Page 5 of Sugar Coated Lies
“I made the pie.”
“You did?” He blinks at me with that sore-looking eye.
I shrug. “I like making pies. My grandma and I used to—” I stop myself. This isn’t a regular customer, and the longer this guy stays, the more money I could lose. Who knows if Gary will decide to cut more of my pay?
I glance at the camera and speak in a low tone. “How long until the Uber arrives? Sometimes it takes them a while to get out here.”If they come at all.
“Not long.” He sips more coffee and keeps his head down, avoiding eye contact again. “Is there a reason why you’re in a hurry to get rid of me?”
I glance at the camera before answering. “We close at ten, so…”
He checks his fancy watch, seeing it’s 10:30 p.m. “Oh. Does your boss want to go home?”
“He wants you served and happy.”
“Well then.” He reaches into his back pocket. “Shit.”
Oh no.“What?”
“I lost my wallet.” He gives me a quick glance. “It must have fallen out in the car.”
I close my eyes for a moment and swallow the sigh of disappointment filling my throat. Instead of a great tip, now I get nothing.It’s fine. I’ve been through worse. I try for positive self-talk, but my stomach is too knotted with stress for me to believe my own words.
Headlights shine in our direction, and a car parks directly in front of the booth where this guy sits. “Your ride is here,” I push out through gritted teeth.
He studies me as if working something out in his head, his features twisting with a troubled expression. “I don’t typically leave without paying.”
“I don’t typically not get paid.” I shrug and give him a grin that says,it is what it is.
He lets out a sigh and stands, his tall form taking up more space than I remember.
I back up a few steps and shield my eyes from the blinding headlights.
“How about I owe you?” He flashes me a sexy smile that probably has girls dropping their panties.
“Don’t worry about it.” I wave away his offer, certain it’s not genuine. “You get home safe now.” I collect his coffee cup and the creamer and head for the kitchen.
Quickly, I wash the dishes and stack them where they belong, then I return to the front door and lock the bolt. Rain no longer sprinkles outside, and the parking lot is dark, empty of vehicles.
As soon as the bolt snaps, Gary’s voice sounds behind me. “Where’s Annabeth?
“I told her I’d stay to close so she could leave. Chuck called her. One of the kids is sick, I think,” I lie.
“Hmm.” His eye twitches. “I need you to cover for Shayla again tomorrow. She’s still sick.” Shayla is never sick, more like hung over.
“Sure.” I agree, because I need to make an extra fifty now. It’ll be a challenge. I have two assignments and a presentation due for class next week. I also work all weekend and promised Grandpa I’d take him to the park on Sunday. He loves watching the birds.
Even though it’s likely he’ll forget he asked to go and that I promised to take him, I can’t deny him the one thing, other than pie, that brings him true joy. Who knows how much longer I’ll have him for? Then it’ll just be me.Alone.
I gather my belongings, get out my keys, and walk to my Prius, which is parked at the back of the diner.
I bought the used car with the little cash Grandpa and I inherited after Grandma passed. My beater car died, so the timing was perfect. It killed me to fork over the seven grand, but Grandpa and I needed a reliable car for many reasons, one of being his medical appointments—he freaks out on the bus or when other people drive—and this car would save me on gas.
A note is tucked under the wiper blade.
You still owe me, B
I freeze and glance around. Is he here? No car is in sight. I thought he was done with his games. He hasn’t harassed me in three months.
