Waitress at the shadow r.., p.1
Waitress at the Shadow Ridge Inn, page 1
WAITRESS AT THE SHADOW RIDGE INN
BY ABBIE ZANDERS
ABBIE ZANDERS
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue—One Year Later
Connect with Abbie
Also by Abbie Zanders
About the Author
1
I stifled a yawn and opened the window, filling the car with crisp, fragrant air. Of all the places I’d traveled in the past year, the mountains were my favorite. Having lived in a bustling suburb most of my life, I appreciated the green space.
I liked my privacy.
How long had I been driving now? Four hours? Six? I scarcely noticed the passage of time anymore. I spent more time on the road than off it these days. If that was the price of keeping me and those I cared about safe, so be it. Thinking of it as a grand adventure helped, but even that was beginning to wear thin.
My stomach rumbled. It had been hours since I’d put anything in it. The caffeine and sugar I’d consumed earlier that morning were long gone, and I was feeling that weird combination of weary and restless.
I reached over for the bag of snacks on the passenger seat, frowning when I found it empty. No more chips, no more crackers, no more cookies to break the monotony. That was probably a good thing. I’d logged more than a hundred thousand miles over the past year. That, combined with at least that many boredom-consumed junk calories, were making themselves known in my ever-expanding ass. I’d always been curvy, but my hourglass shape was in danger of becoming a pear if I wasn’t careful.
I glanced at the faded sign along the highway as I whizzed past. Shadow Ridge, 10 miles. Food — Fuel.
I felt a familiar tingle at the nape of my neck. I liked to think it was my guardian angel sitting on my shoulder, giving me a nudge. The fact that it was mild and pleasant suggested stopping was a good idea.
My arms and legs were stiff. I could use a bathroom break as well as a meal that wasn’t soaked in grease and had three times the daily recommended allowance of sodium. Maybe they’d have an ATM there too. I avoided using them whenever possible, but if I was stopping anyway, I might as well.
Shadow Ridge it is.
I took the exit, which led me down into a peaceful-looking valley, past huge patches of forested land and a smattering of farms, into a village that looked as if time had passed it by. I had to laugh at the budget motel sign on the outskirts of town, proudly advertising in-room color TV. I kept going, soon entering the town proper. Shadow Ridge appeared to consist of one main street that followed the natural curve of the river, filled with quaint shops and small businesses on one side and a walking trail on the other.
A sense of peace and calm washed over me as I cruised the main strip, familiarizing myself with the layout. I liked to be aware of my surroundings, to get the vibe, to know the quickest way in and out, just in case.
It didn’t take long. In the span of a few blocks, I had the lay of the land. I could get everything I needed and be back on the road in no time.
I made another pass. I filled up and cleaned my windows at the service station at the edge of town, then parked in a public lot and took care of the rest on foot. It was a nice day, and I needed the exercise. I stopped at the ATM and replenished my cash, frowning when I saw the balance printed on the receipt. My wanderlust funds were running low. I’d have to rectify that later.
But first, food.
I continued to the cozy-looking colonial-style inn for lunch.
I liked the place immediately. It was an elegant white brick structure with dark shutters and carriage lamps that suggested a long and interesting history. As I stepped through the double French doors, adorned with shining brass fixtures, I knew I’d made the right choice. Delicious, savory aromas permeated the air, and the friendly chatter of patrons made for a soothing white noise.
I gave my guardian angel a mental high five. She had yet to let me down. It was only when I ignored her gentle prods and warnings that I ran into trouble.
I stopped near the hostess podium, uncertain as to whether I was supposed to seat myself or not. I decided to wait. I wasn’t anxious to get back in the car and drive for another eight hours.
I occupied myself by looking around. I’d mentioned I liked to be aware of my surroundings, right? To my right was a well-stocked bar. Straight ahead, a casual lounge with square tables, a small stage in the corner, and a big picture window taking up most of the outside wall.
And another exit.
Good. I liked options.
A petite fifty-something woman with short black hair and glasses appeared from somewhere beyond my line of sight and smiled in welcome. Slim and weathered-looking, she exuded anxious energy.
“Welcome to the Shadow Ridge Inn. Here for lunch?”
I nodded.
“Our dining room is closed for a private event today,” she informed me, “but the lounge is open. Sit anywhere you’d like. Someone will be with you in a moment.”
The place wasn’t crowded. Of the two dozen or so tables in the lounge, only about half were occupied. I moved forward, catching a brief glimpse of the dining room past the bar and down a short hallway to my right. It looked elegant with white linen tablecloths and hurricane lamps.
I chose a table along the interior wall, near the alternate exit. Its placement allowed me to see the whole room. Through the big window, I had a spectacular view of the park across the street, the meandering river glistening just beyond, and the mountain rising up sharply in the background. It looked like a postcard.
