Page 39 of Unbidden

“Let me let Rosie know,” I tell him while pointing at her.

A few moments later, I slide into the booth across from him. He sets down the paper he’d been reading before turning his full attention toward me.

“What’s going on in the world today?” I glance at his paper.

He sighs. “Nothing good, I can assure you. It seems with each day that passes, the world falls further into turmoil. It’s a saddening thing.”

I’m surprised by his candor but match it with some of my own.

“With the selfishness of the people in today’s world, I would say there’s no hope left. I mean, look at Brighton Academy. Most of those kids couldn’t care less about the underprivileged kids their age just trying to get by. They would rather gossip about the latest celebrities or the newest Fendi bag coming out.”

He chuckles. “It seems you’ve met a few of these kids.”

I shrug. “I kind of go to school there. I’m surrounded by them.”

I thought he would be surprised, but it doesn’t seem to faze him.

“Must be tough. How do you like it there?”

“I think some of the courses are archaic and most of the students are self-centered, but the library is amazing, and I have met a couple of nice people.”

He smiles. “That’s good to hear. You enjoy reading?”

“I do. Something about getting lost in a story really brings my soul to life.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve lost myself in a good book. What are your favorites?”

“And Then There Are Noneby Agatha Christie would have to be my all-time favorite. I prefer mysteries and romance, but honestly, I’ll read just about anything.”

“I haven’t read that one. I like to read westerns and old detective novels.”

I grin at him. It’s hard to imagine this man reading anything but the newspaper or business briefs.

“Those sound riveting. Maybe I’ll check one of them out.”

Rosie passes by then. “Sorry to cut your break short, but dinner rush is here.”

“I’ll be right there,” I say as I stand from my seat. “Thank you for the chat, Elijah. Do you need anything else before I go?”

He smiles warmly. “I enjoyed our chat. Thank you for keeping this old man company. You can bring the check when you get a chance.”

“Of course. I’ll be back.”

I run his check back by before going to greet my next table. My breath catches when I realize who’s sitting there.

Them.

Ever since the night of the lacrosse game and the events after, Reed and his friends have given me a wide berth. The only two from the group who’ve made an effort to speak to me are Keaton and Tinsley. Neither seemed eager to talk about their older, brooding brother.

I sigh before walking up to their table, pasting on my customer service smile.

“Hello, welcome to Momma’s House. My name is Sage. It’s a pleasure to serve you today.”

The moment my normal greeting leaves my mouth, I know I made a mistake. The snickers follow immediately.

“I bet it would be a pleasure to serve us. All four at the same time?” Finley says.

I roll my eyes but bite my lip. “What would you like to drink?”

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