“Amy, you got customers waiting,” Joe, her boss, yelled at her from the back of the diner.
It wasn’t about Gabe anymore. He was a paying customer, and she needed money. A couple of thousand according to every attorney in Seawell. She took a deep breath. This is for Angel.
“Welcome to Joe’s Diner. How can I help you?” She put on her best smile.
He looked at his menu. Why did he need one in the first place? He ordered the same thing every time. Three eggs over easy, bacon and raisin toast. Coffee with sugar and a glass of orange juice when he ate breakfast. For lunch, a turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese sandwich, an order of fries and a side of coleslaw with a vanilla cola.
He looked up and his eyes lingered on her breasts, making her feel uncomfortable for the first time today. His cold demeanor reminded her of how he’d treated her after he’d found her and Lou at the lake. His eyes withheld the usual warmth from her and his lips scowled, denying her the pleasure of his sexy grin.
“Should I get you your usual?” Her smile weakened.
“No, I’m going to have something different today. Spice things up a bit. Oh and, someone will be joining me short…ly.” He looked out the window.
Her heart dropped when he didn’t call her Shortcake. “Can I get you a drink while you wait?”
“Yeah, bring me a sweet tea.”
She placed her hand on her hip, smile gone. “You hate sweet tea.”
“Since when are you the expert on what I like or don’t like? Maybe it’s Lou who hates sweet tea.”
Angel. Do this for Angel. “One sweet tea coming right up.” She walked away, but felt his gaze on her butt. While she poured his tea, she wondered which one of the guys would be joining him for lunch. Maybe she could get a nice tip from whoever it was.
She turned around to see Gabe laughing, and Crystal, a stripper and the town whore, caressing his hands. The same hands that had touched her body less than two days ago. The plastic cup slipped through her fingers and clanged on the floor. Tea drenched her feet and ice scattered.
He turned and looked at her face, and the laughter disappeared. She froze.
“Amy? What are you doing? Clean this mess up.” Joe appeared at her side. How or when, she didn’t know.
“Sorry, Joe. It won’t happen again.” She dropped to her knees to clean up the spill, but she watched Gabe before she began.
He stared at her until Crystal cupped his face and turned it to her. Then she continued her story about a wicked threesome she wanted to share with him and another one of her colleagues. The hussy talked loud enough the whole diner heard her.
She wanted to run from their presence. Her stomach twisted, and she felt sweat form on the small of her back. If she asked Joe to leave now, she would miss her second shift.
Swallowing hard, she filled a clean glass with tea and took it to their table. “Are you ready to order now?”
“Yes, I’ll have a sweet tea, and a salad. Try not to drop it.” Crystal laughed and winked at her as she entwined her fingers with Gabe’s.
Amy grew nauseous at the smell of Crystal’s perfume. How much of the crap did she have on? “And you, sir?”
His eyes spoke to her even if his mouth didn’t move. I’m sorry.
“Hawk, baby. The waitress wants to know your order,” Crystal prodded him.
“Turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese sandwich, an order of fries and a side of coleslaw.” The words came out robotically.
“Your order will be out short…ly.” She walked behind the counter and called in their order.
When the food came up, Gloria grabbed the plates first. “Go take a break. I’ll cover this table.”
“Thank you.” Amy walked to the back and sat down. She took out her tips and counted. Three hundred and thirty-four dollars and a pocket full of change. If she kept this up, she’d have enough for a retainer in a couple of weeks, plus a deposit on the apartment.
Gloria stuck her head in the break room. “They’re gone. Do you want to tell me what happened?”
While she and Gloria had never really been close, she needed a friend. Now seemed like the perfect time to bond.
Gloria sat down and listened to her troubles. “I know this real good lawyer. She helped me get my kids. Let me find her number.” She dug in her oversized purse, rummaging through make-up and lotions until she pulled out a crumpled business card. “Give her a call, and tell her Gloria sent you.” She patted Amy on the back. “I gotta fill my condiments now.”
