"Stone Sober"

Chapter 3 - Part 1
by Rachel Cade

 

Stone leaned back in the plush booth seat. Surely he hadn’t eaten like that since last Thanksgiving; probably not even then. These crab cakes were the best he’d ever had. If he ever visited Maryland again he would have to make sure to let them know a small town in Florida had them beat hands down.

He wiped at his mouth with the napkin when he saw her coming from the kitchen again. She had a cup of coffee in her hand. He instantaneously wished she was coming toward him, but she was walking toward a man in a sheriff’s uniform. He smiled at her as she approached. Storm hid his jealous frown behind his napkin.

 

Olivia walked toward the Deputy with a false smile plastered to her face. She always tried to be polite, but he annoyed her no end. Endless talk about his family, his accomplishments and the faults of society. He always thought he knew the most about everything and held the smartest opinions. But, right now he was a customer and she just had to smile and play along, escaping as soon as possible.

"Olivia." His smile widened as she set the cup down in front of him. "Always good to see you girl."

"Thanks. Enjoy your-," she turned to leave.

"You heard about the new fireworks the judge bought for the town anniversary celebration?"

She had. He had distinctly brought it up several times this morning alone. Nodding she said, "Of course. I think it’s really great."

"Gonna be a hot time in the old town that night, huh," he laughed; well it was more of a guffaw as he brought the cup to his lips for a sip. Olivia eyed him secretly wishing he was the dark haired stranger she was talking to earlier.

"I was wonderin’," His blue eyes fell from hers and she sighed quietly staring at the top of his head. "...well I know you prob’ly don’t have a date yet--"

Olivia’s eyes widened in horror as she listened to him. Suddenly from behind her she heard, "Waitress?"

She snapped her head back to see the tall, dark-haired stranger waving his hand at her from his booth. Turning back to the deputy she said, "I have to take that, excuse me."

Olivia didn’t catch his disappointed frown as she quickly moved toward the customer, reminding herself to slow down so it wouldn’t look like she was running.

When she reached him she could have just wrapped her arms around him for getting her out of that sticky mess. But that would have just made her look crazy in his eyes, probably everyone else’s including her own. Besides, the thought of reaching down and touching him did strange things to her insides.

She glanced at his plate and smiled. "I see you enjoyed the crab cakes."

"I loved it! The best I ever had," he nodded patting his stomach. "I may just blow up to Marlon Brando proportions if I stay here too long."

"Planning on being here long?" Oh ... no. The question was out before she had a chance to think. "I mean -- if ya are ya might as well buy some bigger pants."

He grinned, showing slight crinkles at the corner of his eyes. His teeth were perfectly straight and gleaming. "I’ll just have to workout twice as much."

Is that really necessary, she thought. The way his biceps bulged beneath his t-shirt sleeves made her wonder if he could possibly get them any more cut or defined?

"Um, can I get you anything else?"

"No. You just looked a little uncomfortable back there."

Her eyes widened, "I did?"

"Yes. Thought I’d just offer up a save."

Olivia sighed. "Well you did. Thanks. Hope you come by and see us again sometime."

He nodded and scooted out of the booth. Standing to his full height he said, "I most certainly will thanks."

She tried her best to maintain that smile, as wide shoulders almost engulfed her vision.

He was staring down at her in an intensely direct way. She wondered what he was thinking just then. What was she thinking? She didn’t know anything about this guy. He could have come from any where, have done anything. She shut her mouth closed before stepping back slightly, feeling her cheeks burn as she tried not to stare into the depths of his eyes. All the while she talked to him, she couldn’t decide if they were blue or green, she still wasn’t sure.

Clearing her throat she waved. Immediately she felt stupid and wanted to look at her hand as if it had a brain of its own and was the culprit. "Have a good one."

Turning she headed back to the kitchen almost wanting to hide her face from the curious stares she got.

When she opened the door abruptly, whatever pleasant conversation Mary and Bobby the cook were having was cut off instantly. She grimaced at Mary as well as the wall of heat that hit her from entering the small kitchen. "You were supposed to bring Deputy Jay his coffee."

"I had to use the bathroom."

Olivia’s eyes narrowed. "Right."

Mary huffed and walked past her with her nose in the air. Bobby returned to cooking on the stove, sticking his earphones back into his ear until Mary came back around again.

Continue to Part 2