Warrick nodded.
“What are you going to do?” Reid asked as he tore a packet open and poured the sugar into his coffee cup.
“I’m not sure,” Warrick said. “It’s like you said. We’re only here for another week, and we live four hours away. So having any kind of long-distant relationship is out of the question.”
“Take it day by day, man,” Brett said. “If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”
A short time later, Shelby returned with two plates, and another woman followed with the third. She set the two down and reached for the last one. “Thank you, Cindy.”
“It’s better helping you carry things than picking up your mess when you drop one.”
Warrick frowned at the woman, but the waitress didn’t see because she had turned and walked away. He noticed the bright blush on Shelby’s face when she placed the last plate down.
“Is there anything else I can get you?”
Her voice was softer, and she wouldn’t look any of them in the eyes.
Warrick grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving. She glanced at him quickly and then down.
“Don’t listen to her, honey. I think you’re doing a great job.”
She seemed surprised and then pleased before the smile dropped from her face. “No, she’s right. I’m very clumsy.”
“I doubt that.” Warrick rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. He smiled when he caught the rapt attention she was giving, watching him caress her.
She shook her head and pulled her gaze from their hands. “No. You don’t know me. I’m book smart, but she likes to say when God gave out common sense, he missed me.” She tried to laugh.
She pulled away from him. “I’ve got to take care of my other customers. I’ll be back to check on you.”
When he lost sight of her, he turned to his country-fried steak meal. She was right. It was the best meal he’d had in a long time.
She came around when they were about halfway through their meals. “Can I get you anything?” she asked as she filled their coffee cup.
“No, thank you,” Brett said.
“We’re good. The food is wonderful.”
She smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”
Warrick watched her walk away and felt like she was taking a part of him with her. He’d heard about several relationships that started with that instant attraction, and he hadn’t believed them until now.
They stood and set down several bills when they finished, enough for the bill and a hefty tip. They needed to get back to the job, but not before he tried and failed to find Shelby. He sighed when they walked out.
“How about we come back again? We can eat here every day if you want,” Brett said.
Warrick nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Hell, the food’s great. I could eat here a few times a day,” Reid said.
Warrick grinned. That may be pushing it a bit even though he agreed.