“Not like you have. Look at all this.” She reached up and pulled some debris out of his hair. “You’re really hands-on, aren’t you?”
He nodded. “Feels good. Alex is too. I never would’ve thought he and I would be doing this together.”
“Not the vacation you planned?”
He laughed. “Not even close. It’s actually much better.”
“Good. Maybe you could extend your stay and enjoy it a bit longer.” She hoped that wasn’t as obvious as it sounded.
“I’d like nothing more, but I have an obligation I can’t get out of.”
“Oh,” she said softly. It was going to end very soon, whether she liked it or not. And she didn’t.
Gareth added, “Trust me, I’d stay if I could, but my brother Dylan is getting married and I’m his best man.”
That actually made her feel slightly better. It wasn’t just another job or another place to be. Family was important to her, and she was glad to know it was to him as well. “I’m sure you’re going to look fantastic in a tux.”
“Funny, I have no idea what I’m supposed to wear.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“Unfortunately, I am. I guess that is stuff women normally take care of, and if you haven’t noticed, I’m single. Maybe I’ll wear jeans.”
She huffed. “Now I know you’re joking. I can’t believe I almost believed you.”
“Sadly, part of that is true. Sofia, the woman he’s marrying, wants something small. Her mother on the other hand, is going to want something—”
“Fancy?”
“No. Her parents own a restaurant. I’m guessing it’s going to take place there. You’d think by now someone would’ve clued me in as to where to be. But don’t worry. I can put together a bachelor party in a matter of minutes.”
Strippers. Ugh.“Please, spare me the details.”
“Hey, we know how to have a good time.”
“I’m sure you do. But no woman wants to hear about it.”
“Do you really think I’m going to hire strippers? I was actually thinking about flying out to Vegas and gambling. I mean, hell, he’s getting married, how much more of a gamble can you take than that?”
“So you’re not a fan of marriage?” she asked.
“I am. For other people. I can’t picture myself settled down.”
“But you’re the one who was born and raised in New York. Sounds pretty settled to me,” she teased.
He laughed. “You’re right. Maybe I need to try your lifestyle for a while.”
She handed him her dirty dish and napkin. “Here you go.”
“What’s this for?”
“My lifestyle.” She got up and started toward the door but added, “I’m a waitress remember?”
She could hear him still laughing as the door closed behind her. She really should’ve cleaned up and taken the tray back to the other kitchen, but she could do that in the morning. The look on his face was priceless. Brooke knew she’d hear from him tomorrow when things quieted down a bit. But tonight, it felt good getting in the last word. With Gareth, that wasn’t an easy thing to do.
Gareth finished the last bite of the sandwich then set the tray on the vacant chair. He’d been tempted to chase after her, but his work was far from over tonight.
When he walked back over to Alex he said, “You don’t have to stay if you have something else you’d like to be doing.” I sure as hell do. “If we keep at this, the piping will be done tonight, and Vinny can come in with the crew and put it all back together.”