Page 18 of Small Town Swoo
“Let’s not talk about it.” Suddenly, I realized something. “You know, you’re probably going to be recognized in here today. People will be asking for autographs and selfies and stuff.”
He dismissed the idea with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’m used to it, but if having me here turns out to be more stressful for you, let me know, and I’ll go.”
“Deal.” But I realized I was kind of excited about having Dashiel Buckley by my side today. Not because he wasfamous, but because he wasDash. “Okay, let’s go over the specials.”
Within minutes of opening, I discovered he hadn’t been lying about his hospitality skills—Dash was awesome at the job. He took orders quickly and efficiently. He remembered everything I told him about the menu. He kept the coffee cups filled and the plates moving. And he insisted on letting me work behind the counter so I wouldn’t have to carry the trays necessary to serve the booths and tables out front.
He was recognized instantly, of course. And everyone wanted not just autographs and selfies, but his attention as well. If they’d known him growing up—like his former fifth grade teacher or his Little League coach—they wanted to chat all aboutwe knew you when. If they were fans of the show—like the teen girls who couldn’t stop blushing—they wanted hugs. Even if they’d never seen an episode ofMalibu Splash, they were excited to meet a real Hollywood actor, one who’d grown up right here in this very town. They asked him dozens of questions about what it was like to be on television, whether he’d ever met this celebrity or that one, and what advice he had for anyone who’d like to get into acting.
Somehow, he managed to find a minute to make everyone feel special, keep up with his work, and make sure I was doing okay. We made it to two o’clock, which was when Moe’s closed for a couple hours before opening back up for dinner. After locking the door, I poured out the coffeeand wiped down the machine while Dash carried a final tray full of dirty dishes to the kitchen.
“So now what?” he asked when he came out.
“Now I finish up, grab something to eat, and open for the dinner shift. But you can go,” I added quickly.
“How long is the dinner shift?”
“Four to nine. We close a little earlier on Sunday nights.”
“I’ll stay and help you. Austin is coming in with his family for dinner.”
“Dash, you should eat with your family.” I checked the napkin supply behind the counter. “I have another server coming in at four, and my aunt is coming in to close. You don’t have to work.”
“I know I don’t have to work. I want to.” He tugged one of the curls that had escaped my sloppy bun and let it spring back. “Stop trying to get rid of me, Sugar.”
I tilted my face down toward the counter so he wouldn’t see me smile.
FOUR
dash
News travels fastin a small town—and on the internet.
By the time Moe’s opened up for dinner, word had gotten out that I was working there today. Swarms of girls came in, the older ones with friends, the younger ones with their parents. The moms were often just as excited as the kids, and in between making their milkshakes, serving them burgers and fries, and refilling their soft drinks, I must have taken a hundred photos and starred in dozens of videos wearing that apron, setting down a plate with a grin.
Pics and reels from this morning and afternoon had already hit social media and gone viral, garnering thousands of likes and hundreds of shares within a couple hours. My agent was thrilled.
Dash! This organic traction is fantastic!
Milk called. They want to offer you a sponsorship. Apparently they recently fired some loudmouth bull rider for bad behavior, but they love your wholesome vibe.
No to Milk. Let me know if Whiskey calls. Any progress on the audition for All We’ve Lost?
Not yet. But I made a call and told them you’d like to be considered for Johnny. I’m waiting to hear back.
Who’s the girl???
An old friend. Her family owns the diner.
You look adorable together.
We’re not together.
You’re hopeless.
I stuck my phone back in my pocket.
Austin arrived with Veronica and his eight-year-old twins, Adelaide and Owen, who were giddy that their celebrity uncle was in town. Veronica, a tall, beautiful blonde with a friendly smile, greeted me with a hug.
