Page 9

Alora

I really needed to get a grip. I’d spent the entire night obsessing about the shadow I saw in the hallway that turned out to be nothing. Sitting on my cot, I didn’t get a wink of sleep, and now here I was, dragging my ass through my shift at Molisano’s. I’d spilled coffee on myself, screwed up two orders, and almost wiped out on the mopped floor after walking past the sign that said Slippery When Wet . I was on a roll. And the worst part was, I had to leave from here and rush to Miss Harper’s to work the evening shift. My stomach growled and ached with hunger pangs, telling me that I definitely couldn’t miss another meal. It had been a few days, maybe more than that.

Grabbing my sweater and backpack, I stopped at Mr. Molisano’s office on my way out. “I’m done for the day. I just wanted to apologize again for messing up so badly today.”

He smiled and then chuckled. “Alora, you’re far too hard on yourself. This was only your second shift. I would be shocked if you didn’t make mistakes. I’ll see you Sunday afternoon.”

“Thank you,” I said and walked out the front past the line of people waiting to be served. The other six employees all seemed nice enough, but I kept to myself during break and followed their lead while on the floor. I pushed open the door and came to a dead stop as I spotted Coffee Guy sitting across the street. He wasn’t doing anything other than eating a hamburger as he thumbed through his phone. He wasn’t even looking in my direction, and yet, it felt like he was there for me.

“Fuck. Stop doing that. You’re making yourself paranoid for no reason. The guy is allowed to sit on a bench and eat,” I mumbled to myself and walked away. I looked back a few times, but he stayed in the same position and never glanced my way. With a sigh, some of the nervous jitters eased.

I had to rush not to be late for my shift, and the last mile was almost a full sprint. As soon as I ran into the parking lot, I groaned at the sight of the construction truck. Why did he have to be here tonight, of all nights? Thomas the creep rarely came in the evening.

Stepping inside, I stopped dead in my tracks as I spotted Coffee Guy sitting in the corner, sipping a milkshake. What the hell? How did he get here so fast, and why would you come to a diner if you just ate? I did see him, right? I had to have seen him, or I was hallucinating, and that almost freaked me out more than him following me…almost.

“Sweetie, are you going to come all the way in and start your shift,” Miss Harper asked, and I jerked at the teasing sound of her voice.

“Yes, sorry. I’m just a mess today.” Scooting around the end of the counter, I hung up my sweater. “I’ll be right back. I just need to change.” I walked through the kitchen to the bathroom. “Hi, Juan,” I called out.

“Hello, beautiful. We’ve missed your face around here,” Juan said, pulling out his earbud. I never knew him to work without music playing.

“It feels strange not being here all the time, but I found another part time job. Molisano’s on Bourbon Street.”

“The sweets in that place are not the only thing divine. I would happily drizzle some sauce on Mr. Molisano. He is a fine silver fox,” he said, making me laugh. Great now that image was stuck in my head. “Is he as nice as he is fine?”

“He’s very nice. My sister always went on about how great he was, but I never paid much attention then. He said that he’ll recommend classes for me to take if I decide I want to become a chef.”

“Look at you getting in with all the rich and posh. Girl, you are going to do it. I can feel it.”

Smiling, I stepped into the bathroom and quickly slipped out of the pants and blouse and into the dress Miss Harper had us wear. I adjusted my name badge and smoothed out my crazy hair. I had to find out why this guy was following me around. The last thing I needed was another weirdo in my life.

“We’ll see, but first things first, I need to finish this shift,” I mumbled to myself, dashing out of the bathroom and stepping up beside Miss Harper. “Changed and ready,” I said, tossing my pack under the counter out of sight.

“Perfect timing. Can you take a coffee and those fries over to booth six,” Miss Harper asked, pointing to the fries with gravy that Juan dinged were ready. I held in my groan. Why did I have to have two creepy guys in here at the same time?

“Sure thing.” Grabbing an empty mug, the fresh brew, and the plate of steaming fries, I walked to the back of the restaurant where Coffee Guy was seated. The erratic beating of my heart and knots twisting in my stomach were not normal. I didn’t do the whole gaga over a guy nonsense. I’d learned not to a long time ago, and after being released, I had no interest in getting into anything with anyone, no matter what. There was too much baggage of my own to add someone else’s crap on top of it. Yet here I was, caught between wanting to fan myself and sneaking out the back door to run away.

“Hey, what about me,” Thomas said as I passed his booth. “What am I, chopped liver?”

“I will be right back to take your order,” I said.

“No, I want coffee. Now.”

Asshole.

Coffee Guy looked up from his phone. The dark gleam in his eyes as he stared at the back of Thomas’s head almost had me saying fuck it and taking off. Goosebumps rose all over my arms and the back of my neck. There was death in his eyes. That was the mysterious undertone I’d felt coming off him before. He was dangerous, a whole lot more than I’d originally thought. Stepping back, I quickly poured Thomas his coffee before he made an even larger scene, and a fight broke out.

