She laughed and tugged her hand from his grasp. “One day when I get married—and I will marry—it won’t be to someone who oh so romantically declares, ‘You’ll do,’ but thanks for the offer. I’m gonna have to decline.”
He frowned, no doubt taken aback from her refusal. “You’re serious?”
“Oh yes.” She pointed to the door. “Now, if you don’t mind, I closed almost half an hour ago. I’ve had a long day, and I’d like you to leave. I don’t expect I’ll see you again, as my food isn’t good enough for you to even soil your mouth with it. Good night, Mr. Tremaine.”
“Kenzie—”
“Good night,” she said with more force.
He seemed about to say something more, but changed his mind and walked out the door. Kenzie twisted the lock and crossed to the window to lower the blinds. She watched him step out onto the street, and as if on cue, a sleek black limo pulled up. The uniformed driver leaped from the car and opened the door for him, and Easton folded his long form into the interior. As the taillights brightened just down the street and then disappeared, she sighed. She’d liked teasing him despite his attitude, and he was definitely eye candy. Oh well, he was gone, and she wouldn’t see him again. C’est la vie.
Chapter Two
The lunch rush had died down, and Kenzie took the opportunity to refill napkin dispensers and check that all the salt and pepper shakers were filled. She scanned the restaurant for anything that might need tending to and noted the few patrons left. Now might be a good time to instruct her new girl on cleaning the bathrooms. Glancing over at Peggy, she wondered. Recently divorced, by the pale spot on her ring finger, the woman appeared out of practice with working. She tried her best, but Kenzie guessed she was losing steam fast. Kenzie would need to come up with some way to motivate her, or she’d be short-handed again.
The bell over the door rang, and she turned with a smile to greet her customer. “Denise, what are you doing here? I thought you had to work until five.”
Her best friend, a whirlwind of colorful scarves and big natural hair, skittered across the restaurant to land in Kenzie’s embrace. “Help me, Kenz. You’re my only hope.”
Kenzie laughed. “That bad, huh? Sit at the counter, nut. Chai tea?”
“You know it. And one of those donut things you make.”
“A donut?”
Denise grunted. “Don’t you tease me, Kenzie. Yes, a donut. Girl, I need you to tell me what to say to my boyfriend. I want to break up with him, but I don’t want to hurt him. He’s a nice guy.”
Kenzie shook her head. “Another one? The way you fly through men is just wrong. Leave some for the rest of us before you break them.”
“I can’t help it. At first it’s hot and heavy, and then it gets boring. I don’t know why I attract the clingy type.”
Kenzie placed a hot cup of tea in front of her friend. “And I get the wandering ones. So not fair.”
“Yup.”
“Anyway, you know he’s going to be hurt no matter what you say if he loves you.”
Ignoring her warning, Denise pulled out her cell phone and brought up the note app. She extended the phone to Kenzie.
Kenzie laughed. “I think I’ll use paper, and the next time I’m charging you.”
“Heard that before.”
Kenzie stared down at the paper and waited for the words to come that were so a part of who she was. She loved the English language and the wonderful ways a person could use similes and metaphors. Poetry had been a love from as far back as she could remember. At one time, she’d considered going to college to major in English, but now, at thirty-one, her life was where she wanted it to be professionally. College wasn’t an interest or a need.
“Kenzie?”
The elderly woman with twinkling, intelligent eyes in a weathered face caught her attention, and Kenzie smiled. “Mrs. Top, how was your soup?”
“Delicious as usual.” A quivering hand reached for Kenzie’s, and she took it with a gentle touch. The fifty-cent piece pressed into her palm warmed her for the thought behind it rather than the amount. She accepted the tip because Mrs. Top would be insulted if she didn’t. “Even better was the note you left me. ‘Look around you. Life has many more surprises.’ I wanted you to know that lifted my spirits, young lady, and I took your advice.”
Kenzie’s eyebrows rose. “That was fast. I’m glad.” She’d left the message just an hour ago when Mrs. Top ordered her usual soup and salad for lunch. Then Kenzie realized behind Mrs. Top stood another of her regulars, an elderly gentleman who appeared to be all smiles. Damn, even the old people are hooking up?