I’m a different person—in more ways than one.
Funny how things can change once you take the red pill.
And once you break away from those things that made you who you thought you were.
I hate New York. Always have, but this is where I am. Manhattan, a high-rise. I’m Luke Johnson—any man and every man.
I don’t have to work, but I found that I wanted to, so I got a job waiting tables at The Glass House, an upscale eatery in Manhattan. I’m actually good at it. It was my work duty at the center. Who knew I had the sense of balance to carry two large trays—each filled with six full dinner plates—above my head without ever spilling a single thing?
That’s talent, for sure.
I roll my eyes.
But hey, it’s something to do.
Table fourteen is a two-top in my station. Two gorgeous blond women. I recognize one right away—Zee Wolfe, wife to billionaire Reid Wolfe of Wolfe Enterprises, and very pregnant. Means a good tip.
The other is— I widen my eyes to get a better look.
She’s blond also, and even more beautiful than her companion. I’m usually attracted to dark-haired women, but maybe my attitude isn’t all that’s changed.
This woman, with her blond waves settling around her shoulders, attracts me like a magnet.
I’m not sure what it is about her, but it’s more than her angelic face and milky skin.
It’s her eyes.
They’re big and blue and beautiful, but they’re also…something else. Not sad, exactly. Just…resigned.
Those eyes have seen things. And not good things.
The two women are quiet, so I clear my throat. They look up.
“Good evening, ladies. I’m Luke and I’ll be your server this evening. Would you care to order a cocktail?”
“Nothing for me.” Zee points to her belly. “Just water is fine.
“All right, Mrs. Wolfe.”
“You know me?”
“Of course. It’s a pleasure to have you here.” I turn to her companion. “And you, lovely lady?
The words popped out before I could stop them. But I’m not sorry. The blush on her creamy cheeks is worth it.
“Just water is fine,” she says without looking up.
“Sparkling or tap?”
“Tap, please.”
“Very well. Do you have any questions about the menu?”
Zee smiles. “I don’t. Katelyn?”
Katelyn. She has a name. A beautiful name. It fits her. Katelyn.
“No.” Katelyn stares at the nails on her right hand. They’re short, unpainted. Not ostentatious at all, this one.
“I can tell you about our chef’s specials, or are you interested in an appetizer?”
Zee smiles. “I think we need a minute, Luke, if that’s all right.”
“Of course. I’ll get your waters.” I smile and walk away.
I won’t get the waters. The busboy will, which is fine.
Travis Stone, the server who trained me recently, grabs my arm. “Lucky you. That’s Mrs. Reid Wolfe.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Big tip coming your way. Who’s that with her? She’s even hotter than all the Wolfe wives.”
Katelyn. I open my mouth to say her name and then think better of it. “I don’t know. A friend of hers, I guess.”
For some reason, telling Travis Katelyn’s name feels all wrong to me. I have no idea why.
“You want to trade tables?” Travis asks. “I’ll give you half the tip plus two of my tables.”
Right. I don’t think so. I’m not letting Travis anywhere near Katelyn. The man has one thing on his mind at all times, and it’s not usually his work. He’s a damned good waiter, but more often than not he goes home with one of his customers.
He’s not going home with Katelyn.
Neither am I, of course. I’m not there yet.
But no one else is going home with her either.
“No thanks,” I say, trying to sound jovial. “I’m not giving up a Wolfe tip.”
Travis nods. “Can’t blame you. Let’s hope they order the Beluga caviar, dude. Can’t beat starting with a five hundred dollar app.”
“Not likely. No cocktails. Just tap water. I doubt they’ll be running up a huge bill.”
“Ha! Glad you decided not to swap, then. Though I wouldn’t mind a shot at Ms. Wolfe’s friend.”
Warmth rises to my cheeks. Anger. I calm myself, using the techniques I learned in therapy. Anger doesn’t have to be completely negative. We can learn from it, as long as it isn’t misplaced.
This isn’t misplaced. I don’t want Travis humping this innocent young woman. And she is innocent. I can tell by her demeanor.
She’s frightened of something.
I nod and smile at Travis. “Guess I screwed up. See you, man.”
I whisk away to one of my other tables and take an order, glancing back at Zee Wolfe and Katelyn. Johnny just brought their tap water, and Katelyn takes a drink and then pats her lips with her pale yellow napkin.
And I want to be that napkin.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
No dates. No women. Not until I’m sure I can handle it.
I can still look, though.
And my God, she is beautiful.
3
Katelyn
“Penny for your thoughts,” Zee says.