Page 5 of Unexpected Temptation
Only since she’d been away from them for the few short days had she started to find a semblance of happiness.She believed that happiness would continue to grow as time and distance passed.
Silence spread across the restaurant as the door closed behind her.Every patron’s undivided attention was fixed on her.She stood frozen, with her hands gripped in front of her.
The place had an old-fashioned charm.Although worn-looking, it was spotless.There were brown vinyl booths on both sides, a few scattered tables in the middle, and a long bar with plain wooden stools at the back.She could even see the cook through the large window that separated the kitchen from the dining room.
“What can I get you, Hun?”
Amelia jumped and turned toward the elderly waitress.“I ...I thought I’d get a bite to eat.”
“We have the best meatloaf in the county if you want to try that?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Amelia answered, smiling.She glanced around the restaurant to see that the people were still staring.
“Go ahead and grab a seat anywhere.And ignore these nosybodies.They don’t mean to embarrass you.We don’t get a lot of strangers around here.”
Amelia released an anxious breath and nodded.
“I understand.I’ll go sit in that booth in the back.”
“Go right ahead.I’ll bring you a glass of water and a menu.”
“I don’t need the menu.I would really like to try the meatloaf special.I’ve never had it before.”
The waitress huffed in surprise.
“You’ve never eaten meatloaf?Where have you been, Mars?”
Amelia laughed.“Sometimes it felt like that.”
“Go and sit down, Hun.I’ll be right over.”
Amelia made her way toward the booth.She relaxed further when the other patrons started talking amongst themselves again.
“Here you go.”The waitress set a plate filled with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a glass of water in front of her.
“What else can I get you to drink?”
Amelia’s eyes widened at the enormous amount of food in front of her.“Nothing.The water’s fine.This looks wonderful, but there is an awful lot.”
“Ranchers eat a lot.Enjoy.Holler if you need anything.”
Amelia nodded and then dug in.It was the simplest meal she’d ever had, but one of the best.Everything seemed to melt on her tongue with a burst of flavor.
She groaned and pushed the plate away from her.
The waitress stopped to fill her glass.“Finished already?”
Amelia chuckled.“That was absolutely delicious, but if I eat one more bite, you’ll have to roll me out of here.”
“By the way, I’m Sandra.What’s your name?”she said and chuckled.
“Amelia.”
“Nice to meet you, Amelia.What are you doing in these parts?”
“I’m mostly just passing through.I have to make one stop, though.”Amelia felt the nerves return and swallowed.“Would you happen to know how I could find a Mr.Jaylen Stone?”
“Why would you be looking for him?”Sandra asked curiously.