“What do you want?” A teenage girl glared down at me, somehow managing to look simultaneously bored and put out.
She didn’t seem old enough to be out of high school, but she must have been since it was early afternoon on a weekday. She, like me, might’ve just looked young for her age. No one could believe I was twenty-seven either.
“What are my choices?” I asked calmly.
The girl huffed, her lips thinning in annoyance. “Didn’t you see the specials on the board when you came in?”
I glanced toward where I’d come in and squinted. “No. I must have missed it.”
“Larissa,” snapped the older woman. “Table four’s order is up. Go on. I’ve got this.”
The girl scowled at me like I was the source of all her problems and left, and the feisty woman with the pixie cut approached my table with a laminated menu of lunch specials.
“I’m sorry about that,” the woman apologized. “She hasn’t quite gotten the hang of things yet. I’m Rose. Can I get you something to drink while you’re looking over the specials?”
“Unsweetened iced tea, please.”
“You got it.”
I looked over the menu, my stomach growling as I did so. Everything sounded good, and if the smells coming from the kitchen were any indication, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Remembering my growing ass, I chose the soup and salad special, dressing on the side, when Rose returned with my iced tea.
My order was out within minutes, dropped unceremoniously on the table by Larissa without comment. I thanked her anyway, earning myself a lip curl. She probably thought I was being snarky, but I wasn’t. I’d waited enough tables to know it was a tough job. Maybe she was just having a bad day.
As I tucked into my healthy and surprisingly delicious meal, I casually took stock of the goings-on around me. I’d picked a good time. The lunch crowd was gone, and it was too early for dinner. A couple of older guys sat at the bar, watching ESPN on the flat screens hanging inconspicuously in the corners. A trio of middle-aged women sat a few tables to my right, heads leaning in, no doubt sharing a particularly juicy piece of local gossip. A lone man, absently stirring a bottomless cup of coffee, read the paper as his pie sat, untouched. And …
Hello there.
A guy about my age entered through the back entrance and strode directly to the bar. Silky-looking brown hair, nicely built physique. He didn’t look my way once, so I only saw his profile, but it was a nice one. He leaned on the bar and spoke to Rose, who grinned at him and scurried off into the kitchen.
The man straightened, ran a hand through his hair, and glanced around. Before he could make eye contact, I dropped my gaze and gave my phone my full attention. It wasn’t turned on, but he didn’t know that.
I knew immediately when his gaze landed on me. I felt it. It was curious. Probing. Wondering who I was and what I was doing in his town.
I’m no one. Just a passer-through having lunch. Nothing to see here.
Rose returned, and the sense of being in his sights ceased immediately. I chanced a glance, confirming my original observations. He was a good-looking man. About my age, maybe a little older. Clean-shaven. Well-built and tanned, like he spent a decent amount of time outside. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt with a name and logo I couldn’t quite make out from where I was.
Rose gave him a takeout bag; he handed her money and wished her a good day. Then, he turned and headed toward the door in which he’d entered.
Right past me.
I kept my head down and thumbed my blank screen. I sensed him slowing as he walked by, as if waiting for me to look up.
I didn’t. There was no point.
He kept going and exited through the back door.
I exhaled discreetly and returned my attention to my meal. The portion sizes were huge. I wouldn’t have to eat again for the rest of the day.
“Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” Rose exclaimed a short while later, her shrill voice carrying across the lounge. “John!” she called. “Get over here. We have a problem.”
A sturdy-looking man with close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair loped into view. I pegged him immediately as former military. A Marine maybe. Retired.
He leaned down and brushed a kiss on Rose’s cheek. “What’s up, beautiful?”
Even from where I sat, I could see Rose soften. I knew instinctively that they were married and he was her rock. Don’t ask me how. I just did.
“We have a bus with seventy-five people fifteen minutes out, and Shannon just called and said her car won’t start. Michelle’s in school, and I can’t get ahold of Sandy. Larissa can’t handle seven, let alone seventy-five.”
A large, powerfully built man in a white chef’s coat joined the party. His long black hair was pulled back tightly into a ponytail; his features were too rugged to be called handsome. Striking maybe. He reminded me of a bear. Or a wood carving of a bear, done with a chain saw.
Rose repeated her concern, her voice sounding more panicked the second time.
When the bear-man spoke, his voice held a slight Southern twang. “What do you wanna do, boss lady?” he asked. “I’ve got fixin’s for seventy-five ready to go back there.”
Rose looked like she was about to explode into a thousand tiny pieces, and I felt that tingle at the back of my neck again.
I checked my watch. My goal was to make it to Virginia today, find a cheap place to stay, then spend a couple of days checking items off my dwindling bucket list—Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, Colonial Williamsburg.
