“Look at you two gossiping like teenaged girls.” Allie topped off their drinks.
“You need to pay attention to the world, Allie,” admonished Freddie. “It pays to keep up.”
“Yeah, because what happens in some actor’s personal life is going to affect me.” Allie put their check on the table.
John shook his head. “You’re a sweet girl—those guys would be lucky to buy you dinner.”
Allie laughed. “It’s a lunch and it’s not going to happen. My galaxy and their galaxies are in two different dimensions.”
“Never say never, darlin’,” added Selina.
Allie shook her head. “I’m not lucky in love or money. Besides, I’ve already married and actor and look how that turned out.”
“Reed isn’t an actor, he’s a con artist.”
“Same thing.” Allie got a laugh out of the group which caught Will’s attention.
He glared over his bifocals “Just the food, Allie—these folks didn’t come in for a show too.”
“We’ll be praying for ya, Allie,” John said quietly behind his cup. “Thanks.” She smiled. That was sweet, but in her experience, God didn’t put much stock in luck.
CHAPTER TWO
Allie placed a fresh piece of pecan pie in front of Jack. Jack was a regular who said he hated to cook, but Allie suspected he just didn’t like eating alone. “You sure you don’t want ice cream on that?”
Jack lifted his faded, gray-eyed gaze in her direction. “Wish I could, sweetie, but the doctor says I have to cut back if I want to live to see my grandchildren graduate from high school.”
“Then I won’t tempt you again.” She patted his back before making her way behind the counter to clean up the crumpled napkins. Selina sat down at the counter with a cup of coffee she’d retrieved for herself. Her gray-blond hair was down today, hanging just past her shoulders, and she wore a pair of tight jeans.
Allie hoped that when she was a mom she’d be just as stylin’. Selina had come in to pick up her check and decided to stay and chat. Her son met with a group at Aaron’s Home for Autistic Children on Fridays, so Selina had some time to herself.
“How’s the hip?” Selina asked Jack.
“Not so bad this time of year. Winter can be painful.”
“My neighbor has arthritis in her knee. You’re supposed to walk to keep limber.”
The bell over the door chimed, and Allie looked up to greet the new customer.
“Welcome back,” Allie said with a smile. Two weeks had passed since the cops had stopped in for a quick meal, and while things hadn’t improved in her life, they hadn’t gotten worse. She was calling that a win. Besides, William, her miserly boss, was off having a root canal. He may return
grumpier than a plucked goose, but his temporary absence lightened the whole restaurant.
George stuck out his chin. “I’ve come to make your day.” “Oh? You gonna order the meatball sandwich again? I’d sure like to see someone actually eat one of those.” She winked at Jack, who listened in. “Gosh no.” He placed one hand on his stomach as if a phantom pain had erupted in his gut.
Allie hid her smile. The meatball sandwich had that effect on everyone. She’d tried to warn him …
“I came back because we won!” George threw his arms in the air. His excitement was lost on this small crowed. Friday morning shifts were notoriously slow.
“Won what?” Allie swiped a cleaning rag across a booth.
“The lottery! Pizza with Anthony Green and a night at the Ritz.” “Um, wow.” The name was familiar … “When is it?”
“Next Friday.”
Allie shrugged, not really feeling all that disappointed at missing out. “That’s my regular shift. Sorry.”
“Isn’t that the night your building’s being fumigated?” asked Selina. Allie groaned. The whole building was clearing out. A decrease in the number of silverfish bugs she had to kill before going to bed would be a blessing, but she’d be homeless for twenty-four hours. Finding a cheap place to stay was a challenge.
