slow smile spread across Julia’s porcelain features. “Now that you mention it, I do know about an available job. One of the waitresses at the local bar had twins last night. They came about a month early and were practically born in the back of Sam’s police cruiser.”
“Are you thinking I’d make a good nanny?”
“I wouldn’t wish that job even on you. I’m thinking you’d make a perfect cocktail waitress.”
“I don’t drink,” Lexi said quickly.
“You have to serve the drinks. Not guzzle them yourself.”
Lexi unwrapped the granola bar Julia handed to her, her empty stomach grumbling in anticipation. “I don’t like those types of places.”
“I don’t like exercise,” the other woman countered, “but I still run five days a week.”
Lexi closed her eyes for a moment. Julia’s quick wit and no-nonsense attitude were what she’d initially found so fascinating. Almost a year ago, Lexi and her father had been hired by their longtime clients Dennis and Maria Johnson to investigate Julia’s life so they could try to take custody of her young son away from her. The boy’s biological father was the Johnsons’ son, Jeff.
Lexi knew if you threw enough money at a problem, it likely went away. But Julia had kept fighting. Sure, she had her problems, but Lexi had never seen someone stand up to people with so much power. Julia might have been faking her confidence some of the time, but it had made Lexi realize she didn’t have to be her father’s puppet forever.
Even if she owed him everything, didn’t she still deserve to make choices in her own life? To live life on her terms? She had to at least try.
“Could the work last six weeks?”
“I think so. Amy is going to have her hands full, but I know she doesn’t want to lose her job. She works at night, so she’ll be able to manage around the babies once she gets back on her feet.”
“It sounds good, although I don’t have any experience as a waitress.”
“Are you a quick learner?”
Lexi swallowed. “I made it through law school at the head of my class. I’m not sure how that applies to waitressing, but it’s all I’ve got.”
Julia watched her for another moment. “Are you sure you want to do this? It would be easier to go groveling to Daddy and beg him to give you back your cushy little life.”
Lexi stood. “I want a real life.”
“I know how that feels. I’ve got a place you can stay while you’re in town. Let me text my receptionist to come in early, then we can get you settled.” Julia took out her phone and began punching the keypad. “No offense, but you could use a shower and change of clothes.”
Lexi looked down at her wrinkled pants and the stain of coffee on her collared button-down. “I stayed at a cheap motel off the interstate last night,” she admitted. “The bathroom creeped me out too much to use this morning.”
“Clearly.” Julia finished her text, then grabbed a set of keys from a hook behind the door. “Are you ready?”
“As much as I appreciate your help, I can’t possibly impose and stay at your house,” Lexi argued.
“No doubt. You can have my apartment. With everything happening so quickly, I’m still on the lease. I’ve been subletting it to Sam’s dad, but Joe and my mom got married a few weeks ago. The place is empty.”
“Two family weddings in one year. Congrats, by the way.”
Julia smiled. “Thanks. It’s been a whirlwind but I’m happy.”
“Your relationship with Sam really started as a fake arrangement to help with the custody case?”
“It did, but then it became so much more.”
Lexi thought for a moment, then said, “I guess you could say that I’m partially responsible. Without the custody fight, who knows if or when you two would have gotten around to figuring out you’re perfect for each other.”
Julia laughed out loud. “Don’t push your luck. I said I’d help you. I’ll make sure you get the job, and sublet my apartment to you. I’ve got another three months on the lease. But as far as figuring out your life and growing a spine when it comes to your father, that’s all you.”
Lexi wondered if she’d ever be able to loosen her father’s hold. In the past she hadn’t realized how bad she wanted that. Now she did, and if this was her only chance to make it happen, she wasn’t going to blow it.
She nodded, her throat tight with emotion. “I’m going to give it my best shot.”
* * *
Scott Callahan heard the crash as he took another deep swallow from his glass of whiskey. He glanced toward the back of the bar as he jiggled the glass, determined to loosen every bit of liquor that clung to the melting ice.
“Sounds like she broke another one,” he said to the waitress who brought him a third round. His instructions upon his first order were clear: as soon as his glass was empty, he was ready for another. No questions asked and there’d be a hefty tip at the end of the night. When Scott drank, he did it fast and he did it alone.
In his case, misery did not love company.
“New girl,” the waitress answered. “The absolute worst I’ve ever seen.” She put the fresh glass on the table and picked up his empty. “Julia vouched for her, but it’s like she’s never even held a tray. Luke is desperate for the help. Hell, he’s desperate for a lot of things. But I don’t know if we have enough glasses in the back to keep her around much longer.”
Scott leaned back in his chair. “You said Julia vouched for her.” He nodded toward the red-faced pixie who came around the back of the bar. “That little mouse is friends with Julia—uh, Morgan?”
“Julia Callahan now,” the waitress corrected. “She married the town’s police chief a few months back.”
Scott nodded. “I’m happy for her. Do they make a good match?”
“Perfect.” The woman’s voice turned wistful. “Sam Callahan was the biggest catch this side of the county line. I never really pegged him for a family man. But he dotes on Julia’s boy. It’s true love.”
“Good for them,” Scott mumbled, not wanting to reveal his connection to Sam. He wrapped his fingers around the cool glass once more.
“How do you know Julia?”
He schooled his features into an emotionless mask. “Her hair salon.”
“I haven’t seen you in here before. You new to town?”
“Just passing through,” he said and took a sip. “Thanks for the fresh drink.”
“Sure.” Realizing the conversation was over, the waitress walked away.
Scott
