Page 61 of All That Glitters

I’m half tempted to march down there and tell him to leave. But Midas will do whatever he wants, consequences be damned. I fight the urge to call Havoc to come get him but decide against it. It’s late, and he’s not doing anything other than being a creeper. Anyway, knowing my luck, he’d be gone before anyone got here, and they’d think I was crazy or something.

I shut him out once more, drinking the water until it’s gone before heading back to bed. I tuck my hands under my cheek and let myself cry. I’m surprised I have any tears left after yesterday, but then Midas always had that effect on me.

Eventually, I must cry myself to sleep, because the next thing I know, I’m jolt awake—what feels like only minutes later—by death metal blasting next door. Rolling over, I curse when I see it’s six a.m. I don’t have to be up for another hour, and yet here I am.

“Thanks, asshole,” I snarl, sitting up more forcefully than necessary. My head spins and my stomach clenches. I dive offthe bed and barely make it to the bathroom in time to throw up. God, I’ll be glad when this part of the pregnancy is over.

Once I’m finished, I get to my feet and brush my teeth before climbing into the shower and scrubbing myself clean. I stand there until the water’s gone cold, then get out and I dry off before getting dressed for the day. I pull on a pair of jeans and one of the polos with the diner’s logo embroidered across the left breast, then throw a hoodie on over it just in case. I don’t know if Midas is still out there or has someone watching me, but the last thing I want is for them to know where I work, especially after Del’s reaction to the MCs.

Running a brush through my hair, I redo my braid, pulling it over my shoulder before curling the loose strands.

“Elsa, eat your heart out.” I blow a kiss at the mirror, refusing to let Midas ruin this for me.

I walk over to the window with trepidation but breathe a sigh of relief when I see his bike’s gone, and a quick scan of the lot shows no other bikers lurking nearby.

The noise next door makes my head throb, so I try to tune it out as I rummage through the fridge for something that won’t set my stomach off again. Nothing looks good, so I settle on some crackers and ginger tea, which I read online is supposed to be good for nausea.

I sit on the sofa to drink my tea and stare at the blank wall. It’s times like these I wish I had a TV, even if I only use it to distract myself or for background noise. Still, it’s not high on my list of priorities. I’m lucky I found a furnished apartment in my budget. I have a sofa, a bed, and somewhere to store my clothes and books. Honestly, it’s enough for now. I’m sure once the baby gets here and I’m tripping over baby stuff, I’ll miss my current space.

Once my tea’s finished, I tidy up, pack a few things in my bag, and head to the bus stop. I know I’m going to be early, but I wantout of here in case Midas decides to come back. Plus, if I have to listen to that noise next door for much longer, I might lose my freaking mind.

I smile when the bus pulls up and I’m greeted by Gene’s happy face.

“Hey, how did it go yesterday?”

“I got a job!” I squeal, doing a little dance, which makes him laugh loudly.

“Well, that’s great news. Is that the diner one or something else?”

“The diner. The bus stops right across from it, which is awesome.”

“I’m happy for you, Miss. I’m glad someone could see your potential. I never had anything but faith in you.”

Touched, I press my hand to my chest, feeling choked up.

“Oh no, Miss, don’t you start crying, or you’ll set me off, and nobody wants to see an old man cry.”

“You really are the best, Gene.” I reach into my bag, pull out a KitKat, and hand it to him. His rubs his hands at the gesture.

“You don’t need to bring me things.” He tells me as he grabs it anyway.

“Hush now. I’m grown. I do what I want.”

He chuckles. “Yes, ma’am. Now, please take your seat, and let’s get this show on the road.” I reach in my bag to grab my money, and he shakes his head at me. “What did I tell you yesterday?”

“You’re too good to me, Gene.”

He gives me a wink, and I take my seat with a smile, leaning my head against the cool glass. My restless night, combined with the low hum of the engine, almost lulls me to sleep, but thankfully, we reach my stop before I do.

I wave goodbye to Gene and head across the street to the diner. I push the door open and the bell jingles, making me thinkof Au for a second. I shake my head when I spot Susie behind the counter who waves me over with a smile. I head her way, noting the place is already busy despite the early hour.

“I thought Del said you weren’t on shift until ten?” Susie frowns.

“My neighbor’s been blasting death metal since six. I had to get out of there before I ended up murdering him.”

“I would’ve gone over with a frying pan and beat some sense into him.”

“Don’t be giving me any ideas now,” I warn her, and she bursts out laughing.