ROXANNE POV
The cool evening air brushed against my skin as I walked down the block, grocery bags in hand.
My car-a dented old sedan I was still making payments on-sat a few blocks away.
A nagging feeling crept over me as if someone was following me and I glanced over my shoulder.
Something felt off.
Instead of heading toward my car, I kept walking, tightening my grip on the grocery bags.
The block wasn't completely deserted, but it was sparse enough that help would be hard to find.
Then I saw it-the small diner where I've been working the night shift, its neon sign glowing faintly in the distance. It was tucked into a quiet corner of the block.
I headed straight for it, quickening my pace without breaking into a full run.
As I neared the entrance, I caught sight of a few people inside, their voices faintly audible even through the glass.
Relief washed over me. Pushing the door open, I was greeted by the familiar clang of the bell above it.
The owner, Gladys, stood behind the counter, chatting with a man in a uniform-a cop I hadn't seen around here before.
"Evening, Roxanne." Gladys called with a wave, her plump face lighting up in a warm smile.
I waved back, offering a small smile of my own and slid into an empty booth by the window.
Setting the grocery bags on the seat beside me, I stared out at the street, my eyes scanning for any sign of movement.
The street was quiet. No one was following me.
My gaze stayed fixed on the sidewalk until Gladys joined me a moment later.
She plopped down into the seat across from me. "Everything okay, hon? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Yeah." I said, quickly, forcing a laugh. "Just a long day. Grocery shopping wears me out, apparently."
Her eyes softened, but I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced.
"You've got to stop working so hard. When's the last time you did something nice for yourself?" She asked, furrowing her brows.
"I do plenty of nice things for myself." I mumbled, glancing the other way.
It's been a year since I fled to a town on the other side of the city, piecing my life together by working at the diner for a few months and scraping by on my own.
"Uh-huh." Gladys leaned back, folding her arms. "And I suppose you're just here for the view?"
We both laughed.
"Well, let me know if you need anything. You've got to take care of yourself." She smiled, warmly.
I nodded, feeling a little bit of ease as she lowered her voice. "And you see him? He's new around here."
I followed her gaze, watching as the Cop stood, adjusted his belt and nodded politely to Gladys before leaving.
"He seems...interesting." I teased, raising an eyebrow.
Gladys rolled her eyes, standing up with a playful huff. "Get out of here. I'm giving you a meal on the house, but you're working early tonight."
I chuckled, nodding. "Thanks, Gladys. I owe you one."
The meal was warm and comforting, just like everything Gladys made.
After finishing, I left my groceries with her behind the counter and headed to the bathroom to freshen up before leaving.
YOU ARE READING
THE DEVIL'S MISTRESS
Romance+++✦+++ His hand gripped my neck-not tight enough to choke but enough to make his point. His other hand pressed against the fridge just above my shoulder, trapping me. My mouth parted in shock, my eyes locking with his. The sly smirk curving his lip...