“Ms. Sharon Cox.” Sounded like a name she would’ve had to defend all her life. She’d helped Gloria. Maybe Ms. Cox could do the same for her.
Chapter 10
Gabe dropped Crystal off by her car at Joe’s Diner after the four hour date from hell. He couldn’t stand to listen to another boob job story or hear her hideous laugh. Why did I ask her out? To show Amy he’d moved on, didn’t care if she’d chosen Lou over him. Yeah, right. Like I would ever get over losing Amy when I came so close to having her. And even if I did, I’d never settle down with Crystal.
Todd had told him about Amy’s clothes at the diner when he’d had breakfast. On and on, talking about her rack. What the hell was she doing, showing it off to the world like that?
He stared in the window from the parking lot and saw some pervert touching her ass. Those were his jeans. The ones she wore around him. Damn if her backside didn’t look hot. What was she trying to prove anyway, shoving her tits in every guy’s face? He gritted his teeth and willed himself not to go teach that guy a lesson.
He shoved the gear shift in drive and floored it. Mom expected him for dinner, and he needed to clean up first. Wash off the smell of cheap perfume or whatever the hell Crystal submerged in. It smelled nothing like Amy. She wore the scent of a mother; food and baby drool. He chuckled. Motherhood suited her well. She glowed when Angel was around and would do anything for that child. Three or four little Hawks running around would be nice, he just never thought they’d be Lou’s.
After washing thoroughly, he drove to his parents’.
“Hey, Mom. Where’s Dad?” He kissed his mom’s cheek.
“Out in the garage. Be a dear and set the table for me.” His mom took a meatloaf out of the oven and dished up food while he got plates out of the cupboard. “I’m so glad I got to baby sit for Angel the other night. She’s the cutest little thing, and a grandma deserves to spoil her first grandchild.”
“Uh huh.”
“I wish Amy would call and let me know when she needs help. I’d be glad to give her a hand. I’m cutting back on my hours at work and that would give me more time to spend with my grandbaby.” She put the meatloaf and side dishes on the table.
“Uh huh.” Where was she going with this? He really didn’t want to talk about Amy right now.
His dad came in the back door and washed his hands. “Gabe. I didn’t hear you pull in.”
Thank God. Now they could talk about manly things. “Hello, Dad. I just got here a few minutes ago.”
They all sat down. He talked to his father about canceling their fishing trip this summer. Every year, since he’d turned eight, the two of them and Lou went for a week on the river, but he wouldn’t be able to look at Lou for that long without breaking his nose or drowning him. The past five trips had been hard enough.
“Oh, did I tell you Lou called me?” His mother chimed in.
Great. Back to him and the reason for my misery. “Mom, this meatloaf is great. You have to give me the recipe.”
“Thank you, dear. Anyway, back to what I was saying. Lou called, and he told me Angel would be living with him soon.”
So he had been right about Amy moving in with him. Perfect. Now he wouldn’t have to avoid her in town. Out of sight, out of mind. He hoped the old saying held true.
“That’s great.” He took a drink of his cola, wishing it was something stronger. On his way home tonight, he’d have to run to the liquor store and pick up a six-pack. Or better yet, swing by Lou’s and finish be
ating the shit out of him.
“You really think it’s great?” His mother clanged her cup on the glass table top.
Startled by her outburst, he looked up from his meal. “Lou and Amy can do whatever the hell they want to. It’s their business.”
“So you think Amy wants this?” He felt the mother stare burning his flesh.
“I’m pretty sure she does.” After all, he had walked in on them in a rather comprising situation. Something he never wanted to see again.
Half a plate of food was left, but his appetite had disappeared. Everywhere he went today, Amy seemed to be the main topic, except when he was with Crystal. She talked about boobs all day, and then he could only think about Amy’s breasts, spilling out of her blouse.
“I know Amy doesn’t drop by much, but she’s a good mother. Why would she want to give Angel to Lou? Heaven knows I love both of you boys. I do, but your brother has never shown one ounce of interest in his child. Angel hasn’t moved in yet, and he already has a nanny lined up.”
