Page 26 of Lucifer's Revenge
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was thinking about you ever since we met last. I knew you got out at eight tonight. How about some dinner?” He bent down and picked up a bag that she hadn’t seen at his feet. “I brought you a burger and fries from the bar.” Before she could answer, he spoke, “We can eat in my truck if you don’t want to invite me to your house. I totally understand.”
“You won’t be mad?”
“No, you’re looking out for yourself. I like that.” With the bag in his hand, he walked over to his truck and opened the passenger door. All Lilith did was go to her car, set her bag and purse inside, then closed and locked the door. She smiled when he helped her into the truck. It didn’t take long for them both to dig into the food he’d brought, and they ended up sharing her fries and his onion rings. Neither one of them talked as they ate. As soon as she wiped her mouth, and took a sip of her drink—he had brought several bottles of water—she sighed heavily.
“Thank you, that hit the spot.”
“You’re welcome. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Talk about what?”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you have something heavy on your mind. When you first spotted me, you were scared. I get that, I didn’t give you any warning that I would be waiting for you. But you have a tightness around your mouth and eyes. Like you’re trying not to yell at someone.”
“You don’t want to know about my problems.” She tried to wave it off, but it didn’t work. She watched as he turned in his seat so he faced her.
“First, if I didn’t want to know, I wouldn’t have asked. Second, how am I supposed to get to know you if you won’t talk to me. Third, do I have to go all Lucifer’s revenge on someone’s ass for putting that sad look on your face?”
Lilith couldn’t help it, she started out with a chuckle, which turned into a giggle, then a full belly laugh.
“That’s more like it. Now, talk to me, what happened?”
“It’s stupid really.”
“Not if it upsets you.”
“Okay, fine.” She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’ve been the head librarian here for the last five years. I’m only twenty-eight. That’s a big deal. I got it not only because I know the work, but I have a degree in library science, and most of the people that worked here when I started working back in high school retired. I was also the most senior person for the job.”
“Okay, congratulations. It sounds like your career has come far.”
“It has, and thank you. I worked hard for it.” She looked at him and sighed. “I started working here when I was fifteen. I volunteered for one year, then was paid while I worked part-time when I turned sixteen.”
“So, technically, you’ve been here for twelve years?”
“Technically, yes. Anyway, I wanted you to know my work history. Three years ago, a woman by the name of Sally Barclay started working here. We hit it off immediately. She’s the same age as I am, but she doesn’t have the degree that I do.”
“Do you need a degree to work in a library?”
“Not really, but it’s encouraged to get one, especially if you want a job like I have.”
“So, what happened?”
“Over the past three years, Sally and I became fast friends, or at least I thought so. It hasn’t happened yet, but I feel that in the next couple of weeks, the shit is going to hit the fan.”
“Why?”
“Let me back up to this past Sunday. Do you remember me telling you that I had a brunch date with someone?”
“Yes, wait, was it with Sally?”
“Yes. I told her about spending time with Starr at Hell’s Coffin, and that I had a coffee date with you later in the day. I thought she would be happy for me, but boy, was I ever wrong.”
“What did she say?” Luc clenched his fists and allowed Lilith to take one of his fisted hands in hers to try to soothe his anger on her behalf.
“When I told her you owned and operated a bar, and belonged to a motorcycle club, she changed right before my eyes.”
“How?”
“Became judgy and snooty. I had never seen her like this before. When I asked her what was wrong, she tried to tell me that I didn’t know what I was getting into, that you would be trouble for me. I guess I lost it on her.”
