Total pages in book: 189
Estimated words: 181808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 909(@200wpm)___ 727(@250wpm)___ 606(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 181808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 909(@200wpm)___ 727(@250wpm)___ 606(@300wpm)
“I’ll take the pork chops and a baked potato, with asparagus.”
As she was about to order it to go, a couple took the empty chairs at DMV dude’s table, fortunately blocking her view. She changed her mind about eating there and took out her cell phone to check for messages.
Unable to help herself, she peered through her lashes at the couple who had sat down. The older man had caught her eye. He was striking, with a chiseled jaw and broad shoulders dressed in a suit. There was something about him that struck a chord of fear inside of her without knowing why.
It was apparent the man and woman were a couple by the way they spoke to each other, and the arm placed over the back of her chair was a clear sign of possession. The scary man was giving the conceited jerk a warning.
Larissa almost wished she had a better view of their faces.
She lost interest in the other table when her attention was diverted by her waitress.
“I’m sorry. We’re out of pork chops. Would you like to choose another entrée?”
Choosing a strip steak instead, she forced herself to go through her messages. She dealt with those which couldn’t wait and was electronically paying her storage unit when she noticed the food arrive at the other table. No wonder there weren’t any pork chops left. All three people had ordered them.
Irritated, she set her phone down as her waitress arrived with her food.
She told herself not to say anything when the waitress asked if there was anything she could get her, but Larissa wasn’t able to help herself.
“I have a quick question. How is it that I ordered before the table next to me, yet they all were able to get the pork chops when I wasn’t?”
Larissa wanted to slink under the table when all the occupants at other table looked in her direction.
“The owner of the restaurant placed the order before you sat down,” her waitress explained. “May I get you something else?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
Humiliated with the people still staring at her, she started cutting her steak.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt your meal. My friend texted me that he was coming, and I placed the order, not realizing we were taking the last. I apologize.”
“No, no, there’s no need to apologize. I shouldn’t have said anything to begin with.” Larissa took a bite, hoping the woman would turn around and continue with her meal.
The pretty redhead smiled. “Let me make it up to you. I’ll have Valerie give you a gift certificate. Your meal will be on the house.”
Swallowing her bite, she forked another piece of steak. “No, that’s completely unnecessary.”
“Eat your food, Evie. Can’t you tell she wants to be left alone?” the man from the DMV told the woman.
Hoping the woman would take the advice, she raised the steak to her mouth. It was delicious. If she had two good feet, she would kick herself.
“Moon, I’m trying to make a customer happy …”
Larissa’s eyes flew to the table at the same time she tried to swallow the bite of steak. Immediately, she regretted the action when she felt it go down the wrong way. Raising her napkin to her mouth, she tried to cough the steak up.
“You want to make her happy? Quit talking to her.”
“I will …”
She felt the steak sink lower in her throat. She dropped the napkin and clutched her throat, feeling herself turning red … She couldn’t breathe …
“Where are you going?” the woman asked.
“To keep your customer from choking to death.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Moon didn’t hesitate to rush toward the woman who was choking. He jerked her out of the seat, and his hands went into position for the Heimlich maneuver. At least she was smart enough not to fight him as he applied quick thrusts between her bellybutton and ribcage.
At the third thrusts, the bite of steak she had taken came out to land on her table.
He released her and stepped around her so he could make sure she was breathing freely. “Are you okay?”
The woman shook her head. “I’m all right.” Giving Evie, King, and him embarrassed glances, she sat back down. “Thank you for your help.”
Moon tried to return to his chair, but Evie blocked his way.
“Are you sure? Can I get you anything?”
“I’m fine,” the woman assured her. “Other than dying of embarrassment.”
Evie’s serious expression lightened. “Don’t be. There isn’t anyone in this restaurant who hasn’t been embarrassed at one time or another.” Evie held out her hand. “I’m Evie, and this is my husband, King.”
The woman reached out to take Evie’s hand then took the one King had extended.
“I can see why the pork chop was so important to you, if you react like that to steak.”
Laughter bubbled from the woman at King’s humorous remark. “My mother did warn me to chew each bite twenty times before I swallow. Thankfully, she’s not here, so I don’t have to hear I told you so,” she said wryly. “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m Larissa.”