Page 80 of Allegiance
Lena
Lena pushed openthe swinging door with her hip, balancing a quiche in one hand and a pie in the other.
“Let me help you with that!” Sarah yelped as she ran over to her.
“Thanks.” Lena handed her the quiche. “There are two more in the kitchen.”
“Perfect timing. Mrs. Davidson called and said she was on her way to pick up the order. I’ll get the other ones.” Sarah pushed through the doors and disappeared down the hall.
The bell over the door chimed as Lena began boxing the order.
“That was quick. Sarah said you’d just called.” Looking up, she gasped.
Tank stood there with his hands shoved in his pockets. “Hi, Lena.”
The momentary shock of seeing him wore off, bringing out her anger.
“Get out of here, now.”
His gaze drifted to the flowers on the shelf behind the counter, then back to her. “I see you got them.”
“So?”
He shrugged. “So nothing. At least you didn’t throw them in the trash.”
“My employees liked them.”
“And you didn’t?”
“Do you honestly think sending me flowers is going to change my mind? Are you here to collect payment? Where’s your lowlife partner?”
The muscle in his jaw clenched.
“I’m not here for that. You gotta get out of the store.”
“You’ve got a lot of nerve coming to my—”
“A little help here,” Sarah called out.
Lena rushed over and opened the swinging doors. “I already took the boxes out for them.”
“Okay.” Sarah looked at Tank and smiled. “Can I help you?”
He tipped his head to Lena. “She’s on top of it.”
A brief look of disappointment flashed through Sarah’s eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at Lena.
“Hello,” Mrs. Davidson said as she walked into the bistro.
“Hello,” Lena greeted her. “Sarah is boxing your order now. Would you like a café au lait?”
“That would be wonderful. It always smells so delicious when I come into your place. I heard you’re catering the McNeal wedding?”
Lena started on the coffee. “I am.”
“I’m so glad. At least I know that Bernard and I will enjoy the food. I don’t have high hopes for the rest of the wedding.” She looked around the shop and said in a low voice, “Darla’s daughter and fiancé are getting married on the beach by one of his friends. Can you imagine expecting us to stand on the sand in our expensive shoes? I can’t believe she’s allowing it.”
Lena just smiled and set the café au lait in front of Mrs. Davidson.
