Chapter 3

Luke made it back downtown just before dark. He felt flush and decided to have a real meal at one of the diners. Finding a vacant table in a back corner, he read the menu, settling on meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Stick-to-the-ribs food, as his mother called it when he was a child.

“What’s your order?” the waitress asked, looking at him as if she doubted he could afford anything other than coffee.

“The meatloaf and a soda, and I can pay now if you don’t trust me.”

She smiled dryly. “I’ve seen you out there panhandling, so yeah, that might be a good idea.”

Rolling his eyes, Luke dug into his pocket, taking out what he needed. Feeling snarky because of her attitude, he paid mostly in change, stuffing the bills back in his pocket.

“Smart ass,” she muttered, but she smiled, too, before leaving the table.