A fake smile slides back into place as he turns to leave. “You’ll change your mind.”
His words seem to hang in the air. Camille looks up at me when I take a deep breath and blow it out through my lips. It’s silent for a moment until our eyes meet and she says, “What a little bitch.”
The snort I let out echoes around the room and we break into laughter. I grab my iced coffee and join her at the table. “Thanks for coming in here.”
She nods and sits back in her seat. “I don’t think he’s giving up. I’d heard of the Mathesons, but I didn’t realize they held that much power here.”
Camille lives in a neighboring county. “His dad is the judge executive, the police chief is his uncle, and his cousin is the mayor. They get away with a lot of shit.”
“Are you worried they’ll get violent?”
“They haven’t before. Not as far as I know anyway. I’m more concerned they’ll try to get me shut down somehow.”
“We got an A rating from the health department. You haveall the permits for the new addition, and you’ve had the fire marshal in to adjust our capacity. You’ve done what you can do there. I think you should consider getting some cameras. In case they try to sabotage you by releasing a bunch of roaches or mice or something after closing time.”
“That does sound like something those idiots would try. Installing cameras or some sort of security system is on my list. Mom didn’t like the idea of cameras, but the diner was never empty for more than an hour back then because we had an overnight shift.” I grin at Camille. “Are you sorry you took this job yet?”
“Hell no. I’m not scared of some backwoods bullies.”
“They may drop it now that they know no amount of money will change my mind. I’m not sure what Mom did or said to get them to leave her alone, but I know they gave up. They will again.”
Camille nods and gives me a pointed look. “I didn’t know your mom, but I know she’d be proud of you for telling them to fuck off.”
“Yeah, she would.”
“And if things escalate to them targeting you, you could always involve the press. Or social media. I know the good old boys club will cover for their own, but the court of public opinion can be useful. If it comes to that.”
“It’s definitely an option.”
CHAPTER 5
LEE
Runninginto Silver’s bedroom to find her surrounded by flames was the most terrifying moment of my life. And I’ve seen some shit. The smoke was so thick I couldn’t tell if she was dead or alive when I picked her up. Her choking cough was a relief. It’s a miracle she didn’t have any lung damage or burns. If I’d been even thirty seconds later…I can’t even think about it.
Calli has been a mess too, at the thought of how close she came to losing her best friend. She called earlier to talk to me about putting Silver in one of my cabins since it looks like insurance is going to delay any payments. A hotel would get expensive fast, and places to rent in town are few and far between.
The temptation to throw someone out on their ass to give their cabin to her is strong, but I can’t. If they’d been normalvacationers, I would have. But they’re struggling people who have already lost one home and are looking for another.
“You’re staying with me,” I inform Silver, as she sits across from me in the living room and fills me in on the insurance problem that Calli has already told me about.
“Just for a week or so,” she replies with a nod. “If you can spare your guest room. They should have to pay for a hotel by then.”
“Not just for a week. I would’ve put you in one of my cabins if I had one empty, but they’re filled until March. Stay here until you find a permanent place, or until March, then take a cabin. You can save your money to rebuild and to replace your things.”
She chews on her bottom lip as she thinks about it. “Why do you want me to stay? I know we slept together once and would’ve again but that doesn’t mean?—”
Of course she’s suspicious of my motives. Plenty of men would use a woman’s misfortune against them to get what they want. “I’m not trying to sleep with you again. I’m sure it’s the last thing on your mind.”
Her body relaxes a little and she gives a dry chuckle. “Homelessness and financial ruin does tend to kill the mood.” Curious eyes land on mine. “Then why are you so set on me staying here?”
I know she has other options even if they aren’t great ones. She could go to one of her brothers, or Calli and Arlow’s place even though it’s crowded. The truth is, I can’t explain it. All I know is that since I carried her from thathouse, I need to know she’s okay. And that means I need her to be close by. For the first two nights, when she was still in danger of a reaction to the smoke inhalation, that meant in my bed. If she prefers the guest room now, that’s fine, as long as I know she’s nearby and safe. It’s not like I can tell her that. She might think it means more than it does. Anyone would be worried after seeing a friend almost die.
“Because you’re my friend.” I hold my hands up. “But it’s up to you. You can take the guest room, or you can go to a hotel for about ten minutes, get carried back here over my shoulder, and then stay in the guest room.”
She bites back a smile. “Fine. I choose the guest room. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