“You mean Amy’s not moving in too?” He slid his plate to the side.
Dad joined in the conversation. “No. I thought you knew. You talk to Amy almost every day at the diner. That’s why we asked you how she feels about it.”
“Feels about what?” He looked between both his parents. His mother grew pale.
“Oh, dear. Lou is suing Amy for custody. After the shooting at her apartment and all, he got the courts to grant him a DNA test next week. If it says he’s the father, I’m afraid he might just win. He’s as much my baby as you are, however that little girl needs her momma. But do you know how much it costs to get a good attorney these days?”
Fuck! That’s why she was dressed so skimpy and rubbing her tits on perverted old men. She had told him the truth, and he’d deserted her. Lou wouldn’t get away with this. Somehow, he’d find a way for Amy to win.
“Gabe, honey, are you all right? Your face is pale.”
He pushed away from the table, determined to make this right between him and Amy. “Yeah, Mom. I’m fine.” Or at least he would be after he killed that bastard of a brother.
Chapter 11
Amy worked the floor, much like the day before. News of her new uniform must have spread over town. Joe’s turned more business this morning than it had all month, and the tips kept rolling in. She’d have enough money for a retainer in no time. After her meeting with Ms. Cox at lunch, she knew the lady would do everything in her power to win. It wouldn’t be easy, but at least Amy didn’t feel alone anymore.
With all her tips, she wondered why she hadn’t altered her clothes sooner. She sighed. A mother shouldn’t dress so provocatively. Not to mention the bruises on her butt cheeks. Those pinches really hurt. But she’d endure it until Angel was safe with her in a new place.
She wiped down the only free table in her section, and before she walked away from it, Gabe sat down.
“You know, there are free tables in Gloria and Tina’s sections.” She crossed her arms and glowered at him.
“I’m not here to eat. I’m here to talk to you.” He glared straight ahead, never looking at her. Fury steamed from his essence. At least he wasn’t cold today, anger she could deal with, but that arctic blast he’d given her the last time still had her bones chilled.
“The seating’s for paying customers. And since you aren’t buying anything, I suggest you keep moving.”
He grabbed her arm before she could leave then peered her in the eyes. “I’ll have a cup of coffee.”
“Fine.” She stalked off, snatched a clean mug and the stale coffee pot then stomped back to his table.
“I’m coming over to your place tonight and help you pack. You and Angel are moving in with me.” His tone was calm, but determined.
She stopped pouring and scowled at him. “Oh, no we’re not.” Was he crazy? Lou would never back off if she lived with Gabe. She had almost persuaded him to when Dirty Harry busted through the door.
“You need a nicer place to stay. It’s a three bedroom. You and Angel can each have a room. I’ll respect your privacy, and I’ll refrain from coming on to you.”
Her blood boiled at his nerve. “Real flattering coming from a man who called me a slut. Now, I said no, and that’s final.” She used her best because-I-said-so voice and left him to do whatever it was he did all day long. Chase bad guys or eat donuts, she didn’t know which, and right now, she didn’t care. She had a job to do and money to earn.
Watching him out of the corner of her eye, she waited on other customers. His face grew redder each time someone slapped her butt or she bent down to refill a coffee mug. Just to get under his skin, she giggled and shook her boobs way too friendly for her other regulars. Finally, he dropped something on the table and left. She walked back to the table to clean up his untouched coffee and picked up an envelope.
She pulled out the contents. Three thousand dollars and a note.
Shortcake,
Button up your shirt and change your pants.
Gabe
She stuffed the money back in the envelope and hurried outside before he drove away. “Gabe, wait.”
He got out of his car and met her half way.
“I can’t take this.” She held out the envelope, but he refused to take it.
“You can’t, or you won’t? Isn’t that why you changed your uniform? To make more money?” He glanced from head to toe and came back to her breasts.
