Page 2 of Orc Charming

“Hey, you didn’t tell me about that special,” Joe griped, glaring at his almost-empty plate. “How come he rates?”

“Because he’s cute.” I flashed Deegar another grin. Truly, it felt good to smile. I’d wallowed in sadness since Mom died.

His golden eyes lit up, and my suspicion was confirmed when I spied relief in his gaze. “Seriously?”

I leaned across the counter and lowered my voice as if I was sharing a big secret. “It’s just my way of giving back. Consider it a special deal for a new guy in town.”

“You’re right. I arrived not long ago. I’m here . . .” He cleared his throat, and his gaze dropped to his coffee. “I’m new.”

We all knew what it was like to hit rock bottom. Maybe in addition to being new to the area, he didn’t have a place to stay.

“The special includes two eggs any way you like them, bacon, hash browns, and either toast or pancakes. Everything’s made fresh to order.”

“I haven’t tried pancakes,” he said.

“We use my mom’s special recipe.” Made with a dash of vanilla.

“Sounds good. Eggs scrambled, then.”

I noted four eggs on his order. He was a big, muscular guy.

His gaze scanned the small diner with glass walls making up the front. In the distance, the ocean sparkled. A few customers sat on the tiny deck beneath umbrellas, savoring the view. “You’ve got an amazing location here.”

“Thanks. The diner belonged to my mom, though I worked here with her from the time I was sixteen.” My smile faded. “She died a year ago of an aneurysm. It happened fast.” Too fast. There’d been no time to say goodbye.

“I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.” My throat tight, I turned to place his order and continue serving my customers. The diner was open for breakfast and lunch Saturday through Wednesday, and I was the only server. When it was me, Mom, and Wilfred, we got by, but lately, I’d begun to think I needed to hire someone. I could only do two jobs for so long.

Wilfred completed Deegar’s order, and I set it in front of him.

He gazed at it with appreciation. “It smells wonderful.”

“Rumbling belly?” I nudged the syrup and bowl of butter packets his way.

“I’m famished. I feel like I haven’t eaten in weeks.”

So hewashaving a hard time.

While he dug in, I refilled his coffee. I rang up Marge and Dr. Yang, giving them both kisses on the cheek. Even Joe, who was still grumbling, got a hug. All of them were like parents to me now, and I couldn’t imagine how I would’ve gotten by over the past year without their friendship.

The diner slowly cleared out until it was just me, Wilfred cleaning the grill, and Deegar. I bustled around, rolling silverware in cloth napkins and refilling the mustard and ketchup, prepping for the lunch crowd.

As I washed the menus, Deegar pushed his empty plate aside. “That was fantastic. I can’t remember when I’ve eaten so well.”

He reached into his pocket—

I shook my head and leaned close to him again. There was no one else who would hear, but I liked being near him. He smelled good, like a spice you would dab behind your ears. Or roll in. “Your breakfast today is on me. Consider it a gift from a friend.”

“That’s sweet of you. Thanks. I . . . I need to remember to carry cash.”

“Many use cards. Have you set that up yet?”

All the orcs emerged from the mountain with bags of gold and jewels, making them incredibly wealthy—once they’d found the right buyers for their earthly treasure.

Deegar said he was new. He may not have had a chance to trade his in for cash.

“I haven’t. I got here and well,” He frowned, “I guess you could say I ran away.”

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