Page 19 of The Crowing of Hell
“How’d you know my name?” I asked, accepting his offered hand.
Inglorious winked and raised my fingers to his lips, where he kissed them and let go. “You’re famous, Kendara, amongst us anyway. Any woman who supports a friend like you did, and risks her career and life for a newborn baby, deserves our respect. And then getting beaten and held hostage? Yeah, lady, you’re a fuckin’ legend, and one we all admire,” Inglorious said, his eyes twinkling.
“Um, I’m not sure how to respond to that,” I responded, and Inglorious chuckled.
“How about, thanks and you join me for a cup of coffee?”
“I was going to rest because Blue is tired and hungry. We’d dropped the bags off, so I was deciding where to go for lunch,” I replied.
“I’m guessing kiddo doesn’t want anything fancy. Fries and a burger for him,” Inglorious said.
“Yup. Although I’d prefer something else,” I replied.
“Come with me, I know just the place,” Inglorious ordered and waved a hand towards me.
I followed him, laughing, and we headed for a diner that I had always meant to try but never had.
It was styled as it had been back in the 1950s and still played music from the 50s and 60s. Blue perked up on entering, and his little head began bobbing up and down. I unstrapped him from the stroller, and Inglorious took him as I collapsed it down and stuck it in the small area for strollers.
A waitress hurried over, and I saw her ovaries melt at the sight of Inglorious with Blue. I had to admit, Inglorious was an extremely attractive guy.
The waitress brought Blue a highchair and handed us menus. Despite her focus on Inglorious, I was gratified not to be ignored as her warm smile took in me and Blue, too.
“Love to see a guy carrying a baby. Reminds me of when my kids were little, my man used to haul them everywhere,” she said.
Inglorious offered a beatific smirk that stunned both me and the waitress. He winked at Blue and bent down to him. “Uncle Inglorious will teach you how to do that one day,” he whispered as the waitress and I laughed.
Blue babbled a happy agreement and banged his tray.
“Right, let’s take your orders,” the waitress said.
Blue was easy, burger and fries. I had a smotheredchicken and fries with a side salad. While Inglorious ordered a bowl of fries, two burgers, four pieces of fried chicken, and sides of slaw and corn. My eyes were huge when he finished up with onion rings and garlic bread.
“You going to eat all that?” I gasped and then shook my head. “Never mind. I’ve seen how much the brothers can devour.”
Inglorious chuckled. “Yeah, it seems to come with the role. We all eat a shit ton.”
“And then work out like maniacs,” I said with a nod to his physique and blushed. “I’m not hitting on you!” I exclaimed.
Inglorious threw his head back and laughed as I reddened. Damn my impetuous mouth.
“I didn’t mean offence by that. You’re attractive, but I’m not interested,” I muttered, and Inglorious boomed again.
“It’s okay, Kendara. I know my reputation for hitting on women. But it’s cool. I’m thrilled to enjoy a lunch and conversation with a beautiful woman,” he said.
“One day, a woman will be thrilled because of you!” I stated, and Inglorious chuckled again.
“And you’re gonna keep your man on his toes,” Inglorious replied.
There was an expression in his eyes I couldn’t identify. It puzzled me. Inglorious seemed aware of something that I wasn’t.
“Oh, no. No guy in my life. I’m way too busy for that.”
“That?” Inglorious questioned.
“A relationship,” I replied.
“Rage has claimed every beautiful woman within a ten-mile radius of them. I refuse to believe nobody from Rage made a move on you,” Inglorious teased.