Gasping For Air 2 (Last Chance Romance Series) Read Free Page B

think alike. Go to the office. Greta is waiting for you. She has your severance pay ready.”
    “That’s more like it.”
    “You get your check right now and once it is in your hands, you leave and never come back. If I ever see you on my property again, I’ll have you arrested.”
    The busboy took off his jacket and threw it on the floor. Giving Jack one more disdainful glance, he purposely bumped into Lillian as he passed.
    Lillian bit her lip to keep from crying out. She did not want to give him the satisfaction that had he hurt her shoulder.
    Once the busboy was out of the room, Lillian addressed Jack. “I’m so sorry. Was I the cause of all of this?”
    Jack smiled. “Hell, no. I was going to fire that punk anyway. You just made it easier for me.”
    Lillian gave a sigh of relief. “That young man is so angry, I feel sorry for him.”
    “Don’t waste your time. That kid comes from a good family and he is driving them nuts with his anti-social behavior. Just about everyone on this island has given him a job or tried to help straighten him out. He’s just no good and that’s the truth of it.”
    “He doesn’t come from an underprivileged family? The way he speaks.”
    Jack laughed. “His dad is one of the leading software providers in Florida. You don’t have to worry about him being homeless.”
    “That’s a shame.”
    “Yes, it is. A great shame, but like I told you there is something off about that kid.”
    Lillian didn’t respond, but wanted to sit down. Her feet were killing her.
    “How did you like it, this being your first night? Or is it your last night?” asked Jack, picking up some empty beer bottles.
    Lillian smiled. “It’s harder than it looks, just like you said. But I’m game, if you still need me. Do you?”
    “You actually did very well. See you tomorrow then?”
    “Yes, very much so.”
    “Okay, then come in around four.”
    “Thank you. I’ll be here,” replied Lillian, her heart feeling lighter after the confrontation with the busboy. Finally someone had told her that she had done something right. That compliment was better than a paycheck.
    And it was just what Lillian needed.

10
    S aturday was even busier and the waitresses showed Lillian how to put duct tape over her blisters as Lillian was beginning to limp during her shift. Even with the comfortable shoes Lillian had purchased, her feet were taking a beating.
    At last, the kitchen shut down and the restaurant closed. Only the outside Tikki bar was open for a few late customers. Lillian noticed that most people in the Keys went to bed early so they could get up with the sun to go fishing. Those who wanted a fun night out headed to Miami, which was an hour away.
    Lillian was sitting at the bar, nursing a soft drink while rubbing her tired feet. She fended off several invitations from bored snowbirds that she accompany them to their hotel until Jack told the “boys” that he was closing up for the night.
    They groaned good-naturedly while throwing bills on the bar. Some turned, saying semi-lewd comments to Lillian before being pushed out the side gate by Jack.
    “The mates mean no harm,” said Jack to Lillian. “They’re just blowing off steam. They don’t expect you to reply or come to their hotels where their wives are waiting for them. Just smile and ignore them. If they really bother you, come and get me.”
    Lillian laughed. “I don’t like their comments, but I’ll tell you something. That’s the first time in years that a man has even noticed that I exist. I didn’t know what to do.”
    Jack shrugged and went into his office. He didn’t know how to respond to Lillian’s statement. As far as he was concerned, Lillian was a nice-looking woman who was turning into an excellent worker. He didn’t want to lose her, but he didn’t want to be swept up in her personal life. Still, he felt sorry for her. He had noticed the fading bruises on her arms and that perhaps she was running away from a bad