Live the Dream Read Online Free

think it would solve your problems to run off with some stranger and, besides, like you said yourself, you don't know the first thing about him.'
    'But if he carried me off, I'd soon find out, wouldn't I? Anyway, what's to know? He pays his bill with proper money, and he always treats me with respect. Leaves a tip he does, and smiles up at me when I serve him.' She gave a girlish giggle. 'Anyway, even if it turned out he was some sort of rogue, he's so good-looking it wouldn't matter a bugger! A man like that…I could forgive him anything!'
    Amy was alarmed. 'You're too trusting.'
    'And you're too bloody suspicious!'
    Amy changed tack. I'm also cold and hungry, and I've changed my mind about the barm cake. I fancy a hot meat- and-tatty pie…with a helping of mushy peas and a dollop of that awful gravy you make.'
    Daisy bounced over to the fridge. 'Don't get cheeky, lass,' she wagged a warning finger, 'or I might refuse to serve you. In fact, I might shut up shop and lock myself in…with him .' She winked as she went. 'And it's no good you getting jealous, 'cos I'm the manager here and what I say goes.' With that she sauntered off to open a tin of peas and suddenly, softly started to sing.
    'Whatever makes you happy,' Amy chuckled, resuming a