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“No. At least I don’t think so. But if you listen to the podcasts I do, there has to be at least three murderers here somewhere. Maybe the next town over. Small towns are breeding grounds for murder.”
“And yet you want to stay here? At least in Los Angeles, I’m ready for a carjacking or shooting.”
I shuddered. “That’s no way to live.”
“But the pseudo-murderers in your mind are just fine. Maybe something’s in the water here, and it’s not baby-making
juice. You’re all crackers.”
“Fair.”
He frowned at me. “What?”
“That’s fair. I mean, we’re all kind of used to each other here. You probably think you dropped into the Twilight Zone. Speaking of, did you see they’re rebooting that? God, I’m so excited to see it. I binge watch shows while I’m working.”
“At the diner?” His eyebrow shot up.
“Oh, no. Sorry. I have a few jobs actually. Don’t think I’ve forgotten the question about what you do, Lucky Charms.”
“I beg your pardon.”
I laughed at the horror on his face.
The bell over the door rang and the stomp of heavy feet made me leap out of the booth. “Mitch!”
“It’s shit outside, ladybug. Get home.”
My heart melted at the beefy older man standing in full snow gear. Fat snowflakes were melting on his Giants winter cap pulled over his salt and pepper hair. Mitch never called me ladybug unless he was worried. “I have a few more hours.”
“You’re not even supposed to be here. Damn Gina living outside of town. I never should have hired her.”
“You love Gina.” I turned to Rory and he waved me off. I crossed to Mitch. “Is it really bad out there?”
“It ain’t good. The plows can’t even keep up. No one will be going anywhere tomorrow. Freaking sales will be in the toilet.” His deep voice was even grumpier. “Go on and get home.” He slid his gaze to Rory. “Who’s the outsider?”
“Mitch,” I whispered. “What have we talked about?”
“What? Is stranger better?”
I rolled my eyes. “I started the bread. It’s proofing in the kitchen. Should be good for the French toast special in the morning.”
“If anyone shows up. Go on. Thanks for holding down the fort until I could get here.”
“No problem. I told you I was just down the street.”
“I figured I’d find Kinleigh in here with you.” His bushy brows lowered even more. “Not some strange man.”
“He’s staying at the Hummingbird. Just got snowed in is all.” At least I was assuming the Hummingbird based on his description of the owner. Sounded like Sage Hamilton all right.
Mitch grunted. “At least there was one sale tonight.” He stomped into the kitchen. “Crash at Kinleigh’s. It’s a shit drive.”
I saluted at the closed door and sighed as I turned back to Rory. “Looks like I’m off the clock.”
He was reclined against the bench, his long legs crossed in the middle of the aisle. “And?”
“Where’s your keys, Lucky Charms?”
Surprise lit his features, then his delicious eyes did this hooded thing that made me think all the impure thoughts. “No more inquiries, Ginger Fairy?”
