Of course she did. The entire town probably had a late-night discussion over wine about this. I feared what crazy truths the rumor mills had spun from what hadactuallyhappened.
Sunday morning brunch descended on us like a planned ritual. The weather was nice outside, so our outdoor tables were completely full too. Becca had offered to take care of those, which I was thankful for.
Atlas was convinced the stalker would lie low today since Clay and the other officers were actively looking for him based on Atlas’ description. Still, I didn’t like the thought of Atlas being outside, out in the open, and where I couldn’t see him from the kitchen.
I focused on tickets, often making multiple orders at once. Atlas tried to add another ticket, but the ticket holder was filled to the brim. He placed the newest order face down on the service window instead and made his way into the kitchen to help me.
With him here, I could focus on cooking the actual food, while he brought me ingredients and plated everything. We managed to take care of half the orders before Atlas returned out front to help Becca.
He was doing more than he was getting paid for, which was why I’d wanted to raise his salary last month,but he’d refused, saying he’d rather I hire someone else. Atlas was always doing things that were beyond my expectations.
Becca’s booming shout from the front had me looking through the service window. It wasn’t like her to get angry enough with a customer to yell this loudly. Everyone was staring her way.
Atlas was by her side with fists clenched and tense shoulders. He looked pissed, and there wasn’t much that made him mad—the stalker situation aside.
I turned off the burner to head out front to see what was going on. As soon as I crossed the swinging door, I heard chatting. I paused in the corner right outside the door, so I was blocked from seeing the dining area.
“Well, it’s true. There was a gun there. I mean, can we even be surprised at this point? He did assault an officer, after all. And the rumors before that never shone him in any good light either.”
The male voice wasn’t one I recognized. Neither were the others that quickly agreed with this statement.
“It wasn’t even a real gun. And it had nothing to do with Hector,” Becca argued.
“Even still. It doesn’t change the fact that nothing good comes with associating yourself with him. Look at the situation poor Atlas is in now,” the same voice from earlier said.
“This had nothing to do with Hector. If anything, he’s helpingme.” I could hear the strain in Atlas’ voice.
“Poor child. He’s got you brainwashed, just like hedid Angelina. That poor girl had to leave town to escape from him.”
My fingers clenched. I should be used to this already. The townsfolk of Kither Springs never had anything good to say about me before, so why should it be different now?
Yet it didn’t sting any less. I’d gotten hopeful. Seeing people regularly visit my diner foolishly had me hoping they’d accepted me as well.
I could hear Atlas trying to argue, but it was clear his words were falling on deaf ears. I turned the corner, ready to settle this matter, even if I had to become their rumors and chase them out with fear.
The loud bang of hands on a table quieted the entire room. “I’ve had just about enough of this!” a woman’s voice sounded.
Entering the dining area, I could see Mae standing. Her gray-blonde twin braids bounced with the force of the action. She turned her head toward another group of diners and shot daggers their way. I assumed they were the ones who were shit-talking me. They were a group of older faces I’d seen around town, but I hadn’t interacted much with them otherwise.
“You should be ashamed of yourselves. Coming into a man’s place of work and saying all those terrible things when he isn’t even here to defend himself. I know two-year-olds with more manners,” Mae said, filling each of her words with contempt.
Mae was the town’s biggest gossip, but she wasn’tthe type of person to spread rumors that would hurt anyone. I wasn’t saying there were good types of gossip, but she at least had morals. Still, I was surprised to see her standing up for me. She was a regular at the diner, but the two of us didn’t really have a close relationship.
“That’s right. Youshouldbe ashamed. Hector is a good man. He’s done more to help the people of Kither Springs than you lot have combined.” This time, it was Russell Monroe who stood up to yell at the table of offenders.
He was sitting with his family. His granddaughter, Lana, was holding a fussy Junior, and Sam was sitting across from them.
In the table behind them, Ryker was sitting right behind Sam. Ryan, Jones, Clay, Dan, Jordan, and Wren. All of them were glaring while in a half-standing position, as if they were ready to strike if needed.
“Hector is a good man. The very best, in fact,” Atlas said with his arms crossed. “And if you lot are too dull to get that into your head, then you have no business being here. In fact, I’m refusing you service. Get out.”
“Who do you think you are? You can’t do that!”
“And yet I am. In fact, all four of you are officially blacklisted. You’re not welcome here.”
“Why you?—”
“Didn’t you hear what he said?” I came up beside Atlas. He was surprised to see me, and quickly took my hand in his. I turned back to the group of four. “Get out.”
