Something More by Janet Dailey Read Free Book Online Page B

finds that out.”
    â€œShe seems nice.” Angie glanced back to the bar.
    â€œShe is nice. Just nosy.” He raised a hand, signaling to one of the waitresses. “Griff offers a very limited menu,” he informed her. “You can have your choice of steak, fried chicken, or today’s special—which happens to be barbeque ribs. All the dinners come with salad, french fries, or baked potato. For sandwiches, there’re hamburgers or hot dogs.”
    She laughed softly. “When you said limited, you meant it.”
    â€œIt keeps the waste and spoilage down, and the inventory fresh. Operating a business in a small community solely dependent on the local trade, you have to keep it lean to survive.”
    In the background, a jukebox blared a country tune, competing with the steady chatter of voices, occasionally punctuated with laughter. Angie ran an idle glance over the crowded tavern.
    â€œIt looks busy tonight,” she remarked.
    â€œOn Saturdays it always is. Some say they come for the food and stay for the gossip. The rest claim it’s the other way around. I guess it’s a toss-up which is the bigger draw.”
    Angie noticed a waitress approaching their table. “Is there anything in particular you’d recommend?” She took a sip of coffee, watching Luke over the rim. He was much too easy on the eyes.
    â€œTake your pick. It’s all good,” he said, with an idle shrug, then sat back in his chair, turning to the waitress. “Hi, Liz. How’s it going?”
    â€œDon’t ask,” the sun-streaked blonde replied, looking flustered and rushed as she flipped through her order pad, searching for a blank page.
    â€œI understand congratulations are in order.” Something gentle and warm entered his expression, softening all the hard, sharp angles in his face.
    â€œIma Jane told you, did she?” A sudden small and shy smile appeared in the girl’s face, bringing a glow to her eyes.
    â€œNaturally,” Luke replied, then explained to Angie, “Liz is expecting.”
    â€œHow wonderful.” Angie was quick to express her joy for the girl.
    â€œIt is wonderful.” The waitress nodded. “Scary but wonderful.” Someone called to her from another table. “Coming,” she promised, the harried look returning to her face when she directed her attention back to them. “What can I get you?”
    â€œSteak.” Angie said the first thing that popped into her mind, then went with her choice. “Medium, with french fries and Italian dressing on the salad.”
    â€œHow about you, Luke?”
    â€œThe usual steak. Griff knows what I want. And another drink.”
    She scribbled down the order, then flipped the pad shut, glancing at the mug in Angie’s hand. “Do you need a refill on that coffee?”
    â€œPlease.”
    â€œI’ll be right back with the pot—and your drink, Luke.” She started to move away from the table, then stopped and lightly touched Angie’s shoulder. “We’re all sorry about your grandpa.”
    Too stunned by the expression of sympathy from a total stranger, Angie wasn’t able to voice a response before the waitress moved away from the table. She was still struggling with the surprise of it when she glanced at Luke and saw the twinkle of laughter in his eyes.
    â€œI did tell you that gossip was served right along with food and drink,” he reminded her. “By now, everyone in the place knows who you are and why you’re here—and are busy speculating on everything else.”
    The breath Angie had unconsciously been holding came out with an explosive little rush of astonishment. “You told me, but I never expected it would spread that quickly.” Coming from a small town herself, she probably should have.
    â€œIf there are any secrets around here, I can guarantee they won’t be secret for long.”
    â€œI believe