Page 27 of Below The Surface
CASEY
I have no idea what this man is doing to me. Yeah, I’m a bit of a flirty slut on good days, but he makes me want to close my legs to anyone but him. He’s got a charming smile, a sweet Texas drawl that gets my panties all wet, and this strange innocence about him. How does a man in his thirties come across as innocent? Maybe I’m jaded. Oh, yeah, I’m definitely jaded as fuck. But people like Dallas make me see the world differently. In a good way. Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of who’s leaving him creepy as fuck notes and flowers and stinking up the place with the scent of roses.
The bell above the door jingles as I push it open. The sound always makes me smile, it reminds me of happier times. Before Dorian died.
“Kay!” Jim says from behind the order window. He waves his spatula at me and I wave back.
“Do you know everyone in the city?” Dallas whispers.
“No, just a lot of people.”
“The usual?” Jim asks.
“For me? Yeah, and whatever Dallas wants.” I thumb towards Dallas, whose mouth opens and closes.
“I’m paying by the way,” Dallas says.
Jim snorts. “Sweetie, Kay and his friends don’t pay shit around here. Always on the house.”
I shrug when Dallas glares at me. He doesn’t need to know I murdered the guy that mugged Jim’s wife. The police didn’t care, but I did. I hunted that man down like a fucking animal and slaughtered him like one on my channel. It was a good day. I need another easy kill like that soon. I just have to wait until Friday.
I grab my favorite booth in the back, facing the door. I always like seeing what’s coming at me. My knee bounces and I take stock of the diner before relaxing just a smidgen. The tables are always immaculate here, which is why I chose it. Every place else always has sticky tables, but not at Jim’s place. No, here, you could eat off the floor if you wanted, and you’d never get sick.
“This is nice,” Dallas says as he looks around.
The decor is typical diner. There are framed pictures of places from around the city. Places Jim frequents and takes pictures in front of. Also pictures of his vacation in France and Italy. This year they’re going to Spain in the fall.
“Jim’s a great guy and I guarantee you’ve never had burgers as good as his.”
Cindy comes to take Dallas’s order. “Kay, dear, you wanna lemonade today? Or are you feeling more orange soda?”
“Let’s go with sweet tea if you’re the one that made it.”
“You know it, darlin’” She winks and writes my drink order down. “What’ll ya have, sweetie?” She asks Dallas and his eyes flutter over the menu, looking for the drinks.
“I’ll match Kay’s entire order.” He closes the menu and slides it back in the slot against the wall.
“Sounds good. Kay’s got good taste.” She squeezes my shoulder before heading back to the kitchen.
I bounce in my seat and can’t help the imaginary sparkles in my eyes when Jim puts a huge plate of cheese fries on thewindow and dings the bell. My mouth waters and I watch Cindy the entire walk over.
She gives me a smile and sets the entire tray between Dallas and me. His eyes go wide while she hands us both a plate.
She squeezes my shoulder and leans in and whispers, “Hey, after you eat, Jim would like to talk to you about a job.” Another squeeze.
“Will do.” I grab my fork and add a bunch of cheesy fries to my plate. “I look forward to it.”
Then she’s back fluttering around to the other customers.
“What was that about?” Dallas asks with his fork poised to his mouth.
“Just need to pop in and talk to Jim before we leave.” And if I’m lucky, I’ll get to murder someone tonight. Please, oh please, let me get lucky. I know I said no to Kendra’s offer, but I do need someone to take out.
“These are really good,” Dallas says.
“I know. I always know where to find the best places. I’m magical like that.” I wink and shovel fries into my mouth like I’m a damn vacuum hose.
The burgers come out and I make grabbie hands as Cindy walks over to us. She shakes her head, but she’s grinning. “You crack me up, Kay.”
