AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It seems pointless to work at the diner to some when they find out I was married to Lane Turner. They must think I have all this money, but in truth, I didn’t touch it and if I did, I would have the Turner’s breathing down my neck.
When I get back to the booth, Bradley clears his throat. “I saw you on TV,” he utters.
My teeth snag my bottom lip because I know he is going to mention Lane and that I was married to him. How is it that I’m working in a diner when I’m most likely rich? That must be what is on everyone's mind, but some will voice it and others will mind their own business.
“Yeah.”
“I know it is none of my business, but why are you working here?”
And here it goes. The annoying million-dollar question.
I make little circles on the notepad with the pen in my hand as I concentrate on the lines and take a deep breath. Judy walks up next to me and replaces the ketchup bottles. Bradley is waiting for me to answer him but I’m at a loss for words and what I should say. I don’t owe him an explanation or anyone.
“You come from a rich family, don’t you, Bradley?” Judy asks.
My head whips in her direction as she gives him a grin.
His chest puffs up, “Yes.”
She nods but we all already know that. I stay silent while she makes her point in my defense. Working at the diner with Judy has been fun. She is always asking me to the movies or to hang out and now I might take her up on her offer. I would have never thought she would come to my rescue to keep me from having to answer a tough question. A question I really don’t want to answer. I want to put to rest the fact that I was married to a wealthy man with a shitty family that wants to see me eat dirt because I was married to their son without their approval.
Judy juts her hip out as she addresses Bradley. “Yeah, well, some rich families don’t agree or like it when their sons marry poor people with no money. They think because they are poor, they are taking advantage of them. They don’t believe in something as simple as maybe their son fell in love and vice versa. They look at relationships like a transaction or a partnership. They see a girl that doesn't come from a predominant family as a threat. I’m sure you’re a smart guy and can figure out her in-laws weren’t sold on the idea and want to take away what her husband left for his family.”
Bradley swallows nervously and looks down at the menu like the words are going to change or give him the right words to say.
“I’m sorry, but not all families are like that.”
Judy snickers and then lowers her voice. “Yeah, right.”
He leans back and watches her walk away with a scowl on his face. When his gaze lands on me, I give him a dry smile. “So, what can I getcha?”
Poor Bradley doesn’t realize how people from his side of the tracks think about the regular people who work regular jobs and don’t have chauffeurs. They are good enough to work for their sons or daughters but not be––with their sons or daughters.
“Is that what they did to you?”
“Did what?” I counter, averting my gaze.
“Threaten you with their lawyers, treat you like you're less than worthy. I never stood a chance with you, did I?”
“No, and it’s not because of any of that. It’s because I’m in love.”
“He’s a lucky man. I hope he realizes that but if you need a friend or someone to talk to.” He points toward his chest. “I’m your guy.”
I laugh and shrug. “For the record, working gives me purpose, and I don’t mind.”
“He doesn’t know, does he?” Bradley blurts out.
“It doesn’t matter. We are just friends. Now what can I get you, handsome?”
Bradley’s eyes light up. “Keep talking to me like that and I might make it a mission and whisk you away.”
He knows I’m easing the tension by teasing him. Bradley is a good-looking guy and doesn’t come off as creepy or anything but I think Judy would be more of a challenge for him.
“Why don’t you ask Judy out?”
He nudges his chin toward Judy, wiping the table. “Judy doesn’t like me very much.”
“Why?”
