Page 19 of Rags's Awakening
They shared a laugh as the Harley rumbled to life, the low growl rolling down the quiet street.
Throttle climbed into the work truck then slammed the door shut.
“Later, bro,” he called from the open window.
“Later.”
Rags pulled from the curb, the bike roaring into the fading light.
When Rags walkedinside the diner, a few people milled in the small waiting room and a couple customers hovered around the cash register. He scanned the room, searching for Clara, but she wasn’t there. He spotted Maddie carrying a tray piled with plates and glasses as she maneuvered in between the booths and tables. She looked over and a big smile spread across her face. He tipped his head at her and rocked back on his heels. The curly-haired waitress put the tray down at the end of the silver-speckled counter and walked over.
“You eating alone tonight?” She wiped her hands on a white apron cinched over her pink jumper.
“I’m meeting up with my sister, but I don’t see her. How’ve you been?”
“Busy and tired.” Maddie shrugged. “I guess, same as usual. How ’bout you? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Animal, Diesel, and Shadow were here earlier for lunch.”
“I was working. Is our booth free?”
A grin spread across her full face. “I always save it for you guys, except Sundays. That’s the one day I hardly ever see any of you. Guess you’re all too busy sleeping off Saturday night.” She laughed, shaking her head.
“You got it,” he said.
Maddie plucked two menus from the shelf under the cash register and headed down the aisle, hips swaying to the beat of the overhead music.
Ruthie’s was a favorite stop for the Insurgents, and the last booth in the back was usually theirs. The bikers required seating that gave them a full view of the restaurant.
“I’ll bring you a cup of coffee and some fresh milk, huh?” Maddie said as Rags slid into the booth.
“You know me too well.” A smile brushed across his lips.
She grinned, setting the menus on the table. “Coffee coming right up.”
Maddie was one of the Insurgents’ favorite waitresses at the diner. She joked around just enough, gave good service, never fawned, and minded her own business. Her husband had walked out several years ago, leaving her to raise two teenagers on her own. The brothers always tipped her well: part of it was out of respect, and part was their quiet way of showing they had her back.
Rags glanced toward the window and saw Clara hurrying across the parking lot, hair flying, that determined look on her face. He sighed, pushing the menu aside. When Clara hadthatlook it usually meant she was about to give him a talking-to about something.
The bell over the door jingled a second later. Clara strode in, scanning the diner until her gaze landed on him.
She hurried down the aisle and slipped into the booth. “Have you been waiting long?” She tucked her shoulder bag next to her on the seat.
Rags leaned back, one arm draped over the booth. “Just got here a few minutes ago.”
Maddie set down a mug of coffee and a small pitcher of milk in front of him and smiled at Clara. “You want something to drink?”
Clara looked over. “Yeah. A chocolate milkshake with whipped cream… and sprinkles if you have them.”
Maddie laughed. “We have them.”
Rags smirked over the rim of his cup. “You still order it like you’re ten.”
“And you still act like you’re thirteen,” she shot back.
Maddie laughed as she jotted down the order. “One milkshake coming up.” She scurried behind the counter and snapped the order on the dolly.
Clara leaned back against the cushion. “So, how’ve you been?”
“Fine.”
