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before. Help Wanted.
    She took the umbrella to the counter and handed it to Buzz. “She’s all set. Stubborn, huh?”
    “She likes that walk. Claims it keeps her on her feet. I think she’s around eighty now and she’s been getting her breakfast here for thirty years.”
    “What kind of help are you looking for, exactly?” She surprised herself with the question.
    “Little of everything,” he said with a shrug. “Place isn’t that crowded during the weekday mornings. I can almost handle it myself, but it’s better when I have someone steady. Waiting tables, doing dishes, sweeping up. If we go through a busy spell and I have to ask the other waitresses to come in at the crack of dawn, they get all pissy. Not real flexible. You know wo—you know waitresses.”
    Adolfo popped into view from the grill. “ Sí, we need help for the help.”
    “They’re precious flowers,” Buzz said with a wide grin.
    She looked around, and when comfortable that she wouldn’t be overheard, she asked, “How fussy are you about references?”
    “I’m kind of easy there,” he said. “You sound interested.”
    “I…ah…didn’t really think I was looking for work. I haven’t waited tables since I was in my teens.”
    “It hasn’t changed much over the years. I pay minimum wage, you bus your own tables, keep your tips, split ’em when you work with the other girls, and can have any meals you show up for, on or off your shift. I could use someone when I open. At 5:00 a.m. Pretty rude hour of the day. Especially for the precious flowers.” Grin.
    “I like to get up early.”
    “I guess you don’t have ID?”
    “I…Ah…” She shook her head. “No.”
    “You have a name?”
    “Doris.”
    “Well then, Doris. See you at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow?”
    She smiled in spite of herself, but mocked herself inside—what the devil are you smiling about? Nick is probably shredding your Vera Wang nightie while you’re taking minimum wage in a greasy spoon!
    But it was a little honest work and no one would be ogling her. For sure not with her bald head and the masculine clothes. She could stretch the money she had in her backpack a little further and have time to think this through. This diner was safe and clean and warm, the people so far had been decent, and at this stage she wasn’t about to take that lightly. Plus, there was no way Nick Noble would end up within twenty miles of a place like this—it was just too common.
    It would only be for a little while. She had no idea what would come next, but she was pretty sure it wouldn’t be equal to that classy condo with the spectacular ocean view. Those days were pretty much behind her, unless she took a notion to find another rich old boyfriend. And from where she stood, that was about as likely as snow in hell.
    “A little tip, Doris. You might try the Sunset Motel over on Carver. It’s not too far from here and the owner will give you a cheap weekly rate and heat. It don’t look like much, but it’s clean and safe. But don’t tell Charlie I told you. I consider him a friend, but he’s tight as a bull’s ass and I don’t see any point in my new waitress freezing to death. And you’re going to have to get a scarf or something. You can’t wait tables in a ball cap and I’m afraid that shiny dome on a girl might upset the tea-and-cookie crowd.”
    “The…?”
    “The little old ladies.”
    “Oh. Sure. No problem.”
    “It ain’t easy work, but it doesn’t pay well.”
    “Sounds that way,” she said, but she said it with a smile. “Thanks, Buzz. You’re a good guy.”
    “Aw, hell, I’m a tyrant. You’ll hate me in no time. Go get me that sign, will you, girl?”
     
    Hate Buzz? Impossible. He might have been an angel in disguise. An angel with a few rough edges, maybe, but angelic just the same.
    In keeping with her new appearance, Jennifer had her left ear pierced and decorated with five silver hoops. She had to sleep on her right side for a week, but she