Anonymously Yours Read Free

bank bag. “A good day?” I asked. It was a lame question since I already knew the answer. Winslow’s Diner didn’t draw big customers. I assumed it was because Harry Winslow catered mostly to the high school age palates. I always wondered why my boss didn’t add a bit more variety to his menu. But since I didn’t plan to stick around long, my only concern was that it remained open long enough for me to find a more suitable position.
    Justin’s blue Malibu appeared at the diner’s entrance. I untied my apron and used it as a shield against the pelting rain. “See you tomorrow,” I shouted to Heather before racing out the door. Heather always stayed later to help close up the diner. I wondered why but never asked. I was just thankful I didn’t have to stay and help.
    Justin reached across his seat and threw open the passenger door. I ducked inside and pulled the door closed, then removed the dripping apron from my head. The thin material had done nothing to protect me from the rain. I tossed the wet fabric into the floorboard, then hand-combed my damp hair from my face.
    “Something fell out of your apron.” Justin reached down to the floorboard and retrieved Mr. Black’s wallet.
    I took it from his hand and shook the water from it. “I’m glad I didn’t lose that,” I said. “I need to return this to the owner on my way to work in the morning.”
    Justin frowned. “Wouldn’t it be easier if he came back to the diner for it?”
    “That’s what I suggested, but Winslow wanted me to return it. I tried calling, but no one was home. Besides, if I drop it off, he won’t have to wait until the diner reopens. He may not even realize it’s missing until he needs it again. He just lives around the corner from me, so I’ll drop it off on the way to work in the morning.”
    “Why don’t you let me return it for you,” Justin suggested. “I can drop if off on my way home. I’m staying with my parents until I find a place of my own.”
    “I already told you, he’s not home.”
    “Then I’ll get up early and take it to him in the morning,” he offered again. “That way you won’t have to go out of your way in the morning.”
    I flashed him a knowing smile. “I remember how much you enjoy sleeping late,” I said. “I can be there just before seven. Hopefully he won’t even have left for work.”
    Justin’s mouth curved into a grin. His thick eyebrows shifted.
    “What?” I demanded.
    “You’re always looking for excitement, aren’t you?”
    I slumped back against the seat, crossing my arms over my chest. The reason for our breakup was becoming clear again. Justin was just as bad as my parents when it came to my choice of professions.
    “I’d hardly call returning a wallet cause for excitement,” I answered sharply. I diverted my gaze out the window avoiding his probing stare.
    Justin eased the car into gear and changed the subject. “So how did you wind up working at Winslow’s Diner of all places?”
    I sighed heavily before answering. My gaze remained straight. “Believe me, it wasn’t what I had in mind.”
    “I’m listening,” he said. He pulled away from the curb. A gust of wind rattled the small car, sending torrents of rain splashing against the windows. Justin rubbed a small circle of fog from the windshield and peered anxiously outside.
    I straightened in the seat and braced myself against the deadly lightning that lit up the inside of the car. “I was supposed to go to work with my uncle Bob as a private investigator,” I finally answered. “But that fell through at the last minute when my parents talked him out of hiring me. Like I said, my parents have the same opinion of women’s positions in the work force as you do.”
    Justin rolled his eyes. “Come on, Denise,” he pleaded. “Let’s don’t get started on that again.”
    “Maybe you’re right,” I agreed, fighting back tears. “We should just accept the fact that we weren’t meant to be together and get on