“I expect better service than this from you,” Thomas said, and I swear I heard a growl. But when I glanced up, Coffee Guy was looking down at his phone once again.

I sucked in a deep breath and approached his table. Setting the plate of fries in front of him, I flipped the mug upright and set it down before filling it.

“Can I ask what you’re doing here?” I pulled out the small milk and creamers from my apron.

“What do you mean? What does it look like I’m doing?”

My brow lifted as I glared at him. Lowering my voice, I said, “You know exactly what I mean. The whole thing about wanting to buy me a coffee, and you know you were just eating a burger. So what are you doing here eating fries?”

As if to accentuate what I’d just said, he picked up a fry and slowly ate it while he casually stared at me. “I’m curious. How do you know that I was just eating a burger….” He pointedly looked at my name tag. “Alora?” I shivered at the way he said my name. It rolled off his tongue far too sexual for the question.

“I know because you were sitting across from my work?”

He leaned back and smirked, which came off as sexy as it was predatory. “I thought you worked here. Are you following me around, Alora? You don’t have to. I’ll still buy you that coffee.”

“No, I am not,” I said through gritted teeth. “Don’t play games with me. What do you want?”

“Maybe I just wanted some hot fries and gravy,” he said as he ate another golden fry.

“Don’t give me that.” I should just walk away. Every second standing here made me more confused than the second before. He licked a drop of gravy off his lips, and desire flicked alive inside me, but I quickly squashed it.

“Alora, please don’t speak to Mr. Laurent like that. He is here as a prospective buyer of the diner,” Miss Harper said softly as she stepped up beside me. I couldn’t hide my shock.

“I’m sorry, what?” I shook my head. “No, that can’t happen.” Mis Harper pressed her lips together, and I knew she wanted me to hush my mouth.

“You seem pretty worked up, considering I’ve only met you once before. Do you have something against me,” he asked, and I wanted to yell, yes, you’re freaking me out, but that wasn’t exactly a good reason.

“I’m just shocked. I love Miss Harper and would be sad to see her go, is all.” Miss Harper put her arm around my shoulders, but Mr. Laurent didn’t seem convinced.

“Oh, sweetie, you know how I feel about you, but these are tough times and call for drastic measures.”

My heart sank thinking about how she was going to have to give up the place that she loved so much and after all she’d done for me when few would’ve given me a shot.

“Am I ever going to get any service? No wonder this place is going to hell,” Thomas complained and looked over his shoulder at us.

Miss Harper shook her head. “If I didn’t need his money so bad, I’d toss him out on his sorry ass.”

I grabbed her hand. “I’ll go take care of him. Sorry to be so rude, Mr. Laurent. If you need anything else, just let me know.” I was incredibly proud of myself as I turned and walked away like I wasn’t trapped in here with an angry bear and…I glanced back at Mr. Laurent. I didn’t know what he reminded me of, but it was loads more dangerous than Thomas.

“Thomas, what can I get you?” I pulled out my notepad and pen but felt another set of eyes staring at me, ordering me to look over. I refused.

“Is the cooking going to take as long as the service? If so, then I’d rather grab food from the drive-thru down the street.” I gripped my pen tighter.

“I’m sure that Juan will be as fast and efficient as always for you. Besides, your favorite is our special this evening.”

“Fine, I’ll have the fried chicken meal,” he said like that wasn’t already what he had planned on getting. Thomas held out his menu for me, but when I went to grab it, he dropped it before I could get a grip. The laminated single page hit the floor and slid partially under his table. It was right near his boot. What were the chances he dragged it further under the table when I tried to grab it?

“Oops, sorry about that.” He did it on purpose, and as his lip twitched, his eyes dared me to say something. I wanted to punch him in the face. Setting the pot of coffee down on the table, I bent over and grabbed the menu while he did exactly what I suspected. His foot slid it a few inches away, but I managed to get my fingers on the edge and pulled back.

“Thomas, can you lift your foot, please? The menu is stuck under your boot,” I said, loud enough for Miss Harper to hear.

“Oh, is it? Sorry about that.” He waited an extra couple of seconds before lifting his foot. Standing up straight, I was shocked that Thomas hadn’t smacked my ass or something else. I fantasized about hitting him with the pot of coffee as I picked it up. When I took a step to leave, I was jerked to a halt by Thomas grabbing my wrist.

“Let go,” I tugged, but he didn’t release me. Instead, his hand tightened painfully. A thin thread of panic coursed through me as the sensation of being trapped almost became too overwhelming. Ever since my sister died, I couldn’t stand the feeling of being trapped. In the cells, I could get up and pace if needed, but an arm or leg stuck brought me right back to that night.

“You not going to refill my coffee? It’s already empty. Are you blind as well as lazy? No wonder Miss Harper cut back your hours. You’re getting sloppy.” His fingers tightened a little more. My pulse leaped.

