“You haven’t stopped smiling.”
I try to frown but it’s nearly impossible. She’s right. My locker slams shut as I palm it closed, stuffing my notepad inside my front pocket. “It’s nothing.”
“Yeah, okay, liar. What happened? Does it have anything to do with that ridiculously hot biker guy?”
I contemplate lying but what’s the point? My feelings for Liem are written all over my face. “I am so screwed, aren’t I?”
She smirks. “Oh, yeah. Unless you’vealreadybeen screwed.” She giggles and heat floods my cheeks.
“It’s not really like that. I mean, do I think he’s stupidly hot in all the ways a guy can be? Yes, but…” With a sigh, I finish tying my hair up then lean back against the cold locker.
“But what?” Lydia joins me, our arms touching.
“I don’t think it’ll ever be anything. He’s far too hurt. And I’m pretty sure he’s still in love.”
“Ouch. What’s he doing following you around like a lost puppy then?”
I look over at her concerned eyes. “She’s dead.” Saying that aloud stings immensely. Only meeting her once, a very long time ago, she’s still been a part of me this entire time. An invisible thread connecting me to Liem.
“Oh shit.” Her tone dips into sorrow. “That’s really sad. What happened?”
“I don’t know. He hasn’t told me that part. Only that she passed away and he’s a broken mess.”
I’m not exactly whole either.
“Well, even so, he seems to be pretty infatuated by you.”
The door to the back opens, and our boss stands there, shooting us both a scowling look. “What am I paying you two for? Clock in already, it’s a madhouse out there.” Eric gives me a once over before leaving with a stomp to his step.
Lydia rolls her eyes. “Talk about needing laid.” She pushes from the wall. “See you up there.”
I lay my head back, feeling the cold, steel surface, and sigh with heaviness. I really do have it bad.
After setting down my table’s drink order the little bell jingles and Tequila walks in with Throttle hot on her heels. I grin like an idiot and meet her by the front counter.
“We hope this is okay. But I’m starving and wanted to come see you.”
“Are you kidding? It’s always nice to see friendly faces. Tonight, I swear the diner is full of pervs and big ol’ asstwats.”
Tequila giggles but Throttle steps up. “You good? Need me to punch anyone in the face?”
“No. It was Lydia who got her ass groped but Thomas took care of that.”
“Your boss is okay with his employees getting handled like that?” Tequila looks disgusted and I can’t blame her.
This place is becoming more like a strip club than a diner.
“Unfortunately, he’s more worried about losing business than taking care of us.”
“That’s shitty,” Throttle practically growls.
“It is. But just how the game works. Come on, I’ll get you a window booth.”
I can sense their wheels turning as I show them to their table, but I force a smile, pretending like this place doesn’t make me want to violently throw up.
Throttle straightens his leather. “Why work here if that’s how you’re treated?”
“Throttle!” Tequila bites out, then apologizes to me. “Sorry he doesn’t understand not everyone earns a salary on ridding the city of crime,” she grinds out quietly. “Not everyone can play Batman.”