I had time. And if I could put a couple of bucks in my pocket, all the better.
On impulse, I stood and approached them. “Excuse me. Maybe I can help.”
The cook’s eyebrows rose in surprise while Rose looked me over and apparently found me lacking.
“Thanks, honey, but we’ll figure something out.”
I straightened my spine. I was no taller than Rose, which meant I could look her right in the eye.
“Forgive me for eavesdropping, but it sounds like you’re in a bind. You’ve got a bus coming. I’ve got experience, a couple of hours to kill, and I could use some extra cash in my pocket. What do you say?”
I felt more than saw the two men regarding me with amusement. Neither of them said anything, leaving the decision up to Rose.
She narrowed her eyes, then blew out an exhale. “Oh, what the hell? I’m screwed either way. Welcome aboard. You’re hired.” Turning to the cook, who was now grinning from ear to ear, she said, “Lou, give our new waitress …” She paused and looked at me expectantly.
“Casey,” I provided helpfully.
“Give Casey an apron and a quick tutorial and cross your fingers.” She tilted her face toward the ceiling. “Lord Jesus, I don’t know why you feel the need to keep testing me. Should have stayed in Baltimore …”
Rose walked away, mumbling to herself.
Lou chuckled and shook his head. “Well, come on then, darlin’. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
When the large tour bus pulled away some three hours later, filled with glowing, satisfied customers, I sat down with Rose. I passed on the celebratory liquor she’d offered but accepted the cup of coffee.
“You did amazing today,” she said, sliding an envelope across the table.
It was slim, but I hadn’t expected any different. It held fifteen bucks at most. Minimum wage didn’t apply to servers, and I’d only worked three hours. The tips, however, stuffed my pockets. Customers loved me, especially older folks who appreciated a smile and manners.
“Thanks.” I chanced a glance across the lounge, where Larissa was wiping down and refilling a tray of saltshakers.
She hadn’t fared nearly as well. Might’ve been the scowl permanently etched on her face. Or her blatant rudeness.
“Seriously,” Rose continued, “we couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Glad I could help.”
“So … what brings you to Shadow Ridge?” she asked, leaning back and sipping her high-end bourbon.
“I’m just passing through.”
“To where?”
I shifted. I had no intention of sharing my plans. The fewer people who knew where I was, the less chance I had of being found. “South.”
She considered that for a moment. “Are you on a tight schedule?”
I almost laughed at that. I had nothing but time. “Not particularly. Why?”
“Because we have another bus coming tomorrow.”
Subtle. I felt my lips quirk. “Do you?”
Rose nodded. “Every day this week.”
“Not to be rude or anything, but why?” From what I could see, Shadow Ridge was a nice place, but not busloads of people come to visit nice.
Rose wasn’t offended. In fact, she laughed. “I thought the same thing when John and I first came here a few years ago. There’s a casino about ten miles down the road, literally in the middle of nowhere. The smaller bus companies like to stop here because we offer them a great deal during the week and they’re able to keep their package fares low. On the weekends, we get a lot of people coming in from the surrounding counties for the farmers market and such. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re the only place in town that can handle a crowd. Well, at least when we’re not short-staffed. And—I know this is going to sound weird—but there’s something about Shadow Ridge that keeps drawing people back.”
It didn’t sound that weird. Unlike so many of the places I’d visited, Shadow Ridge felt comfortable. It checked all my boxes too. Out of the way. Low-key. Easy and uncomplicated.
She looked at me with hopeful eyes, and I had to admit, it was tempting. Staying in Shadow Ridge for a few days wouldn’t be a hardship. A couple more busloads like today, and I wouldn’t have to stop at another ATM for a month.
“Is this place actually an inn?”
“Not for the last hundred years,” Rose said. “We had dreams of restoring the upper floors, but the bar and restaurant are about all we can handle right now. The casino will charge you an arm and a leg for a room, but there’s a place just off the interstate that’s cheap and clean. You probably passed it on your way in.”
“All right, Rose,” I said. “Why not?”
2
I stacked the plates, glasses, and silverware on the big oval tray, hefted it up onto my shoulder, and carried them back into the kitchen. Max, our busboy, had his hands full, and I didn’t mind helping.
The inn was busy tonight, but that was nothing unusual. It was popular—and literally the only place in town. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great prices. What wasn’t to like?
I’d agreed to stick around for a couple of days. Those couple of days had turned into a week. Then two. I was still here, waitressing nearly every day, staving off one crisis after another. I served food, did kitchen prep, bussed tables, and helped behind the bar sometimes. Rose thought I was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I got along with everyone. Well, not Larissa. She was still cranky, lazy, and rude to everyone, except the hot guys who came in frequently.
I neither minded nor cared about the guys. She was welcome to them.