“I’m none of those things, and you have no right to touch me, so let go.” I glared at the man who was nothing more than a schoolyard bully. Getting angry was the easiest way to deal with the fear, and I jerked my arm harder, but he wouldn’t let go. It felt like I was caught in a vice.

“Thomas, leave Alora alone. You’re being rude. What happens between Alora and me is none of your business,” Miss Harper said, turning around to face us, but it was Mr. Laurent who had my attention. He looked poised to leap out of his booth. Even the muscles in the side of his neck and jaw were twitching as he glared at Thomas’s hand.

“Thomas, this is the last time I’m going to tell you. Let. Go,” I said, barely keeping it together.

“No, fill my coffee.” He jerked on my arm, and I almost fell into the booth with him. The anger was instant and burned white hot through my body as I snapped.

“You want coffee? Here’s your coffee,” I said and dumped the pot in his lap.

“Fuck!” He let go of my wrist and jumped up, all in a single movement. “You bitch. You just burned me.”

“Alora,” Miss Harper gasped.

“You deserve worse than that. Don’t ever touch me again.” My hands were clenched into fists, and the pot would become a weapon if need be. I could only hope it wouldn’t land me back in prison, although, with my luck, it would be fitting.

“Now I can’t work,” he exclaimed, and I rolled my eyes. “I’m going to sue you!” Thomas pointed at Miss Harper. “You’re going to lose everything, and you.” He swung his finger in my direction. “I’m calling the cops to have you arrested for assault.”

“Like hell you are. That was clearly self-defense,” Mr. Laurent said. I hadn’t noticed him or Miss Harper move, but they were both up and only a couple of feet away. The ferocity that oozed off of him with ease had me taking a step back.

“Stay out of this pretty boy. It’s none of your business,” Thomas snarled. “She should go back to prison where she belongs.” Thomas turned his glare on me. “No wonder no one wants anything to do with you,” Thomas yelled, and I had to get out of there.

I ran to the counter and left the coffee pot before dashing into the back and locking myself in the bathroom. Closing my eyes, I gripped the edge of the sink and focused on controlling my breathing as the ache in my chest snaked its way up and wrapped itself around my neck like a boa constrictor. My body shook. I had to take ten deep breaths before the shaking stopped. I stared into the eyes of my reflection and rolled out my shoulders. I wasn’t letting Thomas do this to me. He wasn’t worth it.

Yanking open the door, I marched through the kitchen, thankful that Juan was oblivious with his headphones on and back to me. Thomas was still yelling, and as soon as I stepped into the diner, I put on my sweater and grabbed my pack to leave. Just then, the door opened, and two officers walked in. My heart sank through the floor. Oh my god, he really called the cops. I was going back to prison. I took a step back, eyes wide as I stared at the two men. For just a moment, I wondered if I could make it out the back door and disappear. But I wouldn’t be able to run forever, and that meant Thomas won. There was no way I was letting him off with assaulting me and walking away.

“Alora Dubois,” the one on the left asked, and I nodded on autopilot.

“We need you to come with us,” the second one said, and tears stung the back of my eyes, but there was no way in hell I was crying in front of Thomas.

“Ha! See, she’s going to get what she deserves. Even the police know she’s nothing but trouble.”

“Get out of my restaurant, Thomas, and don’t ever come back,” Miss Harper yelled. I’d never heard her yell before. She pushed Thomas until he relented and left, but not before he glared at me. “Officers, what is this all about?” If Miss Harper didn’t know, then what did they want with me? Mr. Laurent was still there, but he hung back. Somehow, I knew he was taking it all in, and for whatever reason, embarrassment filled me that anyone had to watch this.

“I’m sorry, Miss Harper, but we’re really not supposed to say,” the officer on the left said, his tone much softer. But that didn’t stop the second officer from walking over and telling me to put my arms behind my back. My pulse was pounding so hard that I could hardly hear anything other than the panicked thump in my head.

“Steven Douglas Reed, don’t you dare. I used to change your diapers. You don’t get to come into my establishment and take one of my employees without telling me why. Especially since Alora has been under my care for the last three years, now you tell me right now what is going on, or I swear my next call will be to your mama.”

Officer Reed looked sheepish as his cheeks reddened, and he cleared his throat. “All I can say is that it has to do with an ongoing homicide investigation.”

For the second time, my mouth fell open. “Homicide? I didn’t kill anyone.”

“You have the right to remain silent,” the officer said, but the rest of what he said became background noise as I tried to make sense of this. I hadn’t even seen a dead body. The closest I got was the cemetery. My mind was swirling, but worse, it was trying to spiral, and the stress was causing my deeper-rooted demons to surface. I licked my lips as a sheen of sweat broke out on my body.

“Miss Harper, please believe me. I didn’t hurt anyone,” I said as they led me out of the diner to the back of a cruiser. I glanced at Mr. Laurent as he stood quietly, his face unreadable and his arms crossed over his chest. What the hell was happening, and why did I have this feeling that he had something to do with it?

As the car door shut, I finally let the tears fall. I couldn’t go back to prison. I just couldn’t.