Midnight in Brussels Read Online Free

restaurant was known for its attractive female wait-staff and Amanda fit the bill in the looks department - slim, blond, blue-eyed and pretty. Frenchie was immediately impressed with Amanda’s looks and demeanor, and her story, so experience or no experience, she was hired. It was also a special favor to Paula and Drake, her longtime friends.
    The shy and timid girl from Arkansas caught on to the way of doing things quicker than most and soon became the highest tipped and showed promise of becoming the best waitress in the place.
    When Frenchie handed her the first paycheck, Amanda cried. Frenchie put her arm around Amanda’s waist and thanked her for working so hard; she told Amanda she hoped she’d be happy at KC’s and she was grateful to Paula and Drake for recommending her.
    After the display of affection from Frenchie, Amanda felt the need and desire to excel even more at her first job. She worked overtime whenever asked without complaining and became a true loyal employee, feeling appreciated more than at any other time in her young life.
     
    It was near to closing at KC’s, and five months had gone by since she began her career as a waitress. Earlier that morning the sheriff’s department in Clark County of Nevada notified her that they’d found Arlie’s car in Kingman, Arizona, but that was where the trail ended. They assumed he was still alive, not dead. They assumed he left of his own accord, that it wasn’t a criminal matter.
    Two months before, Amanda had called Johnny Mace, one of Arlie’s co-workers, to let him know where she could be reached if Arlie showed up. Johnny told her he’d like to buy the trailer; said he’d been living with two other guys and wanted a place to live with his new girlfriend. At first she was reluctant to sell, but she wanted the money. On one hand she felt guilty about selling out from under Arlie, but on the other hand she decided it was his fault for abandoning her. Johnny sent her $1,000 up front and promised to pay the rest in a couple of months. Now that the sheriff had informed her they’d found the car, she didn’t feel guilty about selling the trailer.
    She looked at her watch and then took what appeared to be the last dinner order of the night. It had been a busy week and a busy Saturday night, she was looking forward to the following two days off, two whole days of doing nothing - although it was hard to do nothing around Drake and Paula. They were party animals.
    Every Sunday if they weren’t having a barbecue and pool party for all their friends, it was someone else giving one. And of course, they insisted that Amanda party with them. Just one weekend she’d like to have all to herself. Just one. As sad and dreary as she had felt those long six months alone in the Nevada desert, she found herself longing for the peace and quiet once again. She wanted to move into her own place in the worst way. If only the rest of the money would come from Johnny.
    “I’ll have a New York steak, rare. Baked potato with sour cream and chives, green salad with ranch dressing, please.”
    “Would y’all like some cheese bread to go with it?” Amanda said as she sneaked a look at the man who was still studying the menu.
    His hair was graying at the temples, but blond everywhere else. He was tan and was wearing a light blue long-sleeved chambray shirt and faded blue jeans. He’d hung his jacket on the coat rack by the front door, she’d noticed, when he came in. A handsome man, she observed through her long lashes and then quickly averted his glance by looking back down at the order pad.
    “Yes, I believe I would. Thank you.” He handed her the menu, cocked his head and grinned up at her. “You’re new here, aren’t you?”
    “No, I’ve been working here going on six months now,” she took the menu and began to walk away without another glance at him.
    He called out to her, “A double Scotch, please!”
    With her back to him, she raised her hand in