Page 6 of Fifty

I glance back at Jimmy, feeling my eyes widen as I begin to wonder who this guy really is. Almost as if hearing my thoughts, Jimmy just shakes his head in return.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night,” a deep chuckle fills my ears as Shark offers one final promise before exiting the club.

Four

Fifty

“Good morning, boys,” Gloria’s cheerful voice welcomes us as we step inside the diner. I inhale deeply, letting the mouth-watering scent of bacon fill my nose and my stomach growls. It’s been a couple weeks since I stopped in at the diner, and I’m craving a decent breakfast after last night’s celebration.

“Go ahead and grab that empty booth before someone else snatches it up,” she offers and we move forward as a pack, sliding into the tight seats. I pull the menus out from behind the napkin holder and slap them down against the table. I don’t even need to look, I’m getting pancakes.

“That was some fuckin’ party last night. I’m glad Kane’s back, but he didn’t hang out for long. He disappeared after two drinks,” Billy practically vibrates beside me.

“Christ, kid. How much coffee have you had this morning?” Army grins across the table and a deep chuckle moves through my chest.

“You gotta remember that it was his first night back. Plus, I think he’s still working out all that shit that went down with Ayla. Just give Kane a minute, he’ll be back to his old self in no time,” I offer. But honestly, I’m not sure he will be, and I can’t tell these guys that.

I miss my best friend more than I’ll ever let on in front of this crew. After what he’s been through, I have no doubt that it’s going to take time for him to get his head straight again. But despite all that, I know Kane, and I know he’ll still handle club business as usual. He might not show up to party, but he’ll be there when we really need him.

“God damn, I’m fucking starving,” Drake growls as he continues to scour the menu, as if he doesn’t know it by heart. We’ve been coming to Gloria’s for years and the menu has never changed.

The kitchen door swings open, pulling my attention away from the surrounding idiocy. Gloria moves frantically back and forth behind the counter, but she catches my eye. She holds up a finger, letting me know that it’ll be another minute and I offer an easy nod in response. The door swings again, but this time Gloria’s newest waitress steps up beside her.

She’s young and sexy as hell, especially with her long brown hair pulled up in a messy bun. I thought I’d have a chance to chat her up the last time I was here, but somehow Sadie ended up waiting on me instead. I couldn’t tell at the time if it was Sadie’s doing or if the new girl took one look in my direction and asked Sadie to save her. Either way, I’m looking forward to finally getting the chance to get her name.

“Better decide quickly. I think Gloria’s on her way over,” I tell the boys as I slide my menu back behind the napkin holder.

“Doesn’t look like Gloria to me,” Army’s voice changes to his smooth pick-up tone and I lift my gaze to find the now softly flushed brunette moving towards us with a pot of coffee held tightly in her hand. I glance back at Gloria who tips her head in my direction and smiles.

“Would y’all like some coffee?” the softest voice I’ve ever heard asks as she steps up to the edge of the table.

“I’ll take some,” I reply, quickly holding out my mug so she can fill it. I watch my brothers do the same, and within seconds all four cups are full of hot steaming coffee.

“Are y’all ready to order, or do you need some more time?” her soft voice touches me again.

“We’re ready,” I answer, catching her eye for just a second before she flushes and turns towards Billy. He’s our youngest and newest member, and obviously the least intimidating of this group. I thought I was being pretty easy on her, but I guess this one needs a softer touch. I listen as all my brothers order before she finally turns back to me.

“And for you?” she questions without really looking at me.

“Tall stack of blueberry pancakes and a double side of bacon,” I tell her. “Oh, and I want real maple syrup, not that fake shit,” I add and she lets out a soft, unexpected laugh.

“Is my order amusing you?” I ask, glancing back up to find a bright smile shining back at me.

“Just a little,” she answers honestly.

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow, enjoying the fact that she’s finally relaxed a little.

“It’s just…I guess I just wasn’t expecting you to order blueberry pancakes,” she stumbles slightly over her words.

“Have you ever tried the blueberry pancakes here?” I ask and she shakes her head.

“Well, I’m willing to share, darlin’. I’ll let you have a bite of mine,” I grin back and my boys struggle to stifle their laughter as her creamy skin turns a fresh pink hue.

“I’ll go put your order in,” she turns quickly, practically sprinting towards the kitchen.

“Smooth. Real fucking smooth. She’s probably gonna spit in our food now or some shit,” Drake rolls his eyes and I let a deep chuckle spill past my lips.

“I’m just havin’ a little fun. And that one is so damn innocent; she’d never do shit. I’ll keep my mouth shut when she comes back, okay?” I offer.

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