Big Bad Professor(23)

“Mr. Johnson tried again today,” I informed him, beyond frustrated as I set some dirty dishes in the sink. “Is there any way you could put a sign up asking them not to harass the wait staff?”

“C’mon, Scarlet, it’s hard enough keeping myself from doing it,” Greg teased with a smile that filled his entire face. “You are gorgeous, and you should hear men say it more often.”

The smile on his face and the genuine compliments he sent my way always made it impossible for me to stay mad—or even annoyed—at him. I laughed it off while he flipped sausages.

“Well, you’re no help.” I sighed, shaking my head. “And you’re just as bad as Mr. Johnson.”

Greg’s chuckles echoed throughout the kitchen as I gathered a few plates that were ready for delivery and made my way out to the floor. I was barely out the door when I felt a familiar vibration. A line formed between my brows as I delivered the food with a forced smile.

Worry that it might be the babysitter calling about Kimmy made the few minutes it took me to return to the back room feel like an eternity. As soon as the door closed behind me, I ducked into a corner and slipped my phone from my server apron.

My heart settled when I saw Lisa’s name in the text message. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I’d talked to her. It was probably before I’d had Kimmy, but I didn’t really care either way. Still, my curiosity got the better of me, and I tapped on the message.

Hey, Scarlet. I know it’s been years, but I’m getting married this weekend, and I really want you at my wedding. We were best friends for so long, and it wouldn’t be the same without you. Call me. It’s been too long, and we must catch up. Bye!”

Lisa was getting married? I didn’t know what was more surprising, that she was actually getting married or that she had found a man capable of putting up with her for more than ten minutes. I chuckled at my mean thought and tucked my phone back into my pocket as I left the back room.

I did my best to be the diligent worker I always was, but the message kept playing in the back of my mind. I hadn’t seen or spoken to Lisa in so long, and now she wanted to hang out like it was still high school. The notion was weird at best.

It was a slow day, and I was eager to return home. I believe Greg could tell that I was preoccupied with something, because he let me leave a little earlier than usual. I thanked him with a hug and ran out to the bus stop at the corner.

Home wasn’t too far away, but it was just far enough that walking at the end of a long day’s work was difficult. As per usual, I got a few looks from men on the bus, and I did my best to ignore them. Thankfully, no one worked up the courage to introduce themselves.

My little apartment, a one-bedroom rental above an old grocery store, could barely be called that, but it was home. And thanks to my friendship with the owners and my part-time job at their establishment, it was also cheap. As an added bonus, the wife, Dawn, sometimes looked after Kimmy for me, which saved quite a few bucks on babysitters every month.

“Hey, Dawn,” I greeted as I opened the door.

Dawn hushed me and pointed at Kimmy, who was tucked into the crook of her arm and peacefully taking a nap. Despite her efforts, the sound of my voice woke her, as it always did.

“Mommy!” she shouted, still a little groggy, as her eyes popped open.

My heart melted, and I ran toward her, lifting her up for a big hug.

“What did you do today, Kimmy?” I asked in between kisses.

“I learned how to count to five!” She showed me her tiny open palm. “Wanna hear?”

I giggled and nodded, as she was already starting to count.

“One . . . two . . . th—” Dawn leaned in and whispered in her ear, and she went on. “Three . . . four . . . five.” The smile on her lips was so big and sweet, it filled me with pride.

I kissed her on the cheek once more. Somehow, no matter how exhausted I was, her smile always brought me back to life.

“Okay, Kimmy, I’m going to get dinner started. What do you want to eat?”

“Noodles!” she shouted.

I laughed. “Okay. Noodles sound good.”

She nodded as I set her on the floor to run around the tiny apartment, singing songs only she knew. I shook my head and chuckled.

“Good day at work?” Dawn asked.

“Define good,” I said with a chortle.

“That great, huh?”

I nodded as we walked to the kitchen. “I got a text today from an old high school friend.”

“Anyone I know?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Do you remember Lisa?” Dawn shrugged and tilted her head. “We used to spend every waking hour together as kids.”