Grace couldn’t think of another excuse to give her friend, so she agreed. “Sure, why not?”
“I’m working ‘til seven tonight. How about I pick you up at your old apartment? Be packed and ready.”
“Sure. It sounds like fun.”
Moving toward the kitchen, she saw Teri was waiting with a plate. “Suzy called ahead to say that she would be at the diner today. She usually orders out breakfast, and I don’t mind taking it to her.”
“Okay.”
“I’m glad you’ve taken her up on her offer. It makes no sense fighting your friends.” Teri gave her a wink.
The women around her were determined to draw her out of the shell she’d created to protect herself. Putting a plate in front of Suzy, Grace nodded. “Thank you for letting me move in with you. I look forward to it.”
“Yay, roommates.” Suzy clapped her hands.
“I’m hoping I get the job here though.”
“It’s okay if you don’t. I can wait for the money.” Suzy picked up her fork. “I’ve got work today.”
Leaving her friend, Grace spent the rest of the morning until lunchtime going between the tables. Chloe did the same, and they didn’t get a lull until around two in the afternoon. The Dirty Fuckers came and went without any trouble.
Teri put a plate of chicken, biscuits, and gravy in front of her. “Eat.”
“Oh, okay.” She reached into her pocket ready to pay, but Teri held her hand up. “I’m not taking your money, honey. Eat.”
Sitting down, she cut up the chicken and took a bite. The meat was so succulent and flavorful. The gravy was so tasty that it made her mouth water for more.
“Teri is one hell of a cook,” Chloe said, taking a seat beside her. Teri came out with two more plates.
Chloe had a large burger, fries, and coleslaw. Teri had the same. They sat and ate.
“So, what’s your story?” Chloe asked.
“What?”
“You’re an old local, and now you’re back. You don’t look happy half the time. What gives?” Chloe asked.
“Forgive her, she doesn’t have a filter. She doesn’t know when to shut the fuck up.” Teri gave the other woman a pointed look.
“What? I’m only asking a question.”
“You ever thought that it’s private?”
“Why the fuck would it be private?” Chloe asked. “We’re all girls here.”
“It takes time to build up that kind of trust.”
Grace looked from one woman to the other, then back again.
“Fine, I like you, Grace,” Chloe said.
“Thanks, I think.”
Chloe nodded, and the smile was back on her face. “Did you see Stacey snapping at Bill?”
“I sure did. She looked like she was going to throttle him. Teaches her though. Misty is a whore. I won’t let her in here.”
Grace listened to the two women as they talked, actually, gossiped more than talked. The two women were really close, and she was envious of their confidence.