Page 64 of Jilted Jock
Flo’s voice woke me some time later. “Morning, handsome.”
I pulled my head from the table and groaned at my stiff muscles.
“I’m about to head out. My shift is over. Can I get you anything else?”
“What time is it?”
“Almost six.”
“A.M.?” God, no wonder I felt like hell.
Flo shrugged. “We don’t normally let people sleep in here, but it was a slow night and Reggie, the manager, wasn’t here. Don’t get any ideas, though. You’re cute, but I’m not risking my job for another pretty face.”
“Don’t worry, I’m leaving today.”
Flo’s brows lifted in surprise, but she just nodded.
I’d already paid my bill last night, but I grabbed my wallet and pulled out some more cash and dropped it on the table before standing. I needed to grab my stuff from the hotel and see if I could get a flight back. I shivered outside. I was ready to get back to California.
“Hey, handsome, wait up.”
Flo came out the door of the diner with a to-go cup. She handed it to me with a smile. The red lipstick had been wiped off and she was in regular clothes now instead of her uniform getup. Well regular-ish. A plaid schoolgirl skirt with black tights and boots with a long button-down shirt that looked big and bulky enough to belong to a man.
“For the road.” She winked and took off down the street. I was going in the opposite direction so I watched her a moment to make sure she was okay, but the way she strutted down the street I had no doubt if anyone messed with her they’d be the one that was sorry.
I took a sip of the hot coffee and turned to head to my hotel, but a woman stood right in front of me. Jaw slack and eyes wide.
“It is you,” she said in a shaky voice.
“Adele.”
We stared at one another like neither of us could believe the other was real.
She was the first to break the silence. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to see you,” I told her honestly.
She narrowed her gaze. “You came here to see me? Without calling or emailing? How did you know where to find me?”
“Look can we go somewhere and talk?”
“No.” She didn’t move. She crossed her arms over her chest. She had on a beige jacket over a black skirt and white lacy blouse. Hair pulled up into a bun and sensible shoes – she was like a kindergarten teacher again. “I have to go to work.”
“Alright. Lead the way. I’ll talk.”
Hesitantly, she took a step and then another.
“How’ve you been?”
She didn’t answer.
“Were you surprised when Chance showed up?” I chuckled nervously. “I can’t believe they drove across the country with that damn goat.”
Adele halted abruptly. “Just stop and tell me why you’re here. Did Chance tell you that Richard and I broke up? Is that what this is? Because just because I’m single, doesn’t mean you can swoop in and—”
“You and Richard broke up?” I wanted to drop to my knees and kiss the ground in thanks or maybe just drop her to the ground and kiss her instead. I hadn’t thought to look at her left hand, but I did now and found it gloriously ring free.
“You didn’t know?” She narrowed her eyes and watched my face carefully as I answered.
