Page 29 of Tangled Emotions

“Bryan Roberts starts tonight.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Ugh. He’s such a pain in my ass.”

“He’s still in high school. You’re in college.”

“Remember when my skirt fell off at the vocal competition?” She sneered. “He was there and every time he sees me, he gives me shit.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

I shrugged, trying not to laugh. “You still got a first.”

“Edith! He saw my panties and then asked me if he could buy a pair.”

“I’m sure it was a dare by silly boys.”

She slapped her hands on the table. “Thatgets a pass, but the sexy retired marine making goo-goo eyes at you needs to get bent?”

Laughter bubbled up and soon we’re both laughing so hard tears are falling. My baby sister was a pain in my ass, but my life wouldn’t be the same without her.

“Yo. Giggle-twins, lunch rush will be here soon. Get it together and get ready.” Gene snapped a towel at us.

“Boys.” Evie rolled her eyes and gathered the excess supplies to clean up the table.

This was home. This was where my life made sense.

And I’m not ready for a monkey wrench to be thrown in.

Evie and I handled the lunch crowd like pros. We were both running around and took turns calling out to the new patrons that came in when the bell rang.

Big E had music going on in the kitchen, and each time I went up to the window I’d catch a snippet, then I was off again.

I started two new pots of coffee and grabbed refills for the city workers when the bell jingled again.

“Welcome to That One Place.” I cast a glance over my shoulder and felt my stomach pitch as I saw Frank swagger towards the counter and take a seat.

I know Miss Cora had food in the house. Why the hell is he here again?

He flipped his cup over and as I set the fresh drinks down; I noticed Evie smile at him, and she walked away without filling his cup.

“Counter’s yours.” She gave me an evil grin and went to check on her other tables.

She’s such a brat.

I made my way to the counter and grabbed the coffeepot from the top burner and filled his cup. Without saying a word, I swapped it out for the freshly brewed pot and went to top off some of our regulars.

Gene manned the register and motioned for me to get my counter customer.

What is wrong with my family? Are they all trying to set me up?

I pushed my feelings down. And went to take his order.

“Know what you want?” I pulled my order pad out.

“Yeah. But I can wait.” He winked at me.

I snarled at him. “I meant to eat.”