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“What do you got?”
“Honey, we can make pretty much whatever you ask for, although nothing too fancy. Don’t go asking for prime rib or steak or roast chicken, if you get my meaning.”
“How about a burger with the works, bacon and cheese, and an order of fries.”
“Sweet potato or regular?”
“I’m good with the regular kind.”
“Good, because I think we’re all out of the sweet potato. Everyone’s trying to eat healthier these days.” She moved toward the counter. “Take a seat. As you can see, you’ve got your pick.” She paused. “You want to eat in? Or is this takeout?”
“If you could wrap it up to go, that’d be great.” Cash thought of the woman he’d left in his room. “Actually, can you double that order and throw in a couple of bottles of water and maybe some of that apple pie I see over there?”
“That won’t be a problem.”
The woman disappeared, and Cash nabbed a stool at the counter, accepting a hot cup of coffee when she came back out. She poured herself a mug and leaned against the counter.
“You from around here?”
“No. Just visiting for the holidays.”
“Family?”
He nodded. “My sister, Bluebell. She lives on the other side of the lake.”
“Bluebell? That’s some handle.”
Cash grinned. “It is. Most folks call her Blue.”
“My name is Joely, by the way. What’s yours?”
“Cash.”
“Like Johnny?”
He nodded. “Like Johnny.” A brief memory floated through his mind, of him as a little boy dancing around the dining room with his mother as she sang about a ring of fire and laughed until her sides hurt.
It was there until he blinked it away. The past wasn’t something he liked to visit unless he had to. When he focused again, he noticed Joely was look
ing at him as if she was expecting something.
“What was that?” he asked, taking a sip of the hot liquid.
“I asked who the other burger was for.”
“A woman.”
“Uh-huh.” She leaned closer and winked. “There’s always some woman, isn’t there?”
“No. It’s not like that. I literally just met her. She ran out of the office like a bat of out hell and then couldn’t get into her room.” He didn’t tell Joely that she’d all but fainted in his arms or of the state of her clothing, and he sure as hell didn’t mention the shiner she’d be sporting once morning hit. He figured it wasn’t any of Joely’s business.
“She from room twenty-nine?”
He thought about it and nodded. “I think that’s the one she was trying to get into.”
“Well, since I saw Danielle Somers stumble her way into a cab three or four hours ago, meaning she went to the casino or a bar in town, she’s not coming home anytime soon. I’m guessing you’ve got her daughter, Chess, holed up in your room.” She paused and raised an eyebrow. “You should watch out for that one.”
“Hey, I’m just helping the lady out for the night. I’ve got zero interest in getting involved with anybody.”
