Page 129 of Angel

“I heard they’re recruiting at the local grocery store. The wages are much better, and you get medical and two weeks holiday. My sister works there and says it sucks, but the pay is good and nobody hits on anyone there, well, not without their encouragement.”

“And the hours suck. I already checked it out.”

I smile my thanks.

“I’ll figure something out. Thanks for thinking of me.”

I head back and my heart flutters as I approach the table. It’s a rare sighting to serve two gorgeous, obviously affluent men in here and their smiles could charm the birds from the trees.

“Thanks, angel.”

Casual man winks and I swear I blush redder than the ketchup on the table.

“Have you made your choices?”

They nod and as they rattle off their orders, I scribble on the order pad, wishing a man like either one of them would ever be interested in a woman like me. I’ve kind of given up on that ever happening because the twins are a giant red flag for any would be suitor. I’ve resigned myself to being celibate for the next eighteen years and yet there isn’t anything wrong in looking, surely.

The suited one smiles and jerks his head toward Damian, who is glowering at us from the register.

“Is he your boyfriend?”

The expression of horror on my face must say it all because he grins. “I didn’t think so.”

Casual guy appears concerned.

“Was he bothering you?”

“He bothers me a lot.” I sigh. “Him and his brother, but I can look after myself.”

“You shouldn’t have to.”

They exchange glances and I shrug.

“I can handle the brothers Grimm. One kick where it hurts would be enough. Trouble is, losing my job would be my punishment, and there isn’t another one lined up.”

Frank walks by and slides his hand around my waist, grinning at the two men. “You must excuse our Bethan. She could talk until you die from hunger.”

His tone changes as he hisses in my ear, “Any time today, Bethan.”

He smiles at the men and heads back to the kitchen, and I take several deep breaths before plastering a smile on my face.

“It shouldn’t be long.”

I spin on my heels and hate the tears that prick behind my eyes, but there is no time for self-pity before a group of four diners head through the door and I show them to another booth.

As the place fills up, I’m too busy to hang around the ‘gorgeous’ table and Doria takes them the food when it’s ready.

When I head back to their table to ask if they need anything else, casual guy shakes his head. “Just the check, angel.”

I leave them to it and fight back the hatred of how my life turned out. I used to want to be an actress like Sophie. It’s how we bonded, sharing our hopes and dreams. Hers turned out, mine turned down another path and now I have two babies to care for.

Being a single mother wasn’t on my bucket list, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

With a sigh, I ring up their order and place the check inside the leather wallet. As I head back, I sense their curiosity and bite my lip again. I don’t react well to pity and it’s coming off them in waves, so I force a confident smile in their direction.

“Call me when you’re ready to pay.”

Casual guy reaches for his wallet and extracts a one-hundred-dollar bill and his credit card.