Page 9 of Edge

“Got it. It’ll be out soon,” Irene said and turned to Evie. “You doing okay?”

“I’m good. I have three tables about to leave, two are waiting on orders, and the others are enjoying their meals.”

“Good. You let me know if you need any help or want to take a break. I don’t want you getting burned out and leaving me,” Irene said.

Evie smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“What happened to Marcy?” I asked.

“She’s been out sick. Evie worked a double shift yesterday and is doing it again today to cover for her. As soon as I find another server, I’m kicking Marcy’s ass to the curb.”

“For calling in sick?” I asked.

“She’s not sick,” Irene snapped.

I held my hands up in surrender. “My mistake. Marcy’s bad. Evie’s good. I got it.”

Irene swatted my hands. “Where is your food? You need something to keep you occupied for a while.”

“It’s right here,” Evie said and placed a plate in front of me.

“Thanks,” I said. “It looks great.”

“I don’t care how it looks,” Irene teased. “I want to know how it tastes.”

“You’re doing a lot of fishing today.”

“I’m going to smack you. I am not fishing for compliments,” Irene snapped, though I could tell she was enjoying our banter. She always did.

I picked up my fork and took a bite. “Mmm, this is delicious,” I said, exaggerating every word.

“Keep it up, and I’ll banish you to the table in the corner.”

I laughed. The table in the corner was a running joke with Irene. She didn’t want to waste any space in the diner, so she had a table made to fit specifically in the corner of the room. The tabletop was triangular, and the attached booths tapered to a point. It could only seat two people, and it was uncomfortable if said people were larger than an average-sized ten-year-old.

“Fine. I’ll behave.”

“You’re distracting,” Irene said and pointed an accusatory finger at me.

“You can’t blame me for my charming, good looks. I was born this way,” I said.

Irene laughed and shook her head. “What are we going to do with you?”

I shrugged. “Feed me.”

She feigned exasperation. “I’m trying.”

I returned to my food and covertly looked at Evie. She was standing off to the side, watching me. She reminded me of a scared animal, wanting to come closer, but too afraid to do so.

“Irene’s good people,” I said and kept my eyes on my plate.

“Yes, she is,” Evie agreed.

I wanted to say more, but waited to see what she would do. Much to my disappointment, she left me to my meal and went to check on her other customers.

I tried not to let it bother me. There was plenty of time for her to warm up to me.

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