Summerset Read online

  Summerset

  S R Merced

  Copyright © 2020 by S R Merced

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Also by S R Merced

  ___________________________

  Ordinary

  My heart is yours to keep.

  My soul is yours to protect.

  My being is yours to claim. Loved Beyond Measure.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Sammy

  Chris

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Chris

  Chris

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Chris

  Chris

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Sammy

  Chris

  Sammy

  Chris

  Sammy

  Chris

  Epilogue

  Summerset Playlist

  Prologue

  I am staring out the window imagining a different life. A life without complications. Everything has changed. Yesterday I was waiting for him. Today I am leaving him. I am a small towner running away from a big city.

  I never imagined having this kind of life. I want to believe life isn’t cruel. But facts don't lie. I gave him my all. I swore to be with him through good and bad. I meant it. We tried. But there is no simple solution. I am not from his world. I am not welcomed. One year ago, he walked in The Shack. My life was forever changed.

  Sammy

  “Good evening gentlemen, my name is Sammy. Tonight’s beer on tap is our special blend, Summerset. Can I start you with anything to drink?”

  “We will have a pitcher of the special blend.” Says one of the four guys sitting at the table.

  I can tell they are here for our annual festival. Every summer we are flooded at the marina with rich entitled people. Hopefully this table will be good. I already have a table full of jerks.

  “I will be back with a pitcher. Look at the menu. The kitchen will be closed in an hour if you want anything to eat.”

  “Damn, she is sexy.” I hear one of them say as I walk away.

  Only a few hours left on my shift. I keep telling myself. Hopefully they won’t drag.

  “Donny, a pitcher for table two.” I yell because of the music.

  “No problem. Table four is trying to get your attention.” I turn and look to the table.

  “I can’t wait for this festival to be over.” I say annoyed.

  “Everything ok? You know it hasn’t even started yet.” He chuckles.

  “Yeah, table four aren’t the best customers.”

  “I can take over if you need.” Donny’s tone is a little more serious.

  “It’s fine. I can handle them.”

  “I have no doubt.” He smiles.

  I have known Donny my whole life. He is a few years older than me. He lives next door. He treats me like his sister. After mom died it’s just been dad and me. It’s been tough without her. Dad can be a handful, drunk half the time.

  “Hey sweet ass,” one of the guys on table four yells.

  “I’ll be with you shortly.” I say annoyed. I take a tray, place the pitcher and four glasses and walk to table two. “Gentlemen here is your pitcher.” I place it at the center of the table. “Summerset is locally brew as I mentioned before, if you try it and rather something else let me know. Have you…” I continue.

  “Hey sweet ass, don’t you hear me calling.” The guy on table four yells.

  I take a deep breath. “Have you gentlemen decided if you would like something to eat?” I ignore table four.

  “Sweet ass, don’t ignore me.” He yells again.

  “Would you mind waiting for one moment?” I yell to him.

  “Yes, we do.” He responds laughing.

  “I apologize for their behavior gentlemen. I will be right back.” I say as I walk to table four.

  I take couple of deep breaths before standing in front of the table. “How can I help you?” I ask annoyed.

  “You took your sweet time, sweet ass. We need another pitcher.”

  “Anything else?” I ask sharper than I should.

  “Your number would be nice.” He says.

  “I’ll be right back with that pitcher.”

  I turn around and he smacks my ass. Donny must have noticed. I see him jump the bar. This is nothing new. What does surprise me is a guy from table two standing next to me.

  “Are you ok?” He asks.

  “Yes,” I answer confused.

  “How cute, bringing your boyfriend to the rescue.”

  “I think is time for you gentlemen to leave. Apologize to the lady and pay your tab.” The guy from table two tells him. I am to stunned to speak.

  “I don’t have to do to anything you say.” The jerk tells him.

  Donny reaches us. “Everything good Sammy?”

  “Yes, the gentlemen are leaving.”

  “We aren’t done with our beer.” Says another guy at the table.

  “You are done for the night. Settle your bill and leave.” Donny says with authority.

  I hand Donny the tab. I turn to the guy from table two. “Thanks.” I say quietly walking him back to his table.

  “My name is Chris.”

  “Nice to meet you Chris. Thanks for back there but I was fine.”

  “I am sure.” He smiles. It’s so contagious I return it with one of mine.

  “Gentlemen, I apologize for the delay. Did you decide if you would like something to eat?”

  They order an array of appetizers. They assured me the delay was no issue. Maybe this table won’t be bad. I could use a good tip. Today’s tips haven’t been the best despite the men tonight being rich. You can smell the money. I walk to the kitchen and place their order. Then to Donny who is back at the bar.

  “Tough night,” he says laughing.

  “Not funny. Can I have another pitcher for table two? It’s on me. I feel horrible.”

  “I am sure they are fine.”

  “I know but I hate scenes and the one guy did come to my rescue.”

