“I actually have a friend who wants to get a bartending gig.”
“We can always need more bartenders. If you aren’t willing to handle alcohol more than just handing out drinks, you could just work as a waitress at the bar. You don’t have to be behind it.”
“That all… That sounds too good to be true.”
She leans forward. “My life hasn’t always been happy. I think I can tell that that’s the case for you too. It gets better, and all I ask is that when you get the chance and can, you pay it forward like I am now. Karma points.” Allie beams. “You in?”
"Am I going to consider all of this? Yes. I just… You're right. My life is crazy right now, and there's one huge expense I have, but I can pay you for the bike. Even if I have to work at the diner and the bar. I'll make it work."
“And you’ll become a member of the Grim Reapers? Because technically, that’s the only way you can work there.”
I hesitate. “My friend, I don’t know if she’ll want to join,” I admit.
Allie waves her hand. “I might be able to get Leo to accept one outsider, but two? That’s too much of a stretch, but if she’s a hard worker and if you work there after joining… I’ll do what I can.”
“Why are you willing to do this for me?”
“For the guys,” she says simply. “You make them happy.”
“Not right now,” I mumble.
“But you care for them, and they do you. I can see that. That’s huge for me. You take care of them, and I’ll take care of you. It’s the least I can do.”
I blink back tears. “Stop talking,” I say crossly, “or I’m going to break down and cry.”
She laughs and grins broadly. “Maybe I want to see you cry.”
I laugh and wipe my nose. “Yeah, I definitely don’t hate you.”
“Good to know!”
We both laugh and finally start to eat, and it’s a very good day. Very good.
I just hope it’s not too good to be true.