Her Broken Wings by D.K. Hood
Thirteen
Midday Wednesday
The waitress at Aunt Betty’s Café brushed past his table, spilling his coffee all over the plate of cinnamon buns. He didn’t have much time to spare after waiting in line for ages beside a man who smelled of wet dog, and the thought of the delay waiting for a replacement made his blood boil. Not wanting to make a scene and bring attention to himself in the crowded café, he waited for her to turn around and pointed at the ruined food. “You bumped into my table.”
“Oh, I seem to be clumsy today. Can I get you anything else?” She wiped the table and refilled his coffee cup, and then waited expectantly.
“I’m not buying anything else. I’d like you to replace my food.”
“I’m not sure I can do that.” She glanced over one shoulder to the front counter. “It will come out of my pay.”
He gave her a long look. Aunt Betty’s Café was renowned for its great food and customer service; heck, it said as much on the sign out front. “Tell me something, if I wrecked your car, do you figure I should pay for the damages?”
“Sure, it would be your fault.” The waitress rolled her eyes and let out a bored sigh. “That’s the law.”
He nodded as a familiar anger rose up inside him. The need to grab her by the throat and squeeze the life out of her was overwhelming. “Exactly.”
It was as if he’d been speaking to a brick wall. She just picked up the plate of soggy buns, edged her way through the tables, and went back to the kitchen. Pushing down the rage, he scanned the room, making sure his conversation with the waitress had gone unnoticed. He gripped his hands together in a practiced move to regain control as the woman who’d taken his order glanced in his direction. He dropped his chin, allowing the shadow from his hat to cover his features, but in his peripheral vision, he noticed her slip from behind the counter and head his way. As she got closer, he made out a pin on her shirt that said, Susie Hartwig, Manager.
“I’m sorry, it’s Ruby’s first day.” Susie smiled at him. “I’ll replace those cinnamon buns and your meal is on the house.”
He tipped his hat. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Moments later, Susie returned with a plate of cinnamon buns and a wedge of apple pie, fresh from the oven.
He glanced up at her. “Is Ruby new in town?”
“Yeah, she’s down from the city.” Susie smiled. “She’ll be fine once she gets to know our ways.”
He sipped his coffee. “I bet she will.”
Making plans as Susie walked away, he eyed Ruby from under the brim of his hat. Guys that tried to play chicken on the highway asked to die fast, but smart-mouthed women really ticked him off. A shiver of excitement ran through him as his gaze locked on her face. He’d plan something real special for her.