Page 32 of Saving Bonnie

Her eyes widen, and she’s practically jumping at the offer. “Sirloin would be fantastic.”

“You got it.” I jot down the notes for Manny and turn on a heel. “I’ll be right back with the pitcher of iced tea, y’all.”

For the first time, I don’t feel daggers aimed at me as I walk away.

This thing with Tino might just turn out better than expected.

CHAPTER TEN

Bunny

It’s nearly eleven o’clock in the morning when the door opens as I hang up the phone. The bell rings, reverberating in my head like a metal spoon on an empty pot.Lord, please help me.Because I’m really not ready for today.

Normally, Saturdays are calm since the courthouses are closed. Most of the traffic is from the bridges and a few stores. I really need a quiet day if I’m going to survive the headache I have brewing behind my eyes.

“Bunny,” Mom’s disapproving voice calls from the entrance.

My eyes shoot open, and I straighten my back. Whipping around to face her, I crush the order slip I’m holding.Oh crap!

“Mom? What are you doing here?” A sinking feeling settles in my stomach. Tino. I’m even less ready for this.

Although I expected yesterday’s little show to reach her, I didn’t expect her to come by. Right now, I really need an extra day of leeway to prepare myself.

I look around the dining room for any kind of excuse, but all the tables are empty.

“What am I doing here?” A shadow of hurt in her eyes scratches at my conscience. We missed our usual afternoon together on Sunday, and, after what happened, I didn’t think to call and check she got home safely. I’m the absolute worst daughter.

She strolls across the room, claiming the floor step by step. Her arms come around to envelope me in a hug.

Ugh, I’m in for it now.

“Why am I having to hear about you and some hunky boyfriend from the likes of Cappy?” she asks, still holding me tight.

I knew it. I narrow my eyes, glaring at the table where Cappy and his cronies normally sit. They’re always here in the space between breakfast and lunch, having coffee and exchanging gossip. Except for today. No wonder they disappeared so early. The no good…

“It’s not like that, Mom.” The words are out before I can think twice. Sadly, I may have made things worse.

She releases me in an instant, holding me at arm’s length. “What do you mean,not like that?” she asks with narrow-eyed suspicion. “Isn’t he staying with you?”

Heat sizzles across my cheeks. Mom uncurls her fingers from my biceps.

Ido notneed the image of what Tino was doing to me this morning when we were upstairs. I may act loud and sassy for everyone coming through, but I try to keep my private life private. Even when I was living at home, I always made it a point to sleep in my own bed every night. Mostly because I didn’t want to deal with having my mother know where I was and imagining what I was doing.

“Come on.” She takes me by the hand and drags me to the nearest table. “Tell me all about your new boyfriend.”

Every step is like wading through cold gravy. I really don’t want to do this. Not now. Not ever.

“But we’re prepping for the lunch crowd,” I say, hoping for understanding. “And I have an order for Manny.” The distinctive sound of the back door slamming closed fills the room. If we had crickets in the building, they’d be serenading me right now.

Manny, you coward.

She marches on with purpose, ignoring my weak protest.

“Perfect.” Her smile is so deep, you’d think she hadn’t spent years complaining about the beginning of crow’s feet around her eyes.

With a defeated sigh, I pull out the chair, letting the legs drag along the floor.

I’ve always shared everything, except details of my sex life, with Mom, but somehow, I can’t bring myself to tell her about this. Certainly not what happened this weekend. Much less what happened during the week.

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