She frowns. “So, because your father was unfaithful you don’t want to get married? You’re not him.”
Letting out a mirthless laugh, I say, “Yes, I am.”
Her frown deepens. “Why do you say that?”
I trace a crack on the table with my finger. “All my life I’ve been told I’m exactly like him. My looks. My personality. My behavior.Everything. His friends always told me I’m a chip off the old block. So, if I’m just like him, I don’t want to hurt anyone the way he did. I’d rather stay single all my life.”
Penny reaches across the table and places her hand over mine. “You are two different people who share similarities. That doesn’t mean you’ll do the same things. If anything, you know whatnotto do.”
The comfort of her hand burns away the icy chill that smothers me. “I’m not taking the risk.”
Before she can say anything more, Louise arrives with our breakfast. As she puts the plates on the table, Penny’s attention drifts over to something out on the street. “What’s going on out there?”
I look out the window. Cars and vans are lined up in front of Allie’s bar.
“Is the bar usually so busy this time of day?” Penny asks.
“No. It doesn’t open until eleven.” I glance at my watch. “It’s only nine. Who are they?”
Penny gasps and holds her hand over her mouth. “We have to leave. Now!”
“What? Why?”
“They’re paparazzi,” she says, her voice rising with agitation.
“Oh fuck.” Without hesitation, I jump out of my seat, pull my wallet out of my pocket, and toss money to cover breakfast on the table. I grab onto Penny’s hand, lifting her to her feet. If we stay by the window, it won’t take them long to spot us. I pull her toward the back of the diner, out of view. “Hey Louise, is there a back way out of here?”
She points toward a door. “Through the kitchen. What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, I don’t have time to explain. Tell no one you saw us,” I call over my shoulder as I pull Penny behind me.
We race into the kitchen, ignoring the cook’s surprised expression. I open the door just a crack to check and see if anyone is waiting for us out back. It looks clear. If they’re waiting for us at the bar, hopefully no one will think to look for us here.
Stepping outside, we creep around the building until we have a view of the road. The photographers are still hovering around the bar, which is dangerously close to my car. If we make a run for it, they’ll see us.
“What do we do now?” Penny asks, nibbling at her bottom lip.
Shoving my fingers through my hair, I say, “I don’t know.”
“I was really looking forward to my bagel.” She sighs.
Chuckling, I say, “It’s gross. You’re better off without it.”
She pulls a face, which makes me laugh out loud.
“Sshh.” Her eyes widen as she takes a peek at the bar. “They might hear you.”
We need a distraction. Something to get them away from the bar.
“Wait here. I’ll be right back.” I turn toward the door that leads into the kitchen.
Penny puts a hand on my arm, stopping me. “What are you going to do?” she whispers.
“Get rid of the vultures.”
I race inside and find Louise serving an older couple. When she’s done taking their order, I pull her aside.
“Louise, I need your help. I have to get out of town without being seen.”
