Shelter in the Dark by Kathleen Hearn

Author:Kathleen Hearn [Hearn, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798534956412
Goodreads: 58548918
Published: 2021-07-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen - Four Years Prior

“Don’t tell Leah I’m here,” I said with an excited grin.

The young hostess nodded discreetly. Since the holidays were approaching, Peter’s diner was exceptionally crowded tonight. Young men and women stood noisily around the bar, eager to grab Leah’s attention. While I stood waiting by the entrance, I watched as Leah scrambled around the bar, taking orders and wiping down the counter. Then, after finishing her closing duties, she punched out of her shift, removed her apron, and yawned deeply. Even from a distance, the exhaustion that weighed her down was easy to see. Heavy bags sunk under her eyes, which were glassy and bloodshot. When she stepped out from behind the bar, I noticed that she was wearing a foot brace on her right leg. She limped toward the exit and rubbed her eyes groggily.

When she caught sight of me, her face lit up. “Dani? What are you doing here?”

I grinned widely. “Surprise!”

Despite her staggering limp, she rushed toward me and jumped into my arms. I held her tight, breathing in her scent. This was the first time we’d seen each other since the summer.

“What are you doing here?” she asked again. “I thought you wouldn’t be home until the twenty-third.”

“I came home early to surprise you. I called the diner yesterday, and your manager said your shift ended at nine. I was just waiting for you by the entrance.”

“Sorry it took awhile,” Leah said. “The diner’s been short staffed, so I’ve been working overtime all week. Just because my shift is technically done at nine doesn’t mean I am done at nine. I don’t actually get to leave until all the work is done.”

With a frown, I dropped my gaze to her injured leg. “What’s with the boot?”

Leah shrugged. “Oh, it’s not a big deal. I had some pain a couple weeks ago, and the doctor at urgent care said I’ve been on my feet too much.”

My eyes softened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t feel like listening to you nag me about it.”

“Leah…” My frown deepened.

“Hush,” she said, lifting her index finger to silence me. “Tell me what you have planned for us tonight.”

I hesitated, sighed at her foot brace, then said, “Well, I was thinking I’d introduce you to my friends from Rowan. That’s if you’re feeling up to it.”

“Yes, please. Get me the hell out of this place.”

Warmth and excitement swarmed into my chest. Wrapping my arms around Leah’s shoulders, I led her out the front door of the diner.

The car ride took about two hours. After removing her medical boot, Leah sat in the passenger seat with her feet relaxed on the dashboard. With the window down, she blew puffs of cigarette smoke into the night air. Def Leppard pumped through the speakers.

I never minded long car rides with Leah. With the windows down and the music blaring, we were free. We could finally break away from the world that constantly drove us apart, as if we were polarized magnets on opposite ends of reality.

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