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PATIENCE

P atience couldn’t get away from Quinn and Doc fast enough.

She’d practically tossed the platter of food at them and took off.

It probably looked suspicious. The air in the room had been so heavy, and seeing the concern on Doc’s face twisted her stomach into knots. Something was going on with Quinn.

She’d heard the muffled voices as she walked up to the doorway, but she didn’t even try to listen.

If Quinn had wanted her to know, he’d tell her.

Not that she’d expect him to. The man was more locked down than a bank vault.

At least he’d talked to Doc, though. He needed to unload some of that burden, whatever it was.

As she made her way back into the kitchen to pick up more orders, she couldn’t help but wonder if they’d been talking about her.

From their serious expressions, she sure hoped not.

She’d kind of been praying that Doc would encourage him to be open to a relationship, even if it could only be until she left for Sudan.

“Everything okay?” Tony asked as he plated her last order.

“Yup. Why?”

“You look like you just lost your best friend. Do you need a break?”

“I’m good. Just thinking instead of working. Sorry about that.”

“Patience, if there’s something bothering you, you can always talk to Pam or me. No judgement,” Tony said. His expression pinched with worry.

“You are the best, and I know I could. But seriously, it’s nothing. Just worrying about my car, really. I hate having to rely on others to drive me around. You know?” It was a small lie, but true too.

Tony nodded. “I hear you there. Pam told me you got stuck last night. Hopefully, it will be an easy and cheap fix.” He winked and handed her the last dish for her order.

“Right? From your mouth to God’s ears, as my mother always says. Now I better get these orders out before there’s a revolt at that table. Those Navy guys look like they could eat a bear.”

Tony shook his head and laughed, then waved her out of the kitchen.

Thankfully, more customers had come in. At this rate, she’d be too busy to dwell on her thoughts.

Hopefully. Maybe she should take Charity up on her offer of a ride home.

Except staying away from Quinn was the last thing she wanted to do.

After delivering the meals to the starving men, she bounced from table to table.

It seemed like everyone had ventured out after all.

She finally made it back to the Pool Room and whatever the tension she’d picked up on earlier was gone. Relief washed over her. At least Quinn hadn’t stormed out. Instead of hushed whispers, they were giving each other shit.

Doc gave her a wink as she walked in, while Quinn was lining up his shot.

“Sorry it took so long. It’s crazy out there. Can I get you some refills? More food?”

Quinn glanced up and seemed surprised to see her. Of course, he didn’t smile or wink, but at least he didn’t look as upset as he had earlier.

“Just another round of beer,” Doc answered.

Quinn nodded in agreement.

“Be right back, I promise.” She grinned and turned to leave when Quinn’s deep voice stopped her.

“What time is your shift over tonight?”

“Let me check with Pam. I’ll let you know when I bring the beers. Charity offered me a ride home. You don’t have to hang out here all night waiting for me.”

“I brought you and I’ll take you home.”

“Okay, then.” Patience nodded at them and headed out to the bar.

Pam was still tending bar. They really were short-handed; it was going to be a long night.

“Is anyone else coming in?” Patience asked as she gave Pam the drink order.

“No, this is it. I didn’t count on Livie still being out of town and Sky needing to go home. But don’t worry, I’m closing at eight. Can you make it that long?”

“Of course, I would stay all night if you needed me. I only asked because Quinn was curious when I’d be done.”

“That’s right, he brought you, didn’t he? Did you finally break down his walls?”

“No way would I say that. He’s the most stubborn man I’ve ever met.”

Pam laughed as she handed Patience the beers. “If anyone can sweeten him up, it’s you.”

Patience grinned. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”

Pam’s words percolated in her brain as she headed back to the guys.

Could she break through his walls? Was he softening at all toward her?

Probably not. Especially if she considered the way he’d stormed out of her house after they’d had sex.

Nope. Still, he kept doing things for her.

It was like an oxymoron. He told her to stay away, but then he kept ensuring he’d have to help her.

“Here you go. Not too long a wait this time, right? Oh, and I’m finished at eight. Is that okay?”

Quinn took the beer bottles from her and handed one to Doc. “That’s fine. We’ll probably end up at the bar soon.”

“Yeah, he’s just about cleaned me out,” Doc said with a smirk.

“You bet on the games?”

Doc shrugged. “Doesn’t everyone?”

“Umm, I guess I don’t know. I’ve never played or been around anyone who was playing. But that wasn’t very nice of you, Quinn. I’d make him pay the tab, Doc,” Patience said. “I mean, it’s only fair if he’s taken all your money.”

“Wait, whose side are you on?” Quinn growled.

“Hey, good idea, girly. Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” She grinned at Doc, then winked at Quinn. “You can afford it. I’ll try to get back here to check on you sooner than the last time.”

“No worries. We’ll be at the bar. I wanted to talk to Pam anyway,” Doc said.

“Gotcha. See you out front.”

Had Quinn just teased her? He wasn’t drunk, but he’d seemed looser somehow. She wasn’t sure what happened, but hopefully, he wouldn’t revert to his grumpy self before it was time to drive home.