“Yes. Okay, I need some extra cash. And I’m doing a fine job of earning it.”
“Earning? By letting perverts touch your ass?” He rubbed his eyes then changed his angry tone to a more compassionate one. “I know you can’t enjoy it, so let me help you. Take the money and move in with me. Come on, shortcake, what do you have to lose?”
Tears welled up inside. Angel. She had Angel to lose. “I can’t. Please, take your money and leave me alone.” If he didn’t go away soon, she wouldn’t be able to control her emotions. She wanted to move in with him and stay forever. Fill the house with his children. Serve him three eggs over easy, bacon and raisin toast every morning before work. Wait on him to come home at night. Have his arms around her while she slept. Why wouldn’t he leave?
“Just get the fuck out of here! I hate you.” Tears ran down her face and dropped to the ground. Her lie rung in her ears. Her heart beat fast, and she grew weak in the knees. Still, he remained motionless. “Did you hear me?”
“I heard you, but I don’t believe you.” His eyes lit up, and his mouth dropped open. “This isn’t about Angel at all. Lou could care less about her. This is about me.”
“You’re wrong. I want you to go away.” She had to turn from his glare, before he read her like she could read him.
“He threatened you, didn’t he?” He grabbed her arms and turned her to face him, but she refused to look him in the eyes. “I asked you a question.” His voice grew louder, and his grip tightened. “What did he threaten to do if you didn’t stay away from me? Answer me, damn it.”
“Angel.” She barely heard her own voice.
He let go of her arms. “He’s suing for custody of Angel, because of me? I’ll kill that bastard.” He turned and headed towards his patrol car.
“No!” She rushed in front of the door. “I can’t lose you too.” His words were not idle. He would do anything for her. Even hurt his brother. God help him then, Lou would strike back with everything he had. And he had plenty of friends with power.
“Lose me? Is this why you’ve been pushing me away all these years?”
She focused on the ground and nodded her head. All these years she’d tried to protect him and Angel, but she’d failed. Gabe could see right through her, deduce her very soul.
“You still love me, don’t you? It wasn’t just sex the other night. That’s why you were jealous and asked who I’d slept with.” He cupped her chin and tilted it up. “Amy, do you love me?”
Confused whether she should be scared of Lou or relieved Gabe knew the truth
, she blurted it out anyway. “Yes, I do love you. I’m sorry, but I love Angel more.”
He let out a soft chuckle and caressed her cheek. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He leaned one hand against the car and kissed her lips. “God, you’re hot in these clothes. Do you know what I want to do to you?”
“I can guess from what I feel against my stomach.” She wanted him right then and there. Her nipples grew rigid, and her panties dampened. Maybe they’d use his handcuffs in the back of his car. What was she thinking? They couldn’t, not ever again.
“So believe me when I tell you, every guy you rub up against wants to do the same thing to you. And you're making me as jealous as hell. The next guy I see slap your ass is going to get slapped by me. It’s my ass to touch.” He pointed to his chest.
She liked him being a bit possessive of her. Knowing he loved her, but it didn’t change anything.
His voice softened. “Amy, there’s something I have to know.”
“What?”
“Have you been sleeping with my brother?” She felt his chest muscles tighten against her.
This time she couldn’t lie, no matter what his response was. She swallowed and braced herself for his reaction. “Yes.”
His body slumped. Pain flash on his face and his eyes glazed over. “Why? I have to know why?”
It was now or never. She’d already told him she loved him and about Lou’s threats. However, she feared what he would do if he knew Lou had blackmailed her into it.
“Amy. Please tell me you don’t care for him. Tell me that you don’t want him.”
She could hear the tears behind his words. Handling things on her own hadn’t worked so far, and she hadn’t spared him any pain. “He told me…if I didn’t, he’d…take Angel and…hurt you.”
“Oh, Christ!” He grabbed her around the waist and drew her into his embrace. “Oh, shortcake, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I’ve been a jackass. I called you names and did things to hurt you on purpose.”
All For An Angel Page 4
