Joleen fingered the ring on her hand, twisting it around and stretching it out to look at it. It really was beautiful, and Sky was thrilled for her friend... Seeing Jax and Joleen so in love and looking forward to a future together made Sky all the more aware of what she and Brock had a chance at having. If Brock was unavailable before, the new change in circumstances could make him even more distant. Between his job and his mother’s health, would he have any time left over for Sky? Joleen may have not been a bad person, but perhaps Sky was. Here she was, selfishly moping over a man whose mom’s health had just taken a turn. That was low.
Sky stared straight ahead and gathered her thoughts before following Joleen inside the restaurant. The evening crept by. The distraction Sky had hoped a busy night would provide didn’t come. She spent most of the time cleaning the server’s station. By the time eight o’clock rolled around she didn’t even have one table left. All of the side work was done. The silverware for the next day was all rolled. The bathrooms had been cleaned twice. The place had been spot swept twenty times. There was nothing to do but stand around. The manager on shift cut Joleen, Sky and Crystal’s shifts short, leaving the third waitress on to pick up any tables that might come staggering in.
“I have a text from Jax,” Joleen announced at the locker in the office where the waitresses stashed their purses.
Sky stood up to get closer. “What did he say?”
“Brock’s mom is awake and they’re running tests. They don’t know anything yet.”
Sky leaned against the desk. “She’s awake at least, so that’s good.”
Crystal walked in as they were packing up. “Hey, since we’re all off so early, do you ladies want to do anything tonight? We could check out that new bar with the bull riding machine.”
Joleen nibbled her lower lip. “Um, well...”
Sky spoke up. “Joleen got engaged today, Crystal. There’s only one bull she wants to ride tonight,” she joked. “Am I right, Joleen?”
“Congratulations, honey! How come you two didn’t tell me before? Secretive bitches,” she said in jest. “Show me the ring, honey.”
Joleen stretched out her hand to show Crystal, who beamed when she saw it. “It’s gorgeous. Girl, you’re so lucky.” She turned to Sky. “So…what about you? Are you engaged too? I don’t see a ring, so you’d better say yes.”
“I really can’t, sweetie. I have to get over to the hospital to check on someone.”
“Suit yourselves, ladies.” Crystal grabbed her purse and turned to leave. “Have a good night.”
“So you’re coming with me to the hospital, right Joleen?”
Joleen took a deep breath, looking guilty as sin.
“Let me guess. There was a second text?”
“Jax said he doesn’t know when they’ll be home. They’re all there waiting with Brock. I’d like to go home and put some dinner together for them.”
“That’s sweet of you. I’ll come and help.”
“Thanks Sky…and maybe some dessert just in case he’s hungry when he gets back. You know, a little something to celebrate our engagement.” Joleen’s eyes sparkled when she said the last word. The woman was over the moon.
And why shouldn’t she be? Getting engaged should definitely be one of the happiest days of any woman’s life. Hell, she should have gotten a free pass on going to work after a proposal.
“I hear you, hun,” Sky said, smiling. “You make sure and have some hot engagement sex when he gets in.” All Joleen could do was blush. “Come on. We can make something simple. A pasta dish would be pretty filling.”
Sky’s phone buzzed just then, and she pulled it out from her purse to check who it was.
Brock.
Excited and hopeful for some sweet message, anything, she swiped open the phone. The message said, “Will be in emergency until I get word on Mom. Probably best if you go home. Get some rest.”
“Joleen. You’re wrong about Brock.”
“What? Why?”
“Here. Read this text and tell me he’s not asking me to stay away from the hospital.”
Joleen took the phone and stared down at the message. “He wants you to get some rest, hun. He probably realizes you’re tired from working this shift. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“Yeah whatever.”
The parking lot was almost empty when they got outside. Other than the staff’s vehicles there were just a couple of pickup trucks scattered around. Sky had parked halfway across the lot, digging inside her purse for her keys.
“Good evening,” someone said.
Sky stopped dead in her tracks. The voice was familiar. Too familiar. Too smooth.
Rhys Dillon.
There he was, leaning against a black SUV a few spots away from her car.
“Hello Mr. Dillon,” she said with hesitation. “Have a good evening at the Steak and Ale Saloon. Lorraine would be happy to serve you inside.”
Dammit he looked good. Dressed just as nice as he always was, this time in a sleek black blazer and matching pants, he leaned against his car staring at her. “Can I speak with you for a minute?”
“Um, sure.” Sky shifted her eyes over at Joleen, who stared questioningly back.
“I’ll wait in the car,” Joleen slowly offered, taking Sky’s keys with her.