But if Stevie thinks I’m giving up, she has another think coming.
I have never been more determined to win a girl over than I am in this moment.
Chapter Five
Stevie
“I think you have an admirer.” Mom lets loose a grin as she subtly jerks her head in the direction of the Allen table while I enter more orders into the system.
“Mom,” I hiss, glancing up briefly. “Stop looking. He’ll notice.”
“Garrick Allen has not taken his eyes off you. I’ve watched him staring at you from across the room all afternoon. He looks smitten.”
“I’m sure his mother loves that.” I know who everyone is at that table because Mom and the club manager updated me so I would take extra care of the VIPs of VIPs.
The room is swarming with important people, but it’s vital we keep the Allen family happy so they’ll agree to sponsor the event annually. It’s the only reason I didn’t beg to be reassigned after I realized Garrick was here. Most of the experienced servers are out sick, and I didn’t trust any of the others not to fuck it up. I loved working here. They were always good to me, and they treat Mom well, so I’m sucking it up and doing my duty.
“Ivy has dined here a few times in the past year,” Mom says, lowering her voice so no one can hear. “She’s a snooty bitch. She always finds something to complain about, and she’s extremely rude. It’s no wonder Hugh Allen divorced her. He’s such a nice man. I don’t know how he married her in the first place.”
“Is Garrick their only child?” I ask despite my better judgment.
Mom nods. “Hugh has twin sons with his current wife. They’re such a lovely family. I spoke with Garrick earlier, and I can tell he takes after his father. He has lovely manners and good taste if you have caught his eye!” She winks at me, and I roll my eyes. “He’s very handsome too.”
“Mom, just stop. I already got the same pitch off Hads last night.”
Her eyes widen. “I knew there was more to this. Spill the beans, missy.”
“Mom, I’m working.”
“Fine, but you’re not leaving until I get all the tea!”
The rest of my shift is busy, and I try to attend to my duties without thinking about Garrick Allen, but it’s challenging when I feel his eyes trailing me around the room and he avails of every opportunity to engage me in conversation when I’m at his table. Much to his mother’s clear annoyance. I was tempted to flirt back, purely to wind her up, but that would be counterproductive.
I need to discourage Garrick, not egg him on.
I feel sorry for his pretty date because it’s obvious he’s distracted and fixated on me.
True to form, his mother complains her steak is overcooked. I make a speedy retreat from the kitchen after returning her plate as the chef explodes with anger and a slew of obscenities. I wouldn’t be surprised if he spit on her freshly cooked steak before I handed it to her.
I breathe a sigh of relief when they finish their meal and make their way outside, but my relief is short-lived.
I’m clearing their table when I sense his presence behind me. My spine stiffens as I straighten up.
“I was hoping we could talk for a minute,” Garrick says.
Planting a smile on my face, I spin around to face him. “I am working, and fraternizing with the clientele is frowned upon.” I made that last part up, but it sounds plausible.
He chuckles. “You’re determined to make me work for this.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
He flashes me one of his brilliant smiles, and those tempting dimples come out to play. Goddamn it. He doesn’t play fair. I have been trying to ignore how freaking gorgeous he looks in his designer suit, and how delicious he smells, all afternoon. My limits are being severely tested with him all up in my personal space.
“It’s okay, Stevie. I love a good challenge.”
My mouth hangs open for a split second before I pull myself together. “I’m not a challenge or a game, Mr. Allen.”
He takes a step closer, and I suck in a strangled gasp as his purely male scent hits the back of my nose. It’s unfair for any man to look and smell this good. “I know you’re not. You’re so much more.” His eyes seem more brown than green today, and they have stunning little amber flecks. “Go out with me, Stevie. Please.” His eyes drill into mine.
“No, and you need to stop asking.”
“I’ll beg if I have to. I’ll get down on one knee, right now, if that’s what it’ll take.” He moves to lower himself, and I grab his arm.
“Don’t you dare. All humiliating me will do is earn you a permanent spot on the top of my shit list.”
“You’re right.” He straightens up, pinning me with the full extent of his hypnotic smile. “I should reserve the knee bend for more important occasions.”
My eyes almost bug out of my head. He cannot mean what he’s insinuating. “I think you might be crazy. Have you ever had your brain examined, because I think it’s malfunctioning.”
“There is nothing wrong with my brain or any other part of my anatomy.” His eyes sparkle with mirth as his lips twitch.
“You’re awfully cocky for someone I keep rejecting.”
“Deep down, I know you want to say yes.”
“There is that Allen arrogance again.”
“You say arrogance. I say confidence.” He leans in close to my ear. “I am going to uncover every single objection you have and smash them into smithereens.”
“Good luck with that plan, buddy, ’cause you’re gonna need it.”
“Do you think I could leave now?” I ask Mom a couple of hours later as I collect my tips and remove the apron from around my waist. “I would like to get a head start before it gets dark.” That’s no lie, but I have ulterior motives. Like not wanting to elaborate on what Garrick said to me earlier or explain what went down on Friday night. Mom is already gushing over him, and I’m not in the mood.
Why won’t he just leave me alone?
Mom glances around the room as staff members continue the cleanup. “We can manage it from here. I’d prefer you set out now rather than traveling so far in the dark.” She pulls me into her arms and kisses the top of my head. “I know you’re also avoiding, but it’s okay. I’ll grill you on the phone on Wednesday.”
A groan slips from my mouth as I shuck out of her embrace, muttering about interfering mothers under my breath. Mom laughs. “He’s a nice young man. You could do a lot worse.”
“Bye, Mom!” I wave goodbye to the remaining staff as I make my way into the locker room to get changed.
Walking out the rear staff entrance with my bag slung over my shoulder, I wish I had brought my coat as a gust of wind rushes over me and a shiver whips through me. Despite the sun earlier today, it’s been colder than usual for the end of April this past week. We should be welcoming warmer weather soon, and I’m looking forward to it.
Rounding the corner of the clubhouse, I slam to a halt at the sight awaiting me. “You have got to be shitting me,” I grumble under my breath as I watch Garrick climb out of his car. Narrowing my eyes in his direction, I stride toward my silver Honda CR-V. It was a present from Mom and Nana for my sixteenth birthday. It’s ten years old now, but I get it serviced regularly, and until I moved to Oregon, I didn’t clock up many miles. She’s in good condition and should last at least until I graduate.