The older woman shook her head. I read her name tag Martha. “No, honey, the pie is always ready to go. Would you like the special, or we do have the classic apple, cherry, chocolate mousse, and lemon meringue?”
My mouth was watering at the aspect of eating all the food. There was no denying it smelled divine in the diner. “I’ll take the apple and a slice of the special.”
She nodded and took up the menu. “Anything else, sugar?”
She hadn’t batted a lash at the amount of food I’d ordered. Most servers would have walked away, assuming I was done. If it were up to me, I’d have the entire menu. Maybe it had to do with the fact I went hungry many nights as a kid. Whenever I had the chance to have food, I tended to eat as much as possible, not knowing when my next meal was. A habit that I couldn’t seem to break fully. “Do you suggest anything? What’s the best thing on your menu?”
She tapped her bright red nail against her chin. “I’d say our biscuits and gravy, but if you’re okay with mixing breakfast and lunch. The banging hamburger is Archie’s best dish.”
“I’ll have that then. Thank you, Martha.”
“Of course, I’ll bring you some water with that coffee.” She walked away, and I sighed as I relaxed against the booth.
My momentary second of calm was stripped away as a bunch of girls stood up and headed toward the door. They lined up like they were at a concert, waiting to see a celebrity.
Samson walked through the door with his supermodel good looks. His skin looked as if it was glowing, and his blond hair was swept back a few strands resting above his eyebrows. His bright eyes shimmered with the light as he smiled at the people around him. He was tall with defined muscles but not too much. Unlike Rem, Luxious and Hawke, there were no visible tattoos on Samson.
I wanted to ask him to strip so I could see if he had any hidden ones.Bet he has one on his ass. Something crazy like a cartoon character.I laughed at my own ridiculous thoughts.
People crowded him but never touched him. It was like a celebrity stood before them. Some even asked for pictures.
“I wished they’d leave that boy alone,” Martha said as she placed a mug in front of me. She poured the steaming coffee into the cup.
“He might like it.”
Martha sighed. “I’m surprised you aren’t over there pining for the Morozov boy’s attention as well.”
I let out a dry laugh. “I’ll pass. He gives off the ‘I’m always right’ vibe, and I have no time to deal with a guy like that.”
Martha smiled down at me. “Mhm, whatever you have to tell yourself.” She turned on her heels and walked away before I could ask her what she meant by that.
I fixed my coffee just how I liked it. Mostly creamer and sugar. The sweeter, the better. I felt eyes on me and looked up only to be trapped in a stare-off with Samson.
My phone rang, and I dragged my gaze away from him. My heart plummeted to the pits of my stomach at the sight of Wakeman’s name on my screen.
“Good job, butterfly. Glad I didn’t have to punish you for being late.”
A chill raced down my spine, and the idea of eating made me queasy. “I’m never late. You’re going to hold up your end, right? I’m nearly done.”
“I’ve never lied to you.”
His words didn’t ease the tension that plagued me every single time we spoke on the phone.
“I had a package to deal with this weekend, but I expect to see you soon, butterfly.”
“The next payday isn’t for a while. I can—”
“Soon. Don’t have me come get you.” Wakeman’s tone dropped to a dangerous level.
I balled my fist on top of the table and tried to shove down the fear and anger battling inside of me.
“Yeah, we wouldn’t want that. I’ll stop by soon.”
“Good girl.”
Bile burned my throat, and I pressed the back of my hand against my mouth to keep it at bay.
“You could always get your new daddy to pay off the rest of the debt. Of course, I’d have to charge an interest fee since he isn’t the original borrower.”