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picnic. I can t wait. Merona clapped her hands and laughed. I knew it. I just knew it. I ll take the Tumbleweed special, the man said. Same for me, the woman said as she shut her menu. Cheeseburger and fries, the boy said as he collected up the menus and politely handed them to Lina. Two tumbleweed specials, a cheeseburger and fries for breakfast. She grinned. My personal favorite. Anything else? she asked as she took the menus. The boy chuckled and they all shook their heads. Lina nodded and smiled at them before heading back to the order window. What do you mean, big decision? she whispered as she put the order ticket on the counter and filled a glass with ice and soda. Oh, like I d tell you and ruin the surprise. As she returned to give the boy his Coke, out of the corner of her eye, Lina saw Abby throw her arms around Trent in a big hug. That s wonderful, son. Of course she can have the day off. Shh, he said as he hugged his mother back. It s a surprise. Told you so, Merona said with a laugh. Lina s heart skittered all around her chest as she walked back behind the counter. Could it be? Would he? No. She hadn t known him long enough. At least, she figured that he would feel that way. Is he going to ask me.... Hey, sweetheart, Trent said as he leaned over the counter and grabbed the coffee pot off the warmer. You talkin to yourself again? Lina forced a chuckle. You know me. He winked. Stop daydreamin and get back to work, Missy. Got a couple of really hungry guys that need feeding. Lina s gaze traveled over to where Ty sat, his head in his hands, at a corner booth. Then back to Trent. For the first time, she noticed his jaw was a little swollen, a little dark. Ty had a black eye. What happened with you two? Well, let s just say we settled some old problems. Trent leaned over the counter and kissed her cheek. I ll take the Tumbleweed special, and bring Ty his regular. Lina nodded. How very odd, she thought as she watched Trent sit down across the table from Ty. From what she d gotten out of Jess, they were practically mortal enemies. Now they were having breakfast together? And she d bet her life savings--which granted, wasn t a whole lot--that the bruises each sported was from the other. Well, now, Merona said as she settled herself at the counter as if she were a patron. Isn t it nice to see the boys have made up? Shame when two friends fight over stupid things. I wouldn t call someone having sex with the other one s wife a stupid thing, Lina replied WITCH HUNT Leanne Karella & Vivienne King 135 as she scribbled out Trent and Ty s order. A misunderstanding, Merona shrugged. The woman was as bad as Jess said, but Ty isn t. He s just misunderstood. Order up! Mac called. Lina picked up the warm plates from the order window, frowned at Merona, then headed to the table holding the little family. How do you know it was a misunderstanding? Dyami told me. Lina rolled her eyes. Great, now the spirits were talking behind their backs. Merona chuckled. Yes, we do talk behind your backs. You d be surprised what can be learned that way. Lina placed the order in front of the family. Would you care for anything else to drink? No, thank you, the man said. Would you happen to know where we could find Lina Brennen? Who? she asked, stunned that strangers would be asking for her. She threw a quick glance over her shoulder at Trent. He was deep in conversation with Ty, thank goodness. Lina Brennen. We re from Tampa, and we ve traveled all this way to find her. We think she might be able to help us. Help you how? Be careful, sweetling, Merona whispered in her ear. Well, we d rather talk to her personally, the woman hedged as she reached across the table to take the man s hand. Lina s heart thumped against her ribs. She d lived in Tampa four years ago, but only briefly. She d only been there for a month, had just started a job working as a concessions worker at a baseball field. A child had fallen off the stands and she d helped her. These people must know about her. She glanced back at Trent, and he was watching her this time. Someone needed her help. But she couldn t let Trent learn about her this way. Can you stay here for a while? she asked the man and woman. I m Lina Brennen, she said softly. But I m working, so-- Oh, thank the Lord. The woman covered her mouth with her hand and tears sprung to her eyes. We ll wait. We ll wait as long as you need us to. Ma am, I-- Back to work, Lina, Merona whispered fiercely. Trent s getting suspicious. If you want to look around town for a while, I get off work at two. The boy stared at his burger, not touching it. The man and woman smiled at her. Of course, the man said. By the way, I m Jeddiah Thomas, and this is my wife, Carol, and son Paul. Lina nodded. Nice to meet you. Trent s coming, Merona hissed. If you ll excuse me, Lina said. I have to get back to work. She turned and came up against Trent s chest. She sucked in her breath and stepped back. Everything okay over here? he asked. Lina nodded, but she couldn t bring herself to meet his eyes. Damn, but she hated lying [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |