Page 76 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

That voice.

I slowly turn back around, pushing past Riley.

Lydia Asher… in the flesh.

Her mouth drops open. “Margo.”

First thought? Horror.

Second thought? Nausea.

I guess those two kind of go hand in hand. And if we weren’t here for answers, well, I’d be out the door before she could say another word. Instead of running, I lock my muscles and really try to see her.

Because what happened to Caleb’s mom after her husband died?

Riley squints at me, then her. “You know Margo?”

“It’s been a while,” Lydia answers.

I can’t quite decide on her tone. It could be soft—it certainly sounds it. But there are blades that are so sharp, they slice without pain. Not until after. And maybe that’s her—honed too sharp by time and anger.

“Not long enough,” I find myself saying.

“Then why are you here?”

“Hold on,” Riley interrupts. “Huh?”

“Caleb’s mom. Lydia Asher.” I finally tear my eyes away from her and look around. The place is deserted. “Why do you work here?”

“Food tastes good” She picks up two menus from the host stand. “I assume you ladies are here to eat?”

“No—”

“Yes,” Riley says, smiling sweetly. “Can we have that corner booth?”

Lydia watches her for a beat, then nods. “Of course.”

She leads us down the aisle. It’s a long and narrow diner, with a bar and bolted-in stools on one side, and a row of booths against the windows. The booths wrap around and end at the kitchen doors. Behind the bar, there’s a window into the kitchen. It seems deserted back there, too.

“Busy day?” I run my hand over the counter.

I’ve never seen a restaurant so quiet.

“It picks up around brunch,” she murmurs. “Here you are. Water?”

“Yes, thanks,” Riley says, taking a seat.

Lydia hesitates next to me. “Why are you really here, Margo?”

I shrug. “Just hungry.”

“All the way in Beacon Hill?”

“We were in the neighborhood. And I guess we were just feeling… lucky.”

She narrows her eyes. “All right.”

I sit across from Riley once she goes.

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