Page 53 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Sarabeth rolled her eyes. “Ranger’s moved into teenager-hood and Paul’s not far behind. Both pains in my ass, if you know what I mean.”

“And your mom?” Asked quietly.

“She’s doing okay. Some days are better than others, you know? Today was a bad one, but Ranger’s watching her now and I’m here to ask you what I can get you.”

Even Mitch recognized obvious discomfort and evasion.

“I’ll have the cheeseburger.”

“And would you like a chocolate shake with that?”

Marnie’s cheeks pinkened. She cast surreptitious glances at her two tablemates. “Uh, sure. Thanks for reminding me.” She didn’t look grateful, but she seemed to have survived.

“I’m going with the BBQ chicken wrap. Fries, of course.” Loriana propped her elbows on the table and her chin on her hands, batting her eyelashes.

Sarabeth smiled. She turned to him. “And you?”

“Mitch is thinking about the Breakfast Skillet.”

“Oh, good choice. Hash browns?”

He nodded.

“Drinks?”

“I’ll have a root beer.” Mitch loved the tart taste.

“I’ll have an herbal tea.” Loriana tapped the table with her index finger.

Sarabeth scooped up the menus. “I’ll get those orders placed right away. Nice to meet you, Mitch. Hope you’ll make us a regular stop.” She headed back toward the kitchen, her ample hips swaying.

Loriana snagged his hand and squeezed. “I hope you don’t mind that I introduced you. Sarabeth likes to know everyone who comes in.”

“She’s young.” He kept his voice lower.

“She’s been working here a long time. Her mom used to, back in the day. The woman’s multiple sclerosis is too severe now for her to work. She gets a disability pension and monthly payments from the government for the two younger boys, but it’s not enough. Sarabeth started working here when she turned sixteen. At least she managed to finish high school.”

“Although she almost didn’t.” Marnie’s contribution. “She’s had a rough go. We’re hoping once the boys are older and settled that she’ll be able to go to college. Like online classes or something. Right now, she works all the time.”

“And Paul has behavioral issues—which just complicates life more for poor Sarabeth. How she copes, I’m not sure.”

“Whenever one of us comes here, we try to always sit in her section and leave a big tip.” Marnie blew at her ebony bangs. “I’d love to give her more money, but she’d never take it. She’s proud, you know? I understand pride, but I also believe it’s okay to ask for help.”

Loriana turned her attention to her co-worker. “And when was the last time you asked for help?”

Marnie sat a little straighter. “I’m self-sufficient.”

“You are.” Loriana picked at a chip in the table. “But it’s okay to ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness.”

“Which reminds me.” Mitch sensed Marnie’s disquiet and desperately wanted to draw Loriana’s attention away from the young woman. He glanced at Loriana—who still held his hand. “Thank you for giving Justin my number. I really appreciate it.”

“Oh, I’m so glad.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t normally just hand out people’s numbers, but I figured since it was your business line, you wouldn’t mind.”

“I didn’t mind. At all.”

Marnie cleared her throat.

Loriana flashed a grin. “Justin Bridges called me Saturday morning because his work computer crashed. He’s a level-headed guy, but I think he was panicked. I gave him Mitch’s number.”

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