Page 7 of Fifty

And it’s not hard to keep my promise. With the exception of delivering our food, refilling our coffee, and then dropping off the check, her sweet face seems to disappear as we devour our food. We laugh and throw jabs back and forth, and I feel my chest swell with pride. It’s mornings like this that remind me just how fucking lucky I am to have this family.

I glance around the room as we stand from the table, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I was hoping to catch one more glimpse before leaving, but an incoming text from Ryder has us in a hurry. I step up to the counter with the bill clutched in my hand.

“Food was delicious, as always. Can I take care of this with you?” I flash a smile at Gloria, standing behind the counter.

“In a rush?” her eyebrows raise in question.

“Unfortunately, duty calls,” I tell her and she nods in understanding.

“In that case, let me see what the damage is,” she says taking the slip from my hand and immediately starting to total it up in the register.

“So, how’s your momma? I haven’t seen her in a little while,” she notes as her fingers continue to move over the buttons.

“She’s good, but she’s been pretty busy at work. You know how it is,” I answer. My mom and Gloria have been friends for as long as I can remember.

“Tell her to stop in and see me. I’ll give her breakfast on the house,” she offers.

“I will,” I promise.

She finally gives me the total, and as I dig out my wallet to hand over the money, she leans in and crooks her finger at me. I hold out the cash and lean in closer, wondering what little secret she’s about to drop on me.

“So, tell me what you think of the new waitress,” she whispers softly and I pull back, watching her eyes flash with excitement.What is she playing at?

“She’s a waitress. She takes orders and delivers food,” I crack a smile at my own response.

“Don’t be an asshole, Bennie,” she calls me out and a rough laugh rattles in my chest.

“Okay, okay. She’s definitely cute, but not sure she’s my type. Poor girl turned all red anytime I said more than two words to her,” I share.

“Cute?” she questions my choice of words, but I just shrug. I’m not about to admit to Gloria that the girl just might be the hottest woman I’ve ever seen. Or that her curves practically gave me whiplash, not to mention a raging fucking hard-on under the table. The girl is a God damn rocket.

“You should come back alone sometime. Maybe you’ll see a different side of her,” she suggests.

“What’s her name?” I ask.

“Jade,” she shares and I nod.

“Make sure she checks the table. The boys and I left some cash for her. Thanks again, and I’m sure I’ll be back soon,” I wink before turning to move towards the door. I already know I’ll be back sooner than usual. I definitely need to see more of Jade.

Five

Jade

Iwatch, peeking out from behind the cracked kitchen door as the leather vests make their exit. As they disappear through the front door, I finally breathe out a sigh of relief. I can’t explain it, but something about the way he looked at me had thrown me for a loop. I was hot and flustered and weak. I’ve never felt anything like it.

I had recognized the vest. It’s the same one that Shark wears when he comes to the club. I still don’t really know what it means, but I do know that these guys have a reputation and they aren’t to be messed with. Shark doesn’t necessarily give off a dangerous vibe at first glance, but seeing the way he defended me at the club, and the way other men respond to his presence has me thinking that maybe there is more than I can see.

I’ve discovered that Shark is a regular fixture at the club, and even through our only interaction has been there, he’s actually become somewhat of a friend. Seeing these guys show up at the diner got me a little rattled. I’m not sure how I feel about my two worlds overlapping.

I’ve tried to make friends with some of the girls at the club, but I’m the new girl, and breaking into that group hasn’t been easy. There’s just too much cattiness and jealousy. They see me as a threat to their bank account and it’s obviously keeping most of them at a distance. Kandi has been the most welcoming, but honestly, I think it’s just because we live in the same apartment building and sometimes, she needs a ride.

“Are you going to hide back there all day?” Gloria’s soft laugh comes through the door. I push it open and find a broad smile filling her face.

“Those boys aren’t all bad. I know they look like a tough bunch, but they actually do a lot of good around here,” she offers.

“The one who paid, is he like…you know, the leader?” I question, feeling stupid just asking.

“Fifty? No…no. If you look close enough, they actually all have patches on their cuts,” she starts, but I look at her sideways.