked through the maze of tables until she stood outside his office. Hearing his voice, she realized he was not alone and had turned to go when a woman’s voice stopped her.

“I hate to leave you shorthanded with the rehearsal dinner and reception coming up. I know how important they are to you, Brandon. But I have to go home. My great-aunt raised me and there’s nobody else to care for her after her stroke.”

“Of course you do. Family is important. Don’t worry about work. I’ll handle it.”

“But you’re already short two waitresses. You’ll really be in a mess.”

“We’ll be fine. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. I’m set. I didn’t have much to pack.”

Arden heard paper rustling. “Here’s your last check. I’ve also included a reference letter.”

“Thanks. I’ve been so worried, I didn’t even think of that.”

“I want you to know, if you decide to return to Sweet Briar, you’ll always have a job here.”

“I can’t even think that far ahead. I’ll never forget you. Would you please tell everyone bye for me and that I’ll be in touch when I can?”

“Absolutely. And if you need anything, just call.”

“Thanks.”

The young woman left the office and brushed past Arden, wiping tears as she hurried through the restaurant. Arden hesitantly knocked on Brandon’s open door. He was sitting at his desk filling out a form. Pen in hand, he looked up. When he saw her he smiled and leaned back in his chair. Her pulse began to race. What was it about this man that rang her chimes? If she wasn’t careful she’d forget she wasn’t interested in men anymore.

“I hope I’m not interrupting.”

He shook his head and waved her in. “Have a seat.”

“Thanks. I met with John. He’s not sure he’ll be able to get to my car today. I hate to impose on you and Joni another night, so maybe I should get a room at one of the hotels you mentioned.”

“That’s not necessary. You’re not an imposition. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”

“I appreciate that. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation a minute ago.”

“With Nora?”

“The waitress?” At his nod she continued. “I know you have a couple of important jobs coming up. I’d love to help if I can.”

“You wouldn’t by any chance have experience as a waitress, would you?” He sounded as if he was half-joking.

“Actually, I do. I worked as a waitress in a four-star restaurant my last two years of college.” Although her family was wealthy, her parents wanted Arden and her brothers to know the value of work. They’d seen too many rich kids living off their trust funds, burning through money they hadn’t earned. A perfect waste of a strong back was how her father referred to them. Determined that his kids weren’t going to become spoiled and lazy, Winston Wexford insisted that his children have summer jobs while in high school. They’d also been required to work part-time while in college. He paid tuition, room and board, and other necessities. Arden and her brothers had paid for any extras they wanted.