Page 9 of Alien Dragon's Bride

“Speak your peace then leave.” He didn’t look up from the stacks in front of him.

“I brought you a piece of pie and milk.” She set them on his desk than sat in the wooden chair across from him. Her stomach churned with nerves.

With a snort, he took the offering, his hook nose flaring. “Must be bad to bring me this.” His expression didn’t soften any. He took a bite of the pie, a crumb sticking to his gray goatee.

She smoothed her hands down her jeans. How to begin? Complements first? “That was the last of the pie, I wish we had more for you, I know how busy you are with this place and your other cafes in Journey and Sundale.”

“Journey was closed down last month.” He pushed back the half-eaten pie. “This place is close behind.” His dark eyes saddened as he looked over at her. “Look, I know why you’re here. I wish I could help you and pay you more money, but I can’t. Bills are piling up around me. You’re a hard worker and deserve better. I’ll give you a letter of recommendation if you want to look around for another job.”

Her chest felt like someone looped chains around her and squeezed. She couldn’t take in a deep enough breath as spots danced before her eyes. Another job? She loved it here. And waitressing anywhere else meant that she would be starting over. “Wha—I can’t get another—I need to stay here.”

Who else would pay her for cleaning the place’s bathrooms? Or let her off for the evening so she could have time with her dad at the hospital? Or give her at least one weekend off a month so she could clean houses for extra money?

“You can stay as long as you like,” his voice caught, “but come a month or two at the most, Sal’s will be gone. Don’t tell the others. I’ll let George know tonight and the others tomorrow.”

“Please, isn’t there anything I can do?” Her fingers dug into the chair’s wooden seat. “I-I just need a loan to keep my father in the hospital for his treatment. Any day, a kidney match could be found. I-I’ll pay you back.” She could cancel her lease on her apartment and sleep here at night.

“No. I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “Believe me, I wish there was more I could do for you—for all of you.”

Numbly, she nodded. Her throat raw as she swallowed against the lump pressing along the sides. Yep, looked like she was going to have to go ahead with the surrogacy tomorrow. Unless she could find something else before tomorrow evening.