  “Like you needed rescuing.” He laughs harder.

  “Thanks.” I shake my head.

  Ten minutes later the appetizers are ready. Because there are a lot, I need to make a second trip. Donny takes pity on me and walks the pitcher over.

  “Thanks,” I tell him. “A pitcher on me for the wait.” I say to the table as I place it.

  “Thanks, sexy.” Says one of the guys.

  Maybe I was too confident thinking this table would be easier than the last.

  “Come on Ben, be respectful.” Says the guy from earlier. I think he said his name is Chris.

  “I am sorry man. Just having a little fun.” The man jokes.

  “I apologize for Ben. Thanks for the beer but it wasn’t necessary.” He says.

  “It’s the least I could do. You gentlemen enjoy. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.” I walk away.

  I check on table two a few more times before they ask to settle the bill.

  “Gentlemen take your time, no rush.” I place the bill on the table. Chris hands me a credit card before I walk away.

  “Please charge it to this card.” He smiles.

  “Sure.” His smile is so contagious. I can’t help myself and smile.

  I haven’t smiled this much since before Vince. I go over to the register. I look at the credit card. His name is Christopher Berkley. I know the last name. I just can’t place it. I swipe the credit card and goes through without a hitch. What did I expect? The table smells of money. I grab a pen and two copies of the receipt.

  “Gentlemen, thank you for coming to The Shack. You have a safe night.” I add.

  “You do the same Sammy.” Chris says smiling.

  “Thanks.” I smile. I walk to the bar. I set my apron down.

  “Home?” Donny asks.

  “Yes, I am exhausted.”

  “Did you want to wait? I will drive you home.”

  “No, it’s ok. I am tired. I don’t know if I can do another hour of this place.” I say in a light laugh.

  “Call when you get home.”

  “Yes, sir.” I say mocking him.

  “I am serious Sammy.”

  “I know.”

  I hoist myself high enough to kiss Donny on the cheek. He passes me my purse. Again, he instructs me to call him. I reassure him I will. Sometimes I forget. On those days he comes full force to the house with a lecture. He worries about me too much. I guess I can understand. Dad has become more violent of lately. If he is awake, he is drinking. I walk outside. It’s a nice night. The kind of night that makes you forget about all your troubles.

  “Hey sweet ass,” I hear someone call out.

  I follow the voice. Great, the guy from table four. “Good night.” I walk pass him.

  “Come on sweetheart. Don’t be coy. Girls like you love men like me.”

  “Not this girl.” I say. I hear the
door open behind me. There is laughter.

  “Come on,” the guy grabs my arm.

  “Hey,” I hear a voice call say.

  But it doesn’t matter. The guy from table four yells to mind his business and pulls me hard towards him. It’s a big mistake. I instinctively step on his foot and elbow his stomach.

  “What the heck, you…” he starts saying.

  “This is for all the women you have been a jerk to.” I throw a right hook. He stumbles and it makes me smile. I am satisfied.

  “Hey,” I hear a man’s voice.

  I turn around quickly ready to punch if necessary. I am not sure if one of the jerk’s friends might try to retaliate.

  “It’s me, Chris.” He raises his arms up.

  “Sorry,” I say apologetic.

  “Great hook.”

  “Thanks,” I start to walk again. I caress my hand. I am going to have a bad bruise tomorrow.

  “You should ice that.”

  “Excuse me?” I ask.

  “Your hand. You should ice it or it’s going to leave a nasty bruise.”

  “Thanks. I know. Have a good night.” I say not letting him continue the conversation.

  Right now, I want to go home, take a bath and ice my hand. Hopefully dad is sleeping. I can’t deal with his belligerent attitude tonight.

  Chris

  “Where did you go?” I hear Ben ask.

  “Here.” I say.

  “Obviously. What’s the deal with the hottie? She is the waitress from tonight, right?”

  “I was making sure she was ok.” He gives me an odd look.

  “Listen, it’s only been a month since you broke off things with Claire. Don’t go on and make a mess of things. You need to enjoy your freedom.” He says as we walk to my car.

  I know he is right. There is just something about Sammy I can’t shake off. I feel a pull with her. Besides, Claire and I should have never been together. We were together because of our parents. We were raised together. We were more friends than a couple. I loved her but not in a romantic way. She understood we couldn’t stay together. We both deserved to be happy. My mother didn’t take it well. Appearances are everything to her. Claire was supposed to be the next Berkley.

  “See you tomorrow?” Ben asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “It was a great idea coming for the festival. There are beautiful women and limitless amounts of beer.” He laughs.

  When my father told me of my moving to Summerset to open a new office, I was not happy. Ben agreed to come since he heard of the festival. At least we get to hang out for two weeks. Hopefully I can get the office up and running. I want to get back to my life.

