Smokey watched the guy shift from one foot to another.
“Everything okay, honey?” Ruthie asked as she came over to Smokey. The owner looked at the fidgeting man and then back at the biker. “Is he giving you trouble?” she asked Smokey.
“I’m not causing any trouble,” the young man said.
“He just needs to learn to think before he talks.” Smokey turned away and slipped an arm around the older woman’s shoulders. “It’s good to see you. Haven’t been at the diner in a while, have you?”
“I’m trying to take it easier—doctor’s orders, not mine.” She laughed. “How are you and the other guys? Still breaking women’s hearts and partying too hard?”
Smokey smiled. “You know it—some things never change.” He squeezed her shoulder, then dropped his arm to his side.
“I’ll come over and visit with you in a while. One of the cooks called off, so I’m in the kitchen.” Ruthie winked at him, then slipped behind the counter and disappeared into the back to help out with the orders.
Smokey moseyed over to the counter and settled down on the red vinyl-cushioned chrome stool. Maddie placed a steaming cup of coffee, a small earthenware creamer, and a glass of water in front of him.
“Do you need a minute?”
Smokey tipped the creamer over his coffee. “Nope. I’ll have the steak—medium—and eggs.” He picked up his spoon and stirred the coffee.
Maddie scribbled on a pad. “Fried potatoes or hash browns?”
“Fried potatoes.”
“Toast, right?” Maddie looked up and smiled.
“Yeah.”
“I know Shadow, Axe, Rock, Rags, and Jerry like English muffins.”
The corner of Smokey’s mouth turned up. “Do we come in here that often?”
“You do.” She patted his hand, then tucked her pen and pad into one of the pockets of her apron. “I’ll get your order in,” she said before scurrying away.
Smokey brought the cup to his lips and briefly inhaled the fresh and strong aroma of roasted beans before taking a sip. The coffee was so hot it smoked, and he relished the warmth as it slid down his throat. A movement by the cashier register caught his eye, and he put the cup down and stared at the back of a woman with long raven hair. For a split second he held his breath, then exhaled when his gaze skimmed over the slender woman. Nope, that’s not her. The woman leaning against the cashier’s stand didn’t have curves that wouldn’t quit, long legs, and a round ass that he wanted to sink his teeth into.
As if sensing Smokey’s scrutiny, the woman glanced over her shoulder at him, and he quickly looked away and brought the coffee mug to his lips. Not even close. Images from last night when she’d checked him out with those captivating blue eyes—bright and shimmering like a lake on a cloudless day—flashed through his mind. He chuckled softly as he recalled the defiant look in those amazing orbs. Fuck … I would’ve loved to have hooked up with her last night. I still can’t believe she turned me down. Something mustn’t be right with the chick.
“Here you go,” Maddie said as she put the plate in front of him. “I brought you some hot sauce and ketchup. Can I get you anything else?”
Smokey shook his head. “You thought of everything—that’s why you’re our favorite.” He winked at the waitress, and as she laughed, a faint blush of pink washed over her cheeks.
“You’re such a charmer,” Maddie said before turning away.
Smokey was halfway through his meal when he saw someone approaching him from the corner of his eye. He put down his fork and turned his head, noticing it was Ryan. A rock hard knot formed in the pit of Smokey’s stomach as he took in his younger brother’s appearance: sunken cheeks, glassy eyes, and disheveled hair. Even from where he sat, Smokey could smell the alcohol on Ryan’s breath. Smokey shifted his gaze from his alcoholic brother to the dour face of his mother who stood behind Ryan.
“How’ve you been?” Ryan said as he flung out his arms.
“Good.” Smokey leaned back a bit as his brother lowered his arms and looked down at the ground. “You?”
Ryan raised his head and a huge smile spread across his face, deepening the lines around his mouth. “Just great. Real great. I can’t believe I ran into you here. Isn’t this just great, Mom?” He moved to the side and gripped their mother’s arm. “Isn’t it great … real great that we bumped into Daniel?”
“It’s Smokey—Daniel died a long time ago,” he said.
Ryan cupped his