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Sunday was merely the first stinker of the week. Daily since, I’ve been holding my breath through multiple shifts, watching for my now all-time-least-favorite diner. So far, so good. I won’t tell Charlie I cost him a customer, though.
Did the jerk think a ridiculous tip made up for his boorishness?
At noon, I untie my apron and toss the stained thing into the bin in the hallway behind the kitchen, say my goodbyes to Marlene and the rest, and step into the drizzly air.
“Good morning.”
I find a smile and sidestep a middle-aged couple on their way inside.
“Hollie.”
I turn.
John the Jerk is leaning, carelessly, like he owns the day, against the hood of the sleek black SUV I just passed.
I find his eyes, startle—and suddenly, I’m stuck there. They’re rich, coffee brown. Monochromatic, with none of the two-toned flecks most people have to lighten a gaze.
His is on me, deep and…engulfing.
Until he blinks.
Adjusting his coat, he clears his throat. “So, you’re ignoring me now?”
Ignoring, no, but only because I didn’t realize it was you talking to me.
Today, he wears a navy blazer over khaki slacks and shiny loafers. His hair is combed into perfection. He’s got his badge and gun—so no, not intimidating in the least.
I force my spine straight. “I should.”
He dips his chin, conceding my point, those intense eyes lingering past politeness.Surprise, surprise.
“I’ve been thinking that I might have been rude the other night.”
“I’m thinking there’s nomightabout it.”
Something flickers around his mouth. A smile? Not likely. Probably it’s gas from all the sourness inside him.
I turn toward the side lot where my ugly hatchback awaits. I don’t have time for this.
“Hollie, wait.”
I stop, drawing on everything in me to stand my ground. Why can’t I be the kind of person who is tough and strong, who doesn’t take guff from anybody and walks away when warranted?
“I have time to talk.”
I spin. “Well, I don’t.”
One eyebrow spikes.
“I have to get to work.”
“You just finished working.”
“Thisjob.” My afternoons are owned by a dental office on the other side of town.
This time, up go both his eyebrows. “Is ten minutes out of the question?” He kicks off the vehicle, tucking his hands in his pockets, a less aggressive posture but still intimidating. I imagine he excels at taking down druggies and dealers—
My heart sinks.Jacob.
