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“Just started yesterday.”
“Yeah? It looks like you’re doing great for only your second day. Stacie has you on your own already?”
“Yeah, we were short today.”
“Really? Interesting.”
The woman tugs his sleeve and gives him a hard look. “Do not even think about it, Ashton Morgan. You arenotfilling in. Stacie wouldn’t let you anyway.”
“Could be fun,” he says with a sheepish grin.
She rolls her eyes but her underlying affection is all over her face. It’s cute how much love they cram into one interaction, and my stomach sinks when I think about Isabel. This could never be us. That’s the other part she doesn’t seem to get. Her entire life and future is here. Once my parole is up, I’ll be out of Suncrest Valley as fast as the bus or train can take me.
“Well, just wanted to say hello. I’m sure you have lots to do,” Ashton says.
Wait, that’s it? He really just wanted to say hi?
“Oh, uh, yeah. It’s good to see you,” I say.
And maybe I mean it. As I walk away I realize he didn’t ask once about prison. His smile didn’t even seem forced. We went to school together, so he must be aware of my story. Hell, Amber with her perfect everything was probably a prominent member of his brainiac club.
I glance back for any sign of resentment, but they seem to be caught up in a conversation that has nothing to do with me.
I breathe easier when I stop at the neighboring table.
“Can I get you anything else?” I ask the older couple.
“Just the check,” the man says stiffly.
I nod and swallow my response.
Andon the other end of the spectrum… this table.
They’ve said maybe twenty words to me the entire time I’ve served them, all of which involved menu items and specific instructions.
After delivering the check, I go to the kitchen to ask about another order and grab refills for Table Fourteen.
“You met Ashton?” Leah asks when I pass the host stand.
I pause with the drinks. “We went to school together.”
“Oh really? I guess that makes sense. He’s a great guy.”
“Seems to be, yeah.”
I nod behind me to signal I’m busy, and she waves me away.
“Right, go work. Stop slacking off.”
I chuckle lightly and deliver the refills. I feel Ashton and Iris’ attention when I return to their section to get the check from the other table, but don’t acknowledge them this time. He seemed genuine, which is exactly why I won’t approach them again. It would be nice to think there’s one person in this town who doesn’t hate me. I don’t want to ruin it.
I scoop the check presenter from the neighboring table and open it.
My heart stops.
Fuck.
In place of a tip, the word “MURDERER” is written in all caps with several violent underlines.
