Page 19 of Betrayed

“Not quite yet,Branson.Ineed to stay here for a little while longer.”

“Stay where,Sir, ifImay be so bold as to inquire?” he asks.

“Er…let’s just say it’s a small town in theAppalachianMountains,”Itell him.

“And for how long will you be staying?” is his next question.

“I’m not quite sure,”Iconfess.

“MayIask what you’re doing there and if there is any wayIcan help,Sir?” he asks next.

I frown and bite the inside of my cheek.Ican hardly tell him that instead of going home to run my multinational corporation,Ijust accepted a job washing dishes and bussing tables.AllsoIcould be with a girl whoI’vefooled into thinkingI’mher big brother.Bransonis a great guy, but he’s also kind of uptight.Hewouldn’t understand.

“It’s just…unfinished business,”Isay at last. “Ithas to do with the guy who was my cellmate.”

“Ah,Isee,” he says in a tone that indicates he doesn’t see at all. “Nothingtoo dangerous,Ihope?” he adds anxiously.

“Not dangerous at all,”Iassure him. “I’mperfectly safe, this business is just taking a little longer thanIthought to wrap up.Iknow you’ve been watching over things for three long years, but can you keep it up just a little while longer?”

Branson doesn’t hesitate.

“Of course,Sir.Youcan rely on me.”

“Good man.IknowIcan.YouknowI’mgrateful,Branson.”

“Just doing my job,Sir.”Buthis voice is warm. “Pleasebe safe and keep me informed soIcan have things ready when you finally come home.”

“I will,”Ipromise. “Ihave to go now butI’lltry to touch base every other day or so.”

“Very well,Sir.Farewellfor now, then.”

Branson hangs up and so doI.It’stime to get into my new job—oneInever thoughtI’dbe doing and probably would have turned my nose up at in my past life.Butprison taught me something—I’mnot too good for manual labor and even the lowest job is worth doing well.

It humbled me, but in a good way.Iwas kind of an entitled shit before—born with a silver spoon in my mouth and all that.It’samazing how being forced to live in a bare-bones cell and eat slop three meals a day will bring you down toEarthand let you know you’re not any better than anyone else.

The first half of the day goes smoothly.Thebreakfast crowd comes in andThePieShopis hopping.SingingRockmight be small, but it turns out people come from miles around to eat here.

Cookie makes excellent diner food—Ican attest to that—but most of the people come in forSunny’spies.I’msurprised at how many of them order a slice for breakfast and they’re eager to know what the special of the day is.Whichis her “DoMeDirtyPie”—a kind of chocolateKahluapraline pie that’s fucking delicious.

The regulars all knowSunnyas “the pie lady” and they give her compliments that make her blush and smile.Ican’t help watching her asIbuss the empty tables.Herhappiness is so pure it’s infectious.Oftena customer will walk in with a frown on their face but the minute they start interacting withSunny, they start to smile.It’slike her good mood is catching in the best way.

I knowIcertainly catch it—Ifind myself smiling even asIspray off the dirty dishes and run them through the washer.I’mthinking of going shopping with her later on that day and then spending time with her alone.NotthatIexpect anything to happen—it absolutely won’t,Itell myself sternly.ButIlove the idea of just being with her and hearing her bubbly laugh and looking into her gorgeous amber eyes.

It seems like my first day of work atThePieShopis going to go just perfect…until everything goes to shit.

14

SUNNY

Annabelle comes in around noon andKaneandItake a break and eat a quick lunch thatCookiemade us.Chefsalad with plenty of ranch dressing for me—(he knows it’s my favorite and he’s returning the favor for the honey buns)—andSalisburysteak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a yeast roll forKane.

We sit at the tiny table at the very back of the restaurant—the one that has a permanent, “reserved forStaff” sign on it.Nomatter how busy we get,Cookiekeeps that one free for his people.Hedoesn’t believe in letting us get run off our feet.That’sone reasonAnnabelleandIhave stayed with him so long.He’sgrumpy and crusty on the outside, but inside he’s a big softy.

Speaking ofAnnabelle, her eyes get wide when she sees my brother.

“Pleased to meet you—Sunny’stold me so much about you,” she says, holding out her hand.

Kane shakes and smiles politely.

---