The rest of the time passed quickly. Patience and Charity were handling all the tables while Pam handled the bar.

When she finally rang the bell for last call, Patience could have cheered.

She was exhausted, like she’d worked an eight-hour shift instead of just five hours.

Probably the lack of sleep hadn’t helped either.

Her stomach growled as she cleared her last table.

As hungry as she was, she was even more tired.

Her stomach would have to fight it out with her bed for dibs.

Charity pulled her aside as she finished her area. “Did you want a lift?”

“Oh man, I’m sorry. I meant to tell you earlier. No, I’m good. Thank you so much for the offer.”

“Anytime. It was great working with you tonight. They sure kept us hopping.”

“They did. I’m beat. I can’t wait to put my feet up when I get home.”

“Me too. If I’m lucky, the kids won’t wake up when I get them home. See you next time.”

Patience wanted to ask where they were, but she didn’t want to push. From Charity’s reaction, she must have shared more than she’d wanted to.

Pam and Quinn were chatting when she finally finished clearing up. “I’ll be right back. Just gonna grab my stuff, then we can go.”

Quinn nodded but didn’t say anything. Typical. Patience hurried to the break room to get her jacket and backpack. Tony was waiting for her with a bag with to-go containers.

“Make sure you eat when you get home. There’s plenty there for tomorrow for you and Livie. I might have added some cheesecake. Maybe.” Tony winked and headed back to the kitchen.

“Oh my God. I love you.” Patience yelled after him.

“Don’t let Pam hear you say that!”

Still giggling, she slid the backpack over one shoulder and clutched the food to her chest. The aroma of the spicy sauce made her mouth water. Her bed might just have to wait after all.

As she stepped out of the back, Pam was alone at the bar. What the hell? After all his blustering about taking her home, where was he? She scanned the bar area, but he wasn’t there. Maybe he’d gone to the restroom. When she glanced back at Pam, her boss was smiling.

“Quinn went to pull his truck up. He didn’t want you to fall on the ice and snow. I’d say that man has it bad for you.”

“No way. He can barely have a conversation with me without growling.”

“Mmm. I’ve seen a lot of these guys fall over the years. I’m telling you, he can deny it all he likes, but he’s already gone for you. I hope you’re prepared for an overprotective neanderthal.”

Patience laughed. “I think you’re seeing things.”

“We’ll see. See you on Thursday. Thanks for all the hard work tonight.”

“You’re welcome. It was worth it just to get some of Tony’s lasagna and cheesecake. If you don’t hear from me, it’s because I’m in a food coma.”

Pam’s chuckle followed her out the door. Just as she’d said, his truck idled at the curb. Quinn was leaning against the passenger side of the truck, waiting for her.

When he saw her step outside, he took the bag of food from her and then helped her into the seat.

“Do you need to stop anywhere before I take you home?” He asked as he climbed into the driver’s seat.

“No, I think I’m good. Livie should be back tomorrow. I’d ask about my car, but it’s probably still covered in snow in the parking lot.”

“You’d be wrong. Henry towed it to his shop earlier, along with Felicity’s car. It’s at the shop, but he hasn’t looked at it yet. When I texted him, I gave him your number. I’m sure he’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Wow, really? He towed it on a Sunday? That’s a great friend.”

“Henry is former Navy. We take care of each other.”

“That’s amazing that you all have that bond. I’m really worried about what’s wrong with her, though. She needs to last until the end of the semester.”

“I’m sure you’ll find out soon. He’s a miracle worker. If anyone can keep it running, he can.”

“Thank you again for all the help with this, Felicity, too. I know she was worried about how she was going to get home with the baby.”

“The guys and I have it covered. We’ll make sure she gets home and has everything she needs.”

“Really? Because of her baby daddy?”

“No, because it’s the right thing to do. But we’ll make sure Rick steps up and takes responsibility.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“That’s not your concern. Just know she and the baby will be safe and won’t have to worry about anything.”

As happy as she was to hear that, she didn’t like that he was hiding something. Secrets were never good, and Quinn seemed to have a ton of them. Plus, he kept giving her the side-eye like he expected her to do or say something. Did he think she overheard him and Doc?

She nibbled on her bottom lip. Should she tell him she wasn’t eavesdropping? Or just leave it alone. While she tried to decide, the got to her house. The trip really was a lot quicker when they weren’t driving in a blizzard.

“Thank you again for the ride. I could get spoiled by this door-to-door service.”

“Hold on.” Quinn grabbed hold of her arm as she reached for the door. “I’ll come around and help you. It could be slippery.”

“I’m fine. Really.”

“That’s not what I said. Let me help you.”

His request felt more like an order. Deciding to pick her battles, she leaned back against the seat with a huff. “Fine.”

Quinn didn’t bother to answer, just got out of the truck, made his way around to her side and opened the door. He plucked her house keys out of her hand and pocketed them before she could stop him.

“Take my hand. I’ll keep you steady.”

Patience barely stopped herself from demanding the keys back. Only his smirk kept her mouth shut. Instead, she did as he asked again and let him help her onto the sidewalk.