Christmas Elopement. Anne Eames

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       Two

      Carrie made a pit stop at the insurance adjuster’s office, where she got the bad news about hard-to-find parts, plus a reminder that she’d changed her deductible to two hundred and fifty dollars—which was more than double the amount left in her pocket.

      Cursing her luck, she headed for Carmel and M. M. Day’s Pub. By the time she found a parking space a half hour later she was in a real snit. With long strides she marched to the bar, hopped up on a stool, crossed her arms on the scarred mahogany counter and waited for Gus to notice her, which took only a few seconds.

      “Carrie, my love. What can I getcha?” He reached out and patted her arm, a warm smile crinkling the corners of his tired eyes.

      “Coffee, please.” It had been months since she’d stopped by to see him. Now she felt guilty about the favor she was about to ask.”How’s it going, Gus?”

      “Oh, I can’t complain. How’s your pop doin’? Does he like Maine?”

      “He’s getting better every day. Says he loves being back east after all these years.”

      “Thank the Lord, no paralysis, huh?” He deposited a steaming mug in front of her.

      “You can say that again! There’s still a little speech problem, but nothing you can’t understand—especially when he starts swearing.” She chuckled, feeling the frustrations of the morning slip away.”Yep, that always comes out crystal-clear. Sometimes I hear him giving the visiting nurse the what-for, so I guess he’s pretty much back to normal.” She sipped her coffee and sighed.”Mmm…Thanks, Gus. I needed this.”

      “Bad day?” He dried glasses as he spoke.

      “Bad week.” She tucked a handful of frizz behind each ear and blew at her bangs.

      “Sorry to hear that, Carrie. Real shame you lost your job when your pop’s business sold. He always boasted what a fine job you did. Find anythin’ new yet?” A customer waved at the far end of the bar and Gus motioned he’d be right back.

      Carrie’s gaze trailed after him, then wandered to the frame-filled walls. Everywhere she looked there were photographs of Clint Eastwood in movies that spanned decades, some autographed, many with props or costumes encased alongside. She’d seen him here a few times visiting with Gus, surrounded by heavy-breathing females. If only he were a little younger and would sweep in here now and make her day.

      Fat chance.

      Well, this was it. No more stalling. Time for a little humble pie. God, she hadn’t waited tables since she was a teenager. She glanced around the room and found another thirty-something waitress and felt a little better. The lunch crowd had thinned. Now was as good a time as any.

      Gus came around the end of the bar and took a stool next to her. She swiveled toward him, eyes cast down.

      “If you’re here for a little help—” Gus took both her hands in his and squeezed gently”—I told your pop I’d keep an eye on ya. What can I do, lass?”

      Carrie forced her gaze level with his, blinking clear her vision.”I was hoping you might need another waitress…just for a while…till I get back on my feet.”

      Gus scratched the stubble on his cheek and studied her out of the corner of his eye.

      “I’d work whatever hours you’ve got…bartend, too, if you want. I know it’s been a long time since I did any of this, but I’ll pick it up again—”

      “Whoa.” Gus held up both hands.”You don’t let a guy get a word in edgewise.” He chuckled and she knew she had the job. “I was just thinkin’ about something else.”

      “Like?”

      “Like…” He hesitated, looking embarrassed, but then continued.”Like if you need to work here, then maybe ya can’t afford your house in Monterey, either.” He lowered his head and arched his brows, acting as if he’d pried but daring her to deny it.

      “Well, you’re right.” Now it was her turn to be embarrassed.”I have to find a new place. Soon.”

      “It’s not much, but there’s a room upstairs…got a sofa bed and little dinette set…and a bathroom with a shower stall, no tub.”

      “When can I move in?” She could barely contain her excitement. At last her luck was turning.

      “As soon as I get someone to clean it up—”

      “Oh, I can do that.” Carrie jumped off the stool and threw her arms around Gus’s neck.”You’re a lifesaver, Gus McGee.”

      He patted her on the back and chuckled. As she pulled away and planted a kiss on his forehead, he asked,”When do you wanna start work?”

      “Tonight, if you need me.”

      “Go home and pack your stuff, Carrie girl, and I’ll have someone clean upstairs.” She started to argue but Gus cut her off.”When ya get settled in, we’ll talk about your work schedule, okay?”

      She held up her index finger.”One condition.”

      Gus narrowed his gaze.”And what might that be, lassie?”

      “That you apply my wages toward rent.”

      “I’ll do nothing of the kind. How will you live?”

      “If I’m any good at my job, hopefully I’ll get tips.” Gus was shaking his head vigorously, but she persisted. “Besides, this is only temporary. I’ll be getting an office job soon enough. Then I’ll pay you rent like a normal person.”

      Carrie stilled his head between her fingers and stopped his protest.”Gus…I’m a big girl now, and I’ve got my pride. Please?”

      He took her hands in his once again.”You’re just as pigheaded as your pop, lassie.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and smiled.”And just as beautiful as your mama, God rest her soul.” He stood at last, pulling her into a gentle embrace before returning to his post behind the bar.

      “Well?” he said, after a moment.”What are ya doin’ sittin’ around here lookin’ all misty-eyed? Don’t ya have boxes to pack?”

      

      Sunday afternoon Carrie darted in front of the big screen, trying not to obstruct the game behind her. M. M. Day’s was filled to capacity with San Francisco 49ers fans cheering or booing each play of the game. The team was beating the Detroit Lions handily, which meant the crowd was in a good mood. Beer and tips flowed freely. She’d only been patted on the backside once so far.

      Funny how the only accident she’d had was in that guy’s lap.

      Well, it’d been a long time since she’d carried such a heavy tray, Gus explained to the irate patron as he left for home in search of dry clothes. Gus returned to the bar and Carrie placed another order, busying herself with cherries, olives and the like, ignoring Gus’s probing stare.

      “So, СКАЧАТЬ