“Extra fries today.”
“You got it. Be back with the drinks.”
Rebel checked his phone. Too many work emails to count, so he jumped to his personal account. Several from his hotel staff, nothing from his nightclub. He’d deal with everything later.
Next, he checked his texts. One from his sister, another from his mom.
“Hey, bro,” his sister texted. “We’re thinking of doing a family fun day this weekend. Can you do Sat or Sun?”
“Sun,” he replied. “You want me to pick something up?”
“Jericho Road would be great,” his sister replied. “Your condo or my house?”
“Yours,” Rebel replied.
He jumped over to read his mom’s text. “Are you back in town?”
His mom worried, and with good reason.
“Just got back,” he replied. “You at work?”
No dots appeared, but Rebel hadn’t expected she’d reply. In addition to being a high school principal, she was constantly on the go. While she was high energy, he knew that if she slowed long enough, the loneliness would creep back in.
Rudy returned with Rebel’s drinks. “Food’ll be out shortly.”
As soon as Rudy left, the woman seated with the ATF agent loomed into view.
Stopping at his table, she smiled. “Hi. We were just leaving. I had to tell you that your hair is gorgeous.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you seeing someone?”
“I’m single,” he replied.
Her lips tugged up and color flooded her cheeks. After fishing a business card from her handbag, she set it down. “Coffee sometime, maybe? The ink on my divorce isn’t dry yet, so no worries about?—”
“My sched is pretty tight, but I’ll keep you in mind.”
The ATF agent moseyed over. “I’m gonna take off.”
“I can catch up with you,” she said.
“Now’s not the best time,” Rebel replied.
“Of course.” She left with the agent.
Dodged that one.
Rudy appeared with his burger and extra fries. “I wish I had a private room for my special customers.”
“It’s all good, my man,” Rebel replied. “She was just being friendly.”
Rudy laughed. “Is that what you’re calling it these days?”
“Whatever it was, I’m not interested.” Rebel opened the ketchup and poured some over his fries.
On a chuckle, Rudy left.
