Read Online Not What It Seems (Escape to Alaska Trilogy) by Brenda Sinclair - Free Book Online

returning, partnership or no partnership. But would her decision be proven right or wrong?
     

 
     
    Chapter 6
     
    Cassidy completed her shift a few minutes ago and cashed out. Now, on route to the staff room, she heard Clayton mumble, “By the way, I’m sorry.”
    She stopped in her tracks, convinced she’d heard him wrong. She couldn’t imagine Clayton Morrison apologized for anything, ever. “What did you say?”
    “I’m sorry I suggested Sherry fire you after your first shift.” Clayton shrugged his shoulders. “When I’m wrong I admit it. And I was definitely wrong about your abilities.”
    Cassidy slid onto the barstool opposite the bartender and crossed her arms. From Clayton’s expression, as she suspected, admitting he was wrong about anything probably ranked dead last on his list of favorite things to do.
    “How so?”
    “Within a week you’ve proven yourself exceptionally capable. I admire your work ethic; you’re always on time. You charm the customers with playful repartee, but never cross the line and openly flirt with any guys. You never mix-up an order, and you can calculate an order in your head faster than the till does it. What can I say? You’re one of the best waitresses we employ here.” Clayton rapped the counter with his knuckles. “What can I get you? On the house.”
    Cassidy met Clayton’s eyes and realized she hadn’t acknowledged his apology. “Thank you. I appreciate recognition of my efforts. My granny taught me that ‘any job worth doing is worth doing right.’” She smiled and straightened her back. “I’d love a Harvey Wallbanger, please.”
    “Real orange juice, right?” Clayton paused.
    “Is there any other way?” Cassidy raised one eyebrow.
    While Clayton mixed the cocktail, Cassidy observed him as he worked. If she overlooked his tendency to annoy her at every turn, she had to admit he was extremely handsome. When he was dressed in western gear, you might mistake him for a wrangler right off a Montana ranch. Or not. She’d wager her next paycheck, his lily white hands hadn’t worked a day of manual labor in their life.
    His arrogance, which he would consider forthrightness and confidence, definitely grated on her nerves. But his frosty attitude didn’t irritate her half as much, however, when he offered free drinks, sincere apologies, and lavish praise for her work. She’d witnessed him joking and laughing with the customers. Would he actually be fun outside the workplace?
    Clayton set the drink on the bar, added a straw, and slid the glass toward her. “Here you go. One Harvey Wallbanger.”
    “Thank you, sir. Tonight’s crowd wore me ragged. Very high maintenance.” Cassidy sipped her drink.
    “Tourists expect capital ‘S’ service while they’re on vacation. Especially those seniors.” Clayton popped the tab on a Miller and drank deeply. “Seniors are extremely impatient; they want their order yesterday. And they’re notoriously lousy tippers, still living in the ‘good old days’ when leaving a nickel beside your plate after a good meal was considered generous.”
    “Oh, please. They aren’t that bad.” Cassidy waved her hand, dismissively. “Those old folks love it when someone bestows a bit of attention upon them. Their children don’t spend time with them, and their grandchildren never visit. When I listen to their stories, they feel special during their vacation.”
    “That attitude earns you those generous tips.” Clayton smiled.
    Sherry appeared at Clayton’s side and handed him some paperwork. “These require your signature please.”
    While her boss perused and signed the documents, Cassidy took the opportunity to further consider her opinion of him.
    He was extremely articulate; she’d overhead him discussing a variety of current topics in the news with customers. She even caught snippets of conversation regarding stock options and tax shelters with the happy-hour white-collar crowd. She had to admit Clayton talked a