Page 63 of Cinder
Mrs. V. feigns surprise at Mr. Peters’s arrival. “Good morning, Luther.”
And she clearly feels the same way.
He gives her a big smile. “How are you, Val? Looking lovely as always.”
“Oh, you old flirt, I look a wreck.”
“You could never look a wreck. Not someone as lovely as you.”
I walk away to give them some privacy.
A small grin on my lips.
Maybe tomorrow, I won’t have to peel as many potatoes.
Just before my shift ends,I’m wiping down the long counter when an older lady with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes appears in front of me.
She gives me a warm smile. “So you’re the new girl.”
“That’d be me,” I say with a bright smile. “I’m Ella.”
“Nice to meet you, Ella, I’m Demri.” She smiles as she leans against the counter. “I’m actually here to ask a favor.”
“Sure, how can I help?”
“I look after the clubhouse bar, and one of the girls I had rostered on has called in sick. Usually I would battle on without her, but it’s Opie’s birthday celebrations, and I’d prefer some help if you’re up to it. How are you at flipping beer tops and pouring whiskey?”
I’ve never flipped a beer top or poured a whiskey in my life.
But this will be a good opportunity for me to gain some trust, maybe overhear something that could be useful. I might even get a chance to sneak into the library.
“I’m your girl,” I say with way more confidence than I have.
I’ll have to clear it with Luca, and the thought twists in my gut like a knife because he likes to make me jump through hoops any chance he can get.
“You’re a sweetheart, thank you. Meet me in the bar when you’re done here, okay?”
When she leaves the kitchen, I text Luca and let him know I won’t be home in time for curfew. I chew a nail waiting for his reply, because if he says no then I don’t know how I’ll get out of it with Demri. I don’t know her, and I don’t owe her anything, but the idea of letting her down feels lousy.
Thankfully Luca is quick to text back.
Keep your eyes and ears open. You need to give me something to give to Viktor.
Which is going to be a problem, because no one says anything while I’m around.
My phone pings with another text.
And you are to be back at the motel no later than midnight.
Knowing I have to keep Luca thinking he is in control, I text back.
Of course.
Then I shove my phone back into my pocket and finish tidying up so I can meet Demri in the bar.
CHAPTER 29
Ella