  ____

  As I park my car, I want to be excited about Summerset. Whether I want to admit it to myself, I am going to be here for the next few months. I don’t understand why my father would want me here. He could have sent literally anyone better suited. It makes me wonder if it’s some sort of punishment for breaking the engagement. He does whatever my mother wants. Maybe she is hoping I will change my mind about Claire. I open the door to my room, it feels empty, cold. It makes me miss my apartment in the city.

  I walk to the bar. I take a glass and pour three fingers of my favorite bourbon. I walk to the chair facing the street. As I look at the sky, I can’t help but imagine the beautiful face of my waitress tonight, Sammy. I see her beautiful gray eyes. She seems smart, strong and independent. She handled herself tonight. She is nothing like Claire. I dare say feisty.

  I wish I had not spent the last decade with Claire. At least came to my senses before the wedding. Who knows how things would be now? I can’t forget how she looked when I told her I wanted to end things. She begged me not to. I feel bad I allowed us to remain together for so long. But I can’t throw my life away for someone I don’t love, despite what my mother wants.

  I take a long sip enjoying the smooth burn down my throat. A part of me knows Ben is right. I have no business thinking of any woman. I need to focus on work. I need to show my father with this project I can be taken seriously. That I am ready to take over the family business.

  I finish my drink and lay in bed. I close my eyes seeking rest. However, all I see is the beautiful gray eyes and radiant red hair. I need to see her again. I need to talk to her. Maybe I will run into her again. I can only hope.

  Sammy

  I wake to my alarm. I am working at Georgia’s this morning. I have been working part time at the diner for couple of months. I am trying to save as much as possible. If I am leaving this town I need as much money as I can save. I take a quick shower and dress. I pass dad’s bedroom. I hear him snoring. He must have had a long night. I cook him breakfast and cover it. He will get up hungry. If he doesn’t find food there will be hell to pay. The summer heat is rough this morning. I quickly take my hair tie on my wrist and pull my hair on a ponytail as I walk out the door.

  “Hi Sammy,” greets Donny’s mom.

  “Hi.” I say back.

  “Off to work?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Donny is pretty upset with you. Mentioned something of sorts. You didn’t call him.” Oh, I forgot. I think to myself. “Don’t worry. I told him I saw you come in last night. I was watching the television.” She smiles.

  “Thank you. I have to go to work. See you later.”

  “You be safe Sammy.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Donny’s mom is a peach. She is the closest to a mother I have. Well her and her sister Gertrude. The walk to Georgia’s is not bad despite the heat. It’s about a mile from the house. I don’t mind the walk. The streets are quiet. The first event of the day for the festival hasn’t started. I get to Georgia’s and the lights are off. I take my keys and open the door. I call out for Georgia, but no response. I walk to the light box and turn on the lights. I start coffee. I go to the kitchen. The bakery has delivered our usual. I grab the boxes to set out the display. I am startled by Georgia. She is a sweet southern woman. She reminds you of someone’s grandmother.

  “You are early sweetheart.” She says.

  “You asked me to be here early.” I say confused.

  “I must have forgotten sweetheart.” She pats my shoulder. “You started the coffee, great. John should be here soon. I don’t think it’s going to be too crazy.” I look at her curious. “I am teasing child. I know the festival starts today.” She laughs.

  “If you say so.” I laugh.

  We quickly fall in a rhythm. Between the two of us we manage to have everything ready. When John, who is the cook, arrives he can start his prep work for the morning rush. The clock barely reads eight when the first customer walks in. I instruct them to sit anywhere. For the next hour, its pure chaotic. I feel bad for Georgia. She is barely keeping up. I keep telling her she needs to hire more people. She is going to work herself to an early grave.

  “Ms. Georgia, take care of the customer sitting at the counter. I can manage the tables. The busboy should be here soon.”

  “Are you sure sweetheart? It’s quite busy.”

  “No worries. I have handled worst at the bar.”

  “Alright then. Go on.”

  I quickly go through all the tables. I give checks to those who need it and take orders from new customers. I hear the chime of the door.

  “Sit at any table that is open. I will be with you shortly.” I yell out.

  I take one more order and walk to the kitchen. I feel horrible. John looks overwhelmed. I take my phone out and call Donny.

  “Morning sleepy head,” I say when he answers.

  “It’s early and I am madder than a puffed toad. What do you want?” He is annoyed.

  “I am sorry. I was tired and forgot to text. John needs help. We are slammed at Georgia’s. Please come and help.” He is quiet. “Please, pretty please. I’ll cook for a week.” He hates his mom’s cooking.

  “I want breakfast and dinner.”

  “You have a deal.” I laugh. “Can you be here in the next fifteen minutes?”

  “I will try.” He ends the call.

  “John, I have three more orders. I called Donny he is on his way.” I smile.

  “Blessed your heart. I don’t know why Georgia doesn’t hire more people.” His words make me laugh.

  “You hang in there. People are pretty patient this morning. I will come help when I get a chance.”

  “Thanks Sammy.”