Arresting Attraction: How To Create A Criminal

Chapter Seven

The diner was quiet.

It was about 11:30. A couple of people still sitting in the booths. Most of them were truckers, having their last stop before the morning dawn.

I made my way to a booth with a coffee pot. Two truckers, both overweight, hats, and tattoos sat talking, in depth and quiet. When I approached, they stopped, turning to me with a smile.

"More coffee, Fellas?" I asked.

Mike, with a red mesh cap on, held out his mug, "Thank you, sweetheart."

I offered some to his companion, Rich, who declined but continued to stare at me.

"Is there anything else I can get you two?"

Rich winked, "A room. And you."

I laughed and sauntered away, moving behind the counter to return the pot of coffee.

Lenny's Diner was small. The colour scheme was neutral, the plastic booths red and shiny. We were open from 10am to 5am every day, to accommodate for the walks of life that came in, particularly late at night.

Lenny was an older man, in his 60's. He owned the diner. I passed him as I went behind the counter.

"They still trying to take you home?" he asked.

I nodded, "Aren't they always."

"Boys will be boys," another voice chimed in.

Mary Jane was on the other side of the counter, a rag in her hand, wiping the table. She was in her early 40's, with light blonde hair, and stunning blue eyes.

I laughed, and filled up a glass of water, handing it to her.

She took it and smiled, taking a sip.

"Thanks, Dear."

"Got to keep you hydrated," I said, gesturing to her stomach.

Mary Jane held her belly, rubbing it fondly. The uniform she wore did nothing to hide the protruding baby bump, but she didn't mind. She loved talking about the baby.

"Hows the kicking?" Lenny asked.

Mary Jane propped herself up on the bar, legs swinging, "This child will be the death of me."

"You said that about the last 3."

"I know. But this time, I actually mean it."

Mary Jane looked over to a booth in the corner. On the table, crayons and pencils, a couple of little milkshake glasses and some drawings. Curled up on the booths were her three children: Sally, Jimmy Junior and Dave.

The children were too young to go to school, so Mary Jane brought them into work. They sat patiently drawing and listening to old timey music, while she did her job. Most of the patrons loved them.Lenny absolutely adored the children, often spending time sitting with them, talking to them, and teaching them about the world.

"How's Jimmy?" Lenny asked, serious.

Mary Jane shook her head, "He hasn't been coming home lately. And, I know he's cheating on me. But I have to stay for the children. I couldn't let them be without their father."

"But are you happy?" I asked.

She looked at her tummy, "Sometimes. When I tell myself that I love him."

"You can do better than that scumbag," Lenny offered.

She smiled, "I don't have any money to look after the children. I can barely look after myself."