ArcKnight (The ArcKnight Chronicles #1)

Chapter Eleven

Lilliana

I hugged my body as I stood on the edge of the sidewalk curb. It seemed like it never stopped raining here, and the constant downpour was wearing on my nerves. I knew it had to do with some high or low pressure system, whatever, but I was tired of the gloom. Especially since it was my first day out of Ephrem's apartment building. I was alone, but he'd set a time to meet up in an hour. He didn't quite trust me to be on my own yet, but it was the price I had to pay to get some fresh air.

And hopefully track down Elise.

Blinking away the rain lining my lashes, I tried hard not to let the sting behind my eyes bring out the tears. Thinking of her brought too many memories, and the way things had ended had left me empty, torn and distrusting of everyone. I'd never be the same. All because of her.

I crossed the street, hoping the movement would shake her from my thoughts. I'd wandered around the city near Ephrem's building, grabbing a few essentials at the corner market and checking out a bookstore where I'd picked up a paperback I'd been wanting to read. I hoped it would survive the rain okay since I had it tucked in its plastic bag inside my coat. The icy rain chilled me to the bone even with several layers and an umbrella to keep the water off me. Still, the wind blew the water sideways, and I was now a sopping mess. I hoped whatever diner Ephrem had picked to meet me at had some decent tea or coffee. Let's not forget food. I was already starving, and I still had fifteen minutes to kill before Ephrem showed up.

Standing outside the diner, I peered through the steamed-up windows for any sign of the man. Not locating him, I groaned and turned to stare at the rain-soaked streets. Cars rushed by without regard to the spray of water they sent flying into the air. People pushed past, stepping into puddles and sending up dirty water that spotted the bottom of my pants.

I cursed under my breath and tried to avoid the edge of the sidewalk. I could wander into yet another shop that sold endless amounts of tourist junk like the one I'd just left, but I had no desire to repeat the experience of the last three stores.

"Screw it," I muttered, hurrying toward the diner's entrance. At least if it was busy inside, I could get us a table and some hot liquid into me before I froze to death.

Within the diner, the place was bustling. All the counter seats were taken and the waitresses moved with quicksilver speed, dropping orders on the counter, taking orders without writing them down and weaving in and out of the crowds with practiced ease. Their red and white uniforms were reminiscent of the fifties diners, and I saw that they served malts and a jukebox blasted in the corner. How anyone got their orders right was a miracle.

"How many, miss?" The hostess smiled at me as she approached. She wore the same uniform as the waitresses but sported bright red lipstick and light blue eyeshadow. Smacking her gum, she waited for me to answer as she held her hand to her hip and shoved a lock of dark blonde hair behind her ear. Her nametag read "Ruthie."

"Oh, um... two, please?"

My lack of experience in diners was so apparent, I kept my head down as she waved me on to follow her to a booth near the rear of the restaurant.

"I'd get you one closer to the front, but this is all we have. Unless you want to wait about fifteen minutes. This okay?"

I nodded while wiggling out of my soaked coat. The material sighed beneath me as I slid down into the red pleather booth.

"Your waitress is Mandy. She'll be over in just a minute."

"Thank you."

She smacked her gum and smiled before walking away, sashaying her hips. She certainly had her role down.