Chapter 1
Felicity
One Year Ago
Theheavydarknessoutsideis still evident through the broken slats on the blinds. It feels like my alarm has barely gone off, yelling its own annoying version of ‘good morning’ to me. Stretching myself awake, I sleepily stumble through my morning routine of shower throwing on clothes, and grabbing a quick coffee. Not wanting to be late, I reluctantly grab my shoes and haul my bookbag—stuffed with textbooks for school—and my gym bag, carrying a change of clothes and heading out the door.
“Aghhh, I wish I could crawl back into bed,” I mumble under my breath.
I’m wearing my favorite pair of worn jeans that go perfectly with the fitted v-neck shirt emblazoned with the Hank’s Burgers and Fries logo that I wear for work. My eyes lock on my emeraldgreen Converse as I take my first step off the porch into the chilly early morning air.
Gazing out onto the overgrown yard, I can’t help but frown at the wild tangle of grass and weeds that have taken over. Our once pristine home has turned into the cliche house in a horror movie that the killer always hunts his victims in.
“I’ll have to find time to mow this disaster.” I mutter to myself, already mentally scheduling it between extra shifts and studying. I trudge over to my beat-up silver Toyota Corolla parked on the cracked driveway. As I slide into the driver’s seat, I close my eyes for a moment and pray the car will start on the first try. With a reluctant groan, the engine sputters awake, and I let out a silent thank you to whatever being deemed me worthy of a little grace today.
My drive to the diner is quiet as my mind races with thoughts; each of them, a battle for me to overcome. I’m barely twenty, yet I carry the weight of my mother’s struggles—her job loss after eighteen grueling years cleaning for the Carmichaels, only to be dumped without notice or severance, and blacklisted, leaving her no choice but to take whatever came her way.
Why you ask? All because my mom was foolish enough to fall for Mr. Carmichael’s charm. The fucking snake. He knew exactly what he was doing, and how easily he could enamor my mom. And when he was caught, he abandoned her, making her out to be the evil temptress.
Thankfully, I was able to get extra shifts at the diner to pay the tuition that my mother had been covering with her income. It also helps that the school allows me to make installments on the balance. The remaining money I make after that goes to our bills. My days are spent pushing myself beyond exhaustion, all for the promise of a bachelor’s degree and a future I could shape for myself. Two years left, and that’s all.
Pulling into the parking lot, I take my normal spot in the back, close to the door, and underneath a streetlight. Can never be too careful. I can’t recall how many nights I’ve woken in a sweat because I had a nightmare about being kidnapped or raped during one of my late night or early morning shifts. I shake off the thought and turn off the car, silently praying that when I come back out, it starts just as easily.
In the diner, the fluorescent lights are already on, casting a pale glow over worn booths and chipped counters. The smell of maple syrup and cinnamon fill the air, and my mouth is already watering, imagining taking a bite of our signature french toast. There’s already a few of our regulars seated around the room, some with food in front of them, while others are still waiting.
“Hey girl,” Katherine, one of the older waitresses, calls to me as I make my way behind the counter. She is a fixture here in the diner. When she takes time off, the regulars ask after her. As much as I love her, I don’t want to be her.
“Hi,” I head to the back, putting my purse and jacket into my locker, taking out my apron and order pad. When Hank Jr. took over the diner, he kept everything the same as his father had, including making sure he didn’t upgrade to an electronic order system. While it’s great for nostalgia, not so much for efficiency. It was a huge bonus that we can accept credit cards, but then again, that brings in money.
When I step back out to the counter, she’s standing there, talking to one of the older men who has frequented the diner since his wife’s passing. “Good morning Mr. Jenkins. How’s your cat? Cooper, isn’t it?”
“He’s doing good. Thinks he’s the king of the house and I’m his damn butler. But my sweet Myrtle made him that way, spoiled the shit out of him.” I can see the tears in his eyes as he talks about her.
“It’s a little piece of her with you then,” I add quickly.
“Yeah, I like that, Felicity.” He pauses for a minute, picking up his cup of coffee, hands trembling, causing some of the liquid to spill over the side, and takes a sip. “You’re getting thin and looking ragged. You’re going to put yourself in an early grave if you keep going like you are. Now it ain’t none of my business, but someone needs to look out for you. If you need any–”
“I’m fine, Mr. Jenkins. Really. It’s just temporary while my mom gets back on her feet.” At least I hope it is; but it’s already been three months, and it doesn’t look like things are changing anytime soon.
Thankfully, I’m saved from any further inquisition as the door opens and two truck drivers come inside and head right for my section. Saved by the bell. Hopefully, this will be a chance to make some money. Well, that is, if they’re decent tippers. I take a deep breath, put on my best smile and wander over there to get them sorted out.
Around nine—just an hour before my shift is going to end—I spot two of my regulars settling into their usual table. A warm smile tugs at my lips despite my tired eyes as I make my way over with menus in hand.
“Hello, Mr. Matthews,” I say sweetly as I hand him the menu, trying my hardest to mask the exhaustion that’s already taken over this early in the day.
“Felicity, how many times have I told you to call me Chad?” he glares at me but I can see the twinkle of playfulness in his eyes, as he teases me affectionately.
I feel the heat rise in my cheeks as they burn with embarrassment. “Don't even think of calling me Mrs.,” Lorna snaps playfully at me.
“I'd never, Lorna—I think the last time I did, I just about crapped my pants when you corrected me.”
We all share a laugh that lightens the mood, if only for a moment. “Just the two of you this morning?” I ask, glancing between them.
“Yes,” they say in unison.
“Lorna and I had some work to discuss about a future project, so Nic and Carla are getting the kiddos ready for school and daycare before they head out to work.”
“The guys have practice which they know they can’t miss. Sleeping with the owner gets them no favoritism. And Kylo is sound asleep after a late-night session,” Lorna announces smugly and I just shake my head.
