AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, ma’am.” Shelby and her husband, Wayne, had owned the diner since before I was born. We used to all hang out here growing up, and Jessie even had her first job here.
“Take any open table you’d like.” She waved her hand around. “I’ll be right with you.”
I led Abbey to a corner booth and away from wandering eyes. Most of the town only saw me when I was on duty. I didn’t make it a habit to linger off the clock.
“What do you normally get here?” Abbey glanced from the menu on the table. “Everything sounds delicious.”
“I don’t normally come here.” I shrugged.
“You mean you’re a cop in this town, and you don’t eat lunch here almost every shift?” Abbey tilted her head, the corners of her mouth wrinkled as she fought a smile.
“I usually take the outer zones on shift.”
Her eyebrows nearly touched. “What does that mean?”
“I patrol the roads farthest from town.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t come in for breakfast before a shift or any other meal when you’re in town.” Abbey’s mouth turned down. Before I could reply, Shelby interrupted.
“Can I get you something to drink, dear?” she asked Abbey.
“Sweet tea, please.”
“Of course. And a Coke for you, Duke?”
I nodded. After all these years, she still remembered I was addicted to that sugary-sweet, carbonated beverage. Liam constantly made fun of me for it, but it was my one and only vice.
“Do you know what you’d like, or do you need a few more minutes?” Shelby had her pen poised.
“Do you have any recommendations?” Abbey met her gaze.
“Sure, sweetie. Wayne makes a mean burger, but the turkey club is my favorite. The chili is also a winner, but I don’t want to brag.” Shelby placed her hand on her chest and smiled, making Abbey giggle.
“That all sounds amazing.”
“Shall we make it a half turkey club, cup of chili, and some fries?”
Abbey grinned and nodded at the recommendation.
“Cheeseburger with sautéed onions and mushrooms with fries for you?”
Damn, the old woman had a good memory. “Please.”
She winked before turning and grabbing our drinks. I downed half my glass the moment she set it in front of me. I needed something to calm my nerves. You could take the boy out of the town, but the town never forgets the boy.
When Shelby returned with a refill, another tiny figure followed close behind.
Kill me now.
“What do you want?” I growled. Abbey glanced at me quickly before smiling at the new arrival.
“Don’t be rude, Duke,” the tiny sprout of a girl scolded before turning to Abbey. Her size was deceptive. She might be twenty-three, but she was too perceptive for my liking. How I hadn’t spotted her when we first walked in was beyond me. “Hi, I’m Lizzy.” She gave a tiny wave and a sweet smile to Abbey.
“Hi, Lizzy. I’m Abbey.”
“Again, what do you want?” I narrowed my eyes at my little sister.
“I wanted to meet the woman who was able to get my grumpy-ass brother out and socializing.” She thumbed in my direction. Of course she was here to get the juicy gossip. That way, she could be the first to spread it around. Being five years younger than me, she was still young and wanted to be involved everywhere.
