Backward by Andrew Grey Read Free Book Online

were both moving constantly—taking orders, getting drinks, and fulfilling requests. Tristan’s feet felt worn down to nubs by the time the lunch service was drawing to a close.
    “I just sat some people in your station,” Mona said as she passed into the kitchen. “They said they were friends of yours.”
    “Thanks,” Tristan said as he carried a tray from the kitchen. He delivered it to the patrons and made sure they were all set before approaching the new table. “I’m Tristan, and I’ll be taking care of you this afternoon. Can I start you off with drinks?” He looked up to concentrate on his customers and found himself staring into Eddie’s eyes. His blood went cold, and he took a single, small step back. It took all of his control not to ask what the hell Eddie was doing there. The only thing that stopped him was Mrs. Martinelli, his boss, standing just across the room. He decided to play it professional and distant… waiting.
    “You know what I like and want,” Eddie said just above a whisper, his lips curling slightly. Tristan knew that seductive look, and he was tempted to smack Eddie with his order pad. It had worked in the past, but it sure as hell wasn’t going to work now.
    “I’m sorry, sir, but what would you like to drink?” Tristan persisted. He shifted his gaze from Eddie to the other men at the table. He recognized them as Jimmy and Lewis, friends of Eddie’s.
    “Is there a problem?” Mrs. Martinelli asked as she approached the table.
    “Of course not,” Eddie said with a bright smile. “We were just deciding.”
    Tristan’s boss stepped away, and Tristan waited. Eventually Eddie ordered, and Tristan reviewed the specials and then went to get their drinks.
    Mrs. Martinelli met him at the bar. “Is something wrong?” She glanced over at Eddie’s table.
    “No. He’s my ex.” He didn’t want to cause trouble. He’d wait on them and spend as little time at the table as possible. “It’s fine.”
    “Mona can take it if you’d rather.”
    Tristan smiled. “It’s fine.” Mrs. Martinelli was good to him, and he didn’t want to be a problem. Eddie would be gone soon enough. He finished getting the drinks and carried them back to the table. He placed them on the table and then asked if they were ready to order.
    “I know what I want,” Eddie said, staring at him.
    “I’m not on the menu, and I never will be for you again,” Tristan growled softly, leaning close to Eddie. The word scumbag was on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed it. He liked his job and didn’t want to lose it. “So what would you like?” He straightened up and waited. Eddie looked over the menu, and Tristan took the opportunity to look over Eddie. Not that he was interested, but the designer suit and expensive haircut were new. Eddie looked like he was going for the full-on gangster impersonation, complete with attitude. He must have been watching reruns of The Sopranos or something.
    Eddie eventually ordered his lunch, and the others followed suit. Tristan left the table and placed the orders in to the kitchen. After that he stayed there, hiding out as best he could. He wondered if he should ask Mona to help him out. Tristan bit his lower lip and glanced around the partition to the table. Eddie looked right back at him, the fucker. All he wanted was to be left alone, but the feral look in Eddie’s eyes told him that wasn’t going to happen.
    His phone vibrated in his pocket. He wasn’t supposed to have it on him while he was working, but he’d shoved it into his pocket and forgotten about it. He didn’t dare answer it in the kitchen, so he went into the bathroom and closed the door. He pulled out his phone, checked the missed call log, then dialed Zach’s number and waited. The call went to voice mail. He ended it and called Jeremy, getting the same thing. Tristan thought about calling Kevin, but there wasn’t any use. Kevin was at work too. He wasn’t sure what else to