I was way too jumpy, but I had reason to be.
I took a moment to look around before heading to a booth toward the back near the bathrooms. It was close enough that if my father or one of his goons showed up, Tommy and I could easily slip into the restroom.
"Take a seat anywhere," a voice called out from the back. "I'll be with you in a minute."
"Thank you," I called back.
I sat down in the bench facing the front door. I wanted to be able to see anyone coming or going. As carefully as I could, I laid Tommy down on the bench then slid my bag off my back and onto the floor. I flipped my coffee cup over, knowing I was going to need the caffeine. Tommy could have juice once he woke up.
God, I was so tired. I just wanted to close my eyes for two seconds, but I couldn't. Even though we were in neutral territory, we still weren't safe. I was beginning to wonder if we would ever be safe.
I swallowed tightly and sat up straight when the door to the kitchen swung up and an older man in an apron walked in. He grabbed the coffee pot and a menu before walking over to my table.
"Good morning." The man smiled. "Coffee?"
"Please."
I took a discreet sniff when the man leaned over and poured my coffee.
Human.
"Do you have a child's menu?" I asked.
"Child?"
I leaned back and gestured to where Tommy lay sleeping.
"Oh." The man's smile grew wider. "Yes, we have a child's menu that he—" He paused for a moment and peered closer. "It is a he?"
"Yes, my son."
"Ah, well, we have a menu that he can color on once you're done with him. Would he like that? I have a cup of crayons."
"That would be wonderful, thank you."
I liked this guy.
"I'll be right back with his menu and some crayons. Do you think he'd like some hot chocolate to warm up?"
"Yes, please, but not too hot."
"No, no, we have a special blend just for little guys like him. It comes with a swirly straw and mini marshmallows."
"He'll love that. Thank you."
Once the man walked away, I took a sip of the coffee then glanced down at my menu. I didn't want to spend a lot of money simply because I didn't have a lot. I glanced around until I found something cheap but filling. Basic pancakes and eggs. I didn't eat meat, so that made the choice pretty simple.
Yeah, I know, a shifter who didn't eat meat. I was just always afraid I'd eat someone I knew. Granted, I didn't think there were cow shifters or pig shifters, but what did I know? There could be. I wasn't taking any chances.
"Here you go."
A cup of hot chocolate, a cup of crayons, and a menu were set down on the table.
"Do you know what you want?"
"I'll have pancakes and eggs, same for Tommy, only the kid's portion."
"Juice?"
