Free A Second Helping by Beverly Jenkins Page B

After sharing a few words with the driver, he walked to the diner’s entrance.
    Once inside, he glanced around at the red and chrome interior and appeared impressed. Upon noticing Mal, Clay, and the lovely Rocky standing in the empty dining room, he came forward, smiling. “Morning. Can you tell me where I can find Bernadine Brown? Hope I’m in the right town.” He directed a big grin Rocky’s way, but was promptly ignored.
    Mal checked him out. From his blue pin-striped suit and gold silk tie, to the handmade brown leather shoes, he stank of money. “And you are?”
    â€œNot that it’s any of your business, but the name’s Leo. Leo Brown.”
    The ex. “Welcome to Henry Adams. Heard about you.”
    That seemed to catch him off guard. “Bernie telling tales out of school?”
    â€œNo. Just the truth.”
    His jaw tightened. “Just tell me where she is.”
    â€œPower Plant. Turn around, go back up the road. Circular building. Brick red. Can’t miss it.”
    â€œThanks,” he grumbled, and strode out back to his ride.
    â€œWonder what he wants with Bernadine?” Clay asked.
    Mal shrugged.
    â€œYou jealous?”
    â€œYou want the truth or the lie?”
    The two old friends smiled.
    Rocky said with surprise, “You didn’t tell me you were hitting on Ms. Brown.”
    Clay said, “That’s because he’s batting a big fat zero. If he was a baseball player he’d be in the minors.”
    Mal lowered his head to hide his grin.
    Rocky walked over and wrapped an arm around each of the waists. “You know, I really missed you two old players while I was gone.”
    â€œWe missed you too,” Mal said.
    They each gave her a kiss on her cheek.
    â€œWelcome back,” Clay said. “Good to have you home.”
    And she replied, “As Dorothy said when she and Toto finally got back to Kansas. No place like it.”
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    At the Power Plant, when Lily’s voice came over the office intercom to announce the arrival of Leo Brown, Bernadine sat straight up in her chair. “ What! ”
    Realizing he’d probably heard her response, Bernadine calmed herself, took in a breath, and replied as pleasantly as she could. “Let me finish this call,” she lied. “I’ll let you know when I’m done.”
    â€œOkay.”
    Before Bernadine could stop it, the memory of that day in his office flared to life and she was angry, hurt, and humiliated all over again. What in the world was he doing in Henry Adams! They hadn’t spoken since the divorce. Was he dying? In trouble? She’d have to let him in before she could get answers, and lord knew she didn’t want to. Running him over with Baby would be better, but she drew in another breath, and hit the intercom button again. “Send him in, please, Ms. Fontaine.”
    â€œYes, Ms. Brown.”
    A few short seconds later, the man she’d fallen in love with at age nineteen and who’d broken her heart beyond repair at age fifty-two stood in her doorway. “Leo,” she said, coolly, “how are you?” She didn’t like him well enough to stand up and give him a proper greeting, but she did gesture for him to take a seat.
    â€œDoing okay, Bern. Even better now that I see your face.”
    She gave him a fake smile. She’d always detested being called Bern but he’d insisted on using the masculine-sounding nickname anyway. “What can I do for you?”
    â€œJust stopped by to see you. Been keeping up with you and your town through CNN and the Internet.”
    â€œYou flew all the way here just to stop by?”
    â€œUh, no. I’m staying just outside Franklin consulting on a project for the company. And since I’ll be here for a while, thought I’d drive over and see how you are.”
    â€œThat’s nice,” she lied. “As you can see, I’m doing well. Town’s keeping me