The Bartender's Daughter

Chapter 20

I woke up the next morning and the first thing I did was go to my closet and check my phone. Nate had texted me the details last night and said he was going to be picking me up around 8:30 tonight. Around midnight he asked if I had something to wear and I sent him a quick text saying I did and I was excited to see him later. I put the phone back and exited my room quietly, and a little nervously.

Anderson was still sitting on the couch when I walked into the room and it looked like he hadn't moved since last night except to change clothes. Emmit was sitting at a table against the window with a cup of tea and some English muffins sitting in front of him as he read the newspaper.

"Good morning Alli." Anderson said with a smile of his face.

"Morning." I looked around and yawned. "Is it possible to get a coffee in this place? Or is it a strictly a tea country."

Anderson laughed. "If you want I can call room service and bring you up some coffee and breakfast."

I beamed. "Thanks Anderson."

Emmit looked over his newspaper at me and beckoned me over with a head nod. I sat across from him and watched Anderson pick up the phone and order my breakfast.

"Good morning Alli." Emmit said, sipping his tea and folding the newspaper up, setting it on the table.

"Hell Emmit. Ready for today?" I asked him, bouncing my leg nervously. I kept glancing over at their bedroom doors waiting for them to open and Jack walk out with that sleepy bedhead look and smile he always gave me every morning we saw each other.

"Yes, I think we are. I'm sorry we have to leave you here." I looked at Emmit who did have a slightly remorseful look on his face.

I shrugged and glanced out the window at the city just waking up and starting their day. "I understand, just don't be stupid."

Emmit laughed and took a bite of his muffin. "Don't worry, we have everything planned down to a T."

I rolled my eyes and then my stomach got caught in my throat as the door opened and a man with my breakfast walked in, and the Jack's bedroom door opened and he came strolling out in a t-shirt and gym shorts.

His eyes widened at the food and he smiled at me. "You got me breakfast. You shouldn't have."

I laughed as the man placed a plate with a croissant and fresh fruit in front of me and his face fell. "I didn't, so don't worry about it."

Jack pulled a chair up to the table and took a strawberry from my plate. "So what are we doing today?"

"Oh you mean besides taking down a major corporation and giving you your life back? I was thinking of lounging around the room, maybe go shopping and get a quick lunch down at the pub." Emmit replied sarcastically.

I snorted and took a sip of my coffee and smiled. The English could sure make some damn fine bean water.

"That actually sounds great Emmit, good plan." Jack retorted, taking another one of my strawberries.

"Actually you boys need to come with me for a few hours before we come back to get all equipped up. There's some people you need to meet and things you need to do." Anderson mentioned from his seat on the couch, eyes still on the computer.

"Yes sir," Emmit and Jack chorused. Emmit excused himself to go take a shower and I was left sitting at the table alone with Jack. I sipped my coffee and glanced shyly at him, last night still flashing in my mind.

"How'd you sleep?" I asked him, ringing my hands in my lap.

"Like shit, you?"

I laughed and nodded. "Yeah, same." I took a bite out of the pastry and pure happiness filled my mouth and I was sad when I had to swallow. "Uh, Jack?"