Of Love and Corn Dogs Read Online Free PDF Page A

the eyes, so it shows you have good taste.”
    â€œYou’re right. I did like looking at him, but even if he had been gay, I doubt it would have moved beyond that. I never really gave it too much thought, but Roy had been a guilty pleasure. Stealing glances while he wasn’t looking. It hurt a little when you told me he’d moved, but if I’m honest, I don’t think I’ve given him more than a passing thought until now.”
    Ricky looked over Darwin’s shoulder. “And there she is. I suppose I ought to go face the music. I know the night didn’t go like you wanted, and I’m very sorry about that, but what you did? I can’t thank you enough for it.”
    Ricky held out his hand and Darwin reached for it. A warm hand and a firm grip. A lump formed in Darwin’s throat. Ricky didn’t deserve to lose his job. Darwin wanted to come back to Asiago and get to know him better. He needed…more.
    â€œIf I get fired, you need to know how much of a pleasure it was serving you.”
    When Ricky turned away, Darwin fought the temptation to call after him. The expression on Louisa’s face as Ricky talked with her spoke volumes. Ricky wasn’t meant for a place like this. He didn’t deserve to become like Roy.
    Louisa’s gaze narrowed, and she clutched Ricky’s arm and dragged him toward the office. Darwin turned away and took a deep breath. He pulled out his phone and dialed Henley.
    â€œAre you ready, Dare?” his friend asked, the volume on the stereo lowering as he spoke.
    â€œShe’s going to fire him,” Darwin replied. “We had an accident, and it’s going to cost Ricky his job.”
    â€œShe can’t do that,” Henley protested.
    â€œShe’s been looking for an excuse,” Darwin explained. “I think this qualifies, especially since he’s on probation.”
    â€œSo what are you going to do? I’d march in there and set her straight.”
    It wasn’t as if the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. “Ricky wouldn’t appreciate it. He’s very independent and more than a little stubborn, I think.”
    â€œLeave it to you to pick the difficult ones. You have to do something. You can’t just let him lose his job.”
    Darwin stepped closer to the hostess stand as a man entered the washroom. “I don’t see where I have a choice. He asked me not to interfere.”
    â€œI don’t like this,” Henley snapped. “From what you say, he’s a decent guy. Why is she being so hard-assed about it?”
    â€œThe why doesn’t matter. The what am I going to do does.” Darwin seldom lost control, but right then the thought that Ricky would lose his job, and all because of something Darwin had done, made him anxious.
    â€œYou could always buy the restaurant,” Henley said, then chuckled.
    â€œThis isn’t funny,” Darwin growled.
    â€œI know. I’m sorry. Look, if he doesn’t want you to do anything, then I don’t think you should. He’s an adult, and he’s made a decision. You can’t storm the castle and demand the wicked queen release the fair maiden.”
    Why did Henley have to make sense now of all times? He’d always been the impetuous one, encouraging Darwin to take chances.
    â€œYou’re right,” Darwin said through gritted teeth.
    â€œYou like him, don’t you?” Henley asked tentatively.
    â€œWell, yes, but—”
    â€œI mean you like him.”
    Though he hated the amusement in Henley’s tone, Darwin couldn’t deny what he said was true. He did like Ricky. In their one interaction, he’d done more to relax Darwin than anyone had in a long time.
    â€œI barely know him,” Darwin replied, the words acrid on his tongue. He knew enough to admit Ricky made him laugh, set his stomach fluttering when he smiled. But admitting to feelings had Darwin stuck between two worlds.