“Kelly, did you hear me, sweetie? These aren’t mine. Did anyone else stop by today? The sheriff maybe?
How could I tell Grace that Hunter had been there? How could I hide what I felt for him or what had happened? I hadn’t been with another man since my relationship with Phil had ended, long ago. If I was going to start a relationship, Grace could accept almost anyone, apart from the tattooed beast who’d destroyed her diner that morning. I wanted to lie. I wanted to think of someone or some excuse, but I couldn’t. Hunter was the only person running through my head and before I had a chance to think of something my mouth betrayed me.
“Grace, those keys belong to.” I was interrupted by the phone ringing.
Thank you, God.
I walked over to the phone and answered.
“Hello? Kelly? It’s, it’s Dennis.”
He must have been into the drink. He was slurring his words and fumbling around a bit.
“Hi, Dennis. How are you? Is everything okay?”
“Oh yes, of course. I was just trying to get ahold of Grace. I was walking home from the bar and,” he paused to belch, “pardon me, dear. I was walking home and past the diner and noticed the door was slightly ajar. I think she forgot to lock up on her way out today. Is she there with you?”
Dennis. You sweet man. You just got me out of some hot water.
“Yes, Dennis she is. I will let her know and we’ll get it all sorted out. Thank you for calling. You’re a good man, looking out for her like that. Get home safe now, you sound like you’ve had a bit to drink.”
“Oh, I’ve only had a couple. My legs will get me home just fine. Goodnight, Kelly. See you tomorrow for breakfast.”
“Goodnight, Dennis. Thanks again.”
I waited until I heard him hang up and then I kept talking into the phone.
“Oh, Dennis, wait. Before you go. Are you missing your keys by any chance? Grace and I found some here and I’m afraid I might have picked someone’s up by accident when I left today. Could they be yours?”
I nodded my head and pretended that Dennis was answering on the other end of the line.
“Oh, yes, well that makes sense then. I’m so sorry, Dennis. I’ll run them over to you right away. Hold tight.”
I hung up the phone and turned to Grace.
“That was Dennis, a little pickled up,” I laughed and shook my head. “Apparently he was on his way home and noticed you left the diner’s door unlocked. In any case, he’s missing his keys so that solves that big mystery. I must have picked them up by accident earlier.”
“Well, there’s not a clear head between the three of us,” Grace laughed. “Although with all the commotion earlier, I can’t say I’m surprised. I wish he wouldn’t drink like that. Such a good man with such an awful habit. Anyway, I suppose I should leave these dishes to you so I can lock up the diner and give Dennis his keys. Can’t have him sleeping on the streets, now.”
“Grace, it’s nearly eleven o’clock. You have to open the diner in seven hours. Why don’t you take my room, I’ll run out and get everything sorted with everyone, and then I’ll take the sofa bed when I get back? I’m not tired at the moment anyhow.”
“Kelly, don’t be silly. I’m not going to have you sleeping on a pullout sofa just because I stayed out past my bedtime.”
I could see Grace’s eyes were heavy and that her stubbornness wouldn’t outlast how tired she was.
“Grace, please. You’re exhausted. Stay here with Lucas, get some sleep, and I’ll be back before you know it. It won’t take me long.”
Grace sighed deeply and then yawned.
“You sure talk a good game, little lady. I see now why you’re my best waitress.”
“I’m your only waitress, Grace. At least since Elle left.”
“Ah, yes. Elle. I do miss that sweet girl.”
I smiled at her and gave her a hug.
“Yes, well that settles it then,” she said. “I’ll make the sofa bed for you so it’s ready when you get back. And don’t lollygag now. It’s no time for young ladies to be roaming around town unaccompanied.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back in no time. Goodnight, Grace.”