Chapter 10
Baddy pulled into thelot of the diner at the end of the street from the clubhouse.The morning sun had barely warmed the air yet.Lydia climbed off the Harley and shoved her hands into the sleeves of the leather jacket.She looked small but braced for whatever hit came next.
He pushed open the diner's door, the bell above chiming.The smell of bacon, coffee, and fryer oil greeted him.Patty stood behind the counter, hair piled high, lipstick bright enough to stop traffic.
"Morning, Baddy," she called, wiping her hands on her apron."Are you up early, or did you not go to bed last night?"
"Slept like a baby," he said."Got someone for you to meet."
Patty's eyes flicked to Lydia, taking her in from head to toe in one sharp sweep."Well, aren't you a little thing?"
Lydia stiffened beside him.Who was this woman to Baddy?
"Patty," Baddy said, "this is Lydia.She's looking for a job."
Patty raised a brow."Is she now?"
"Yeah," he said."And I'm starving.You got coffee?And any apple pie left from last night?"
Patty snorted."For you, baby?Always."She grabbed a mug and filled it, sliding it across the counter."I'll have DeeDee bring you a slice while I talk with your friend."
Baddy took the coffee and moved to the bar stools, settling in with a clear view of the booth Patty guided Lydia toward.He didn't bother pretending he wasn't listening.Patty didn't care, and Lydia didn't notice.She was too focused on answering questions like her life depended on it.
And to her, maybe it did.
She couldn't stay with him.He'd gotten her away from Cusclan.Now she had a chance at a better life.
He sipped his coffee and listened.
Patty asked about experience.Lydia told her about the restaurant she'd worked at.He hid his reaction to the long hours, double shifts, and how she must've learned to smile even when her feet were bleeding.She talked about memorizing orders, handling bad business, and dealing with customers who thought a waitress was part of the menu.
Throughout the interview, she never complained or whined about her last job.She stated the facts, and Patty seemed to admire her for it.
He'd discovered that she hid her fears well.For her age, that was admirable, but also told him what kind of childhood she had.
"You work hard for tips?"Patty asked bluntly.
Lydia never hesitated."Yes, ma'am."
