Chapter 27

Rooster was at the bar, Matt and some of his work buddies were in a booth. There were a few other groups. Otherwise it was a Sunday night.

Janet headed straight for the back, punched in and put on her apron.

"Anything I need to know?" She asked Rooster.

"No, all is good here. Lauch and crew are only on their second round. And on a personal note I'm sorry I blew up yesterday. It's your life and your business." Rooster said noticing her bracelet was back.

"Ok." Janet knew Sully must have handed him a load of attitude adjustment after their call.

Karen came over and the girls just smiled as they worked side by side. Tonight was karaoke night and they knew some of the kids from campus would be over before classes started for the week.

Janet ignored Matt and his crew and tried her best to treat them like anyone else in the bar. About an hour into her shift, as they were getting ready to go, Eddie showed up for dinner.

"Hey." He said keeping focused on her and ignoring their presence.

"Hey, do you want a menu or do you know what you want." She answered.

"I'll just have a bacon cheddar burger with nachos."

"That stuff's gonna kill yea." She said plugging the order into the register.

"Yea but what a way to go." He answered smiling. He opened his palm so she could hold his hand briefly.

"Awe, the love birds made up." Matt said coming over to pay Karen. "Tired of the farm animals and going back to the hound dog?" he continued.

Janet grabbed Eddie's hand with all her might hoping it would keep him from attacking Matt. Eddie just looked her in the eye and held onto her hand running his thumb over the back of her hand. Staring into each others eyes they were able to block out everyone else. They didn't even notice he had left until Karen cleared her throat and said "they're gone."

"Cheddar burger with nachos, coming up." Janet said releasing her grip so she could pick up the food. Eddie didn't let her go. He gave her a little tug so they were face to face without breaking their gaze and gave her a quick kiss.

"Thank you." He whispered only loud enough for her to hear.

Janet smiled, blinking away her tears. She let go of his hand and went to the kitchen to pick up his food.

The evening continued and Eddie didn't leave his stool except to use the men's room. Rooster did his best to avoid Eddie all night. Eddie's presence was not obvious to the casual patron but the employees knew he was there to prove his claim. They all suspected they would see him on that stool every night Janet worked with Rooster and they were right. Eddie resolved that he would be there if at all possible every night she worked with him.

When her shift ended he followed her home and walked her to the door.

"Safe and sound. I'll be by tomorrow around 9:00 and we'll get some breakfast before my blood test." He said kissing her sweetly on her doorstep.

"Call me when you get in, I didn't like seeing Matt today." She answered.

"How about if I call you now and we'll talk on the way home."

"Ok, how sophomoric are we."

They laughed, kissed good night and went to their respective beds.