“The heavy one!” I correct her before she made an unforgivable mistake and ordered me a fat-free substitute.
“The good one, Marina!” Kayla yells with a smile.
“Poor soul!” Marina yells back as she starts moving pans around, making me feel all fuzzy inside. I didn’t know I’d been missingthatpart of small-town living—when you’re out of luck, they all rally behind you in case you fall. This particular small town hasn’t been very welcoming, but I’ve never felt out of place in this diner or around Kayla or Justin, who took me in like another sister, or Alicia and Mark even when they wanted their alone time. Or Archie and Leila. They’ve been trying to make sure I don’t feel like a contracted worker but their friend.
Even Kenneth, even when he told me some awful things and even when he was grouchy, he still didn’t make me feel unwelcome.
These people make me do something awful—they make me miss home.
And quite honestly, I also miss Kenneth. He’s been actively avoiding me for the past few weeks by crossing the street when he sees me or walking or turning the other way when driving by. I’m almost waiting for a reason to go and visit him at his station just so I can see his surprised eyes. And the rest of him too. Those tiny moments we shared together somehow became a highlight of my coming here.
When the food is loaded on a plate in front of me, and I chug two cups of coffee, I lean back on the stool, feeling a bit better.
“May I have another one, please?” I call out to Kayla when she comes back to the bar after refilling everyone’s coffee.
“Damn, the woman can drink,” the toothless guy with the ‘Lucy’ reference whispers loudly in wonder.
I turn toward him with a wink. “You have no idea, Grandpa. We, the housewives, have some secrets under our big skirts.”
He lets out a loud cackle. “I bet you do.”
I wink at him again and turn back to my heavy cream, which tastes divine with bacon.
“You are nasty.” Kayla comes to refill my cup and makes a gagging sound.
“And I wear it proudly on my sleeve.” I pat my shoulder and take another bite of bacon.
The door behind me opens, and the chimes make a twinkling sound.
“Hey, Sheriff.”
I freeze with a piece of bacon halfway to my mouth.
“I wanted to ask you something.”
“George!” Kayla calls out one of the patrons. “Leave the man alone and let him have his lunch, for fuck’s sake.”
I put the bacon into my mouth and start chewing, not noticing the taste. Wiping the corners of my mouth with a napkin and glancing down at my dress, I make sure it falls around me in perfect waves. Why did I suddenly become so aware of my appearance? Because of the fine and grumpy man currently walking toward the counter. I can feel his presence with every fiber of my being.
He takes a seat two stools away from me and waits for Kayla to come to him.
“Hey, Ken. What can I get you?”
“Jennica asked for a Lonely Kurt,” he says with a sigh, and I suddenly lose my appetite.
“Are you in the doghouse again?” Kayla laughs as she scribbles something down on her notepad and places it on the counter in front of the kitchen.
“I feel like I’ve never gotten out of it.” He eyes me warily while saying it. My nostrils flare as anger rises up in my chest. How dare this man invite me into his house and… and flirt with me… and let his cock go hard while he hasJennica?
And the worst part is that I remember her name being mentioned. I just can’t remember when it was exactly. Is my mind responding to stress by completely erasing any mere mention of her? Or am I just getting old?
ChapterEighteen
KENNETH
I didn’t expect to seeherhere, and I’m usually aware of where she is at all times. I’m also aware of Landell’s visit, and I’ll be having a chat with him about that. I keep track of her making acquaintances with the locals in a strange way, but I wouldn’t expect anything else from Josie. The rumors about ‘that strange, cool, fun, fancy fashion lady’ reach my ears here and there.
But today I’m a bit distracted with the Jake situation again and the lack of candidates. Even though I agreed to put Brad on probation, he won’t be much help for the first few months. If he lasts that long, which I doubt. He spends his time going to the bathroom to check himself in the mirror fifty times a day and never responds to his phone. I need someone reliable and easy to train and pronto.
