Page 36 of Claimed by the Fallen
Maybe Annie is right… I need to practice talking to guysmore.
The next words sort of spill out of my mouth. “Y-you heard that? All the way from thekitchen?”
Gabe chuckles and confirms my earlier suspicions, “Yes. I have goodhearing.”
I bob my head, unable to come up with anything else tosay.
The bell over the front door chimes, giving me an excuse to look away so I can greet the newcustomer.
“W-welcome to Lee’s Kitchen,” I rush to say. “Feel free to sitanywhere.”
“Veronica?”
It takes me a moment to recognize the newcomer; I’m still flustered from Gabe’s compliment. When I do, I become nervous for another reason. “Preston?”
Sure enough, my high school crush is standing in the doorway of the restaurant. He’s sporting one of our school’s t-shirts and athletic shorts with tennis shoes. His arm muscles stand out, and I wonder if he’s just finished working out or something. I double check that my mouth hasn’t fallen open as he walks towardsme.
“I didn’t know you workhere.”
Remembering the angel behind me, I step away from Gabe’s table and meet Preston closer to the middle of the dining area. “Today is my first day,” I tell him. Then, to prevent awkward silence, I ask, “Are you here toeat?”
“Nah, just picking up an order before I head home.” Preston gestures towards the take-out counter. Hey, are you going to Freddy’s partytonight?”
The question takes me by surprise. I blink before answering, “No, I don’t thinkso.”
“Oh, man. You totally should. Most of our graduating class will bethere.”
I don’t tell Preston I wasn’t invited to the party. That would be too embarrassing. “Okay. Cool. I’ll think aboutit.”
“Awesome.” Preston’s eyes travel the length of my body, reminding me of the concert. He’d checked me out then, but I’d been wearing a tight, leather skirt. Now, I’m sporting smudged jeans and a black V-neck. They aren’t exactly the most attractive pieces ofclothing.
I’m acutely aware of the angel behind me. I force myself not to fidget. I am about to make up an excuse to leave the situation when I’minterrupted.
“Mr. McKenna,” Mr. Lee calls out from behind the counter. “Your order isready.”
Preston waves at Mr. Lee. He turns back to me and smiles, showing off his dimples. “It was good seeing you, Veronica. I hope you decide to come to theparty.”
I lift a hand awkwardly. “Nice seeing you,too.”
Preston dips his head and waves back before he turns and heads to thecounter.
Behind me, I continue to feel Gabe’s stare. I choose not to acknowledge him. I walk to another table and ask the customers if they need anything. I repeat the process for three tables until Preston has paid and leaves therestaurant.
With a sigh of relief, I walk back to the kitchen. Annie waits for details of my encounter with Gabe, and I want to get it overwith.
I’m almost at the swinging door when the bells above the door sound again. Resigned to staying in the main dining area for a moment long, I turn around to greet thecustomer.
“Welcome to Lee’s. Have a seat anywhere…” My words trail off. My mouth dries as my eyes zero in on thenewcomer.
I would recognize the sandy-blond hair and hazel eyesanywhere.
“Zeke?”
Fifteen
Istareat the young man standing near the entrance. It’s been years since I’ve laid eyes on my kickboxing instructor. I almost can’t believe he is really here. But no matter how many times I blink, Zekeremains.
“It’s really you,” I breathe, stepping towards the entrance. I’m like a moth drawn to a flame. I forget everything else around me. I don’t worry about who may be watching; my attention is completely wrapped up in Zeke. I stop three feet away from him, my eyes scanning him from head totoe.
