“Well, I’m pretty sure that’s what I said.”
“You don’t let anyone serve you until they get at least a chuckle,” I add, not hiding my amusement.
“Everyone needs a break sometimes, Hailey, and I think you need to catch one. So grab my drink and let’s chat.”
I do just that, and stay so enthralled in conversation it takes several seconds for my anxiety to build when my phone vibrates in my back pocket. No one has this number except Jamie, Olivia, the Caldwell boys, and Marshall.
Marshall. Vegas. Time to get a new phone.
Monte is a man of his word in business ninety percent of the time. Am I about to become part of the ten percent?
“Hailey, you should answer the phone, not stare off like you just saw a ghost,” Jared barks, taking me out of my crazy thoughts.
Pulling the phone out, I swipe the screen when I see Morrison’s number. Of course he’d call now, when I’m busy.
Sighing, I answer quickly.
“Hey, little momma.”
At his voice, I quiver. God, why am I so vulnerable to him?
“Ris Priss and I wanted to know if it was okay if we go out to dinner.”
“You’re here? You’re home? When did you get back in town?” I fire off the questions without stopping to let them sink in.
Morrison Caldwell is finally home from doing who knows what, who knows where, and the first thing he wants to do is take my daughter out to dinner? I don’t know if I want to smile or cry.
No matter Morrison’s distance from me, he has made sure to talk to Marisa on the phone every day, and the first question he always asks is how she’s doing. She is a priority to him.
I just didn’t fully realize it until this moment.
“Slow down, Hailey. I got in about thirty minutes ago and found out you’re working. I wanted to take Marisa out for dinner and milk shakes, but before I go anywhere, we wanted to get permission and see if you want us to bring something back for you.”
“Ummm…no,” I mumble, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this gorgeous, all-consuming man who could be doing who knows what right now wants to take my daughter out for dinner and milk shakes. No one outside of Jamie has ever wanted to do something with her by themselves.
“Okay, I’ll keep her here at Hendrix’s, then. We’ll order pizza, if she can have that,” he says, sounding disappointed. When he doesn’t say anything further, it dawns on me that he misunderstood my reply.
“Wait!” I freak, realizing I am not getting the words out correctly. “I meant yes, you can take her out, but no for food for me. Thank you for the offer, though.”
“All right. We’ll see you after work, little momma.”
As we disconnect the call, Jared is watching me.
“What?” I ask innocently.
Jared just shakes his head.
I serve a few more customers before Olivia comes in to help, since Morrison has Marisa. In the time I have had with his family, I have built solid bonds with each of them, especially her. Although I’m still not sure why Olivia is constantly rubbing her ass like she is right now as she talks to Jared.
“Miss Independent,” she says, wiggling her butt, so I smack it playfully. Then we both laugh.
“Who is Miss Independent?” I ask, joining their conversation.
“My panties tonight remind me to be ‘Miss Independent.’?” Livi answers like this is common knowledge.
My face must show my confusion, because Jared chimes in, “Inspirational underwear. Chick lives for them.”
Olivia beams at me. “We have to get you a pair! You are totally Miss Independent.”
I drop my head in shame. “Not really. I came here on Morrison’s dime, running from my past. I’ve lived with you and Hendrix, and even though I’m paying rent, I know Hendrix is paying me more than he probably should. I don’t really consider that independent.”
“Good help is hard to find. Do you know the turnover rate here? He’s paying you good because you are dependable and hardworking. You earn every penny you make, Hailey.”
I shrug as my mind drifts. “I need to find a place.”
“You know you’re welcome with us as long as you want.”
“Thanks, Livi, but I really need to find a place and start settling into my new life. Besides, I’m on edge waiting for Monte to send the papers signing over his rights to Marisa. Maybe having to put my mind on finding and then moving into a new place will ease some of my anxiety.”
Livi rubs her ass again. “Miss Independent.” She smiles at me. “We’ll find you something.”