In Over Her Head: An Anchor Island Novel by Terri Osburn (reading eggs books .TXT) 📗

loud enough for everyone at their end of the table to hear.

Lifting his fork, Nick said, “Nothing, Nota.”

“Are you seeing Lauren Riley?” Mia asked, making sure their grandmother didn’t overhear this time.

“No.”

“Then what was—”

“Do you want to talk about why you refused to sit in this seat?” he asked through gritted teeth. Mia leaned away, her lips tight. “I didn’t think so.”

They ignored each other for the rest of the meal, which went on for another hour. Nick wanted to leave as soon as the final dishes were cleared, but Nota was deep in conversation with Patty Dempsey, and Mia was showing off her island mural. Lauren returned to the table one last time to thank them all for coming and asked that if they had any comments could they please forward them to Will at the Destination Anchor offices.

He had no doubt the reviews would be positive. Pilar’s would be an island staple in no time, and Lauren would be a star among the locals, hating every moment that the spotlight was on her and not her food. Despite what was going on between them, he was proud of her. She was right. Tonight she’d proved that she didn’t need him.

The problem was that now he needed her.

17

“That’s the last of it, Chef,” Jackson said as the team finished the cleanup.

The dinner had been a success, leaving Lauren both optimistic and exhausted. Serving a full dining room would be more challenging in countless ways, but her staff came through tonight. When a member struggled to keep up, another stepped in to help. When the sauce for the pork loin broke, Dodge whipped up a new one in record time.

To think, she’d likely still be looking for good cooks if Nick hadn’t intervened and opened her eyes.

Not that she wanted to think about Nick right now. Lauren had no idea how he’d gotten an invitation to the dinner. He probably thought she’d need him and used his grandmother as a way to weasel his way in. Heaven forbid she handle anything without him.

That she’d felt a rush of relief when he’d walked in was beside the point. She didn’t want to need him. She couldn’t let herself need him.

“Are you coming with us?” Mona said, snapping Lauren from her thoughts.

“Coming where?”

“To O’Hagan’s. This night calls for a celebration.”

“What’s O’Hagan’s?” Lauren really should explore the island more.

“A little dive bar not far from here,” she replied.

“Come with us,” Deborah added. “The celebration won’t be complete without the team captain.”

Though tired, Lauren didn’t feel like going home. Especially when Nick might show up unannounced. Avoiding him was childish and cowardly, but the truth was she didn’t trust herself. He’d come too close to breaking through her defenses, and she needed time and distance to build them back up.

“I’m driving so I can’t drink,” she said.

“I’m the designated driver,” Axel said.

“Me, too,” Brit chimed in. “One of us will get you home and then pick you up tomorrow before work. Your car will be fine here overnight.”

In that case, there wasn’t any reason not to tie one on. “I guess I’m in.”

Lauren couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone drinking with coworkers. Or the last time she’d been invited. She’d always watched everyone pile out of the kitchen at the end of the night, headed for the closest bar, but no one had ever bothered to include her. They either hadn’t thought to ask or hadn’t noticed her absence.

Lauren climbed into Axel’s VW Bus along with Dodge, Jackson, and three of the waiters. They arrived at O’Hagan’s in a matter of minutes and once inside, she realized Mona had not been joking. The place was a dive bar in the best of ways. Dark, small, and full of character. The decor was mostly neon signs mixed with beach paraphernalia.

A surfboard leaned against a wall below a Budweiser light. A snorkel mask hung next to a giant bottle cap. The only other theme appeared to be pirates. Pictures of them dotted the walls.

“What’s the thing with pirates around here?” she asked Deborah as they crossed to a large empty table in the corner.

“You don’t know?”

If she knew, why would she ask?

“I have no idea.”

“This area was a hangout for Blackbeard, and it’s where he was finally killed. There’s an entire museum dedicated to him on the island, and we have a huge pirate festival every summer.” She pulled out a chair to sit and Lauren did the same. “He’s like a cult hero around here.”

She wouldn’t call a man known for pillaging and plundering to be a hero, but to each their own.

“Heya, Dodge,” said the young waitress who approached the table. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

The young man’s blush was evident even in the darkened barroom. “Hey, Stacy. I meant to call but I’ve been busy, what with the restaurant and all.”

Something told Lauren that was a lie.

“Sure, buddy.” Turning to the others, she said, “What are we having, folks?”

“We’ll need to start some tabs,” Mona said. “The boss here is on mine.”

“I can pay for my own drinks,” Lauren assured her.

“Not tonight you can’t.”

Four others spoke up about starting tabs, and then the orders were taken. Lauren considered sticking with beer, but if they were celebrating, she might as well get what she really wanted. When her order arrived, the mix of lime, rum, and fresh mint was perfectly sweet and tart and she knew she’d be having a few more mojitos before the night was over.

Two hours later, she’d had more than a few.

“You were awesome,” she told Jackson for the third time. “I mean it. You kept us on track tonight.” Each t was accompanied by spit as she was quickly losing control of her lips. “I might be a little drunk,” she announced.

“You’re a lot drunk,” Mona informed her as Jackson scratched his belly and laughed. “And so are the rest of us.”

“Except Axel and Brit,” Penny corrected.

Lauren tried to focus on the designated drivers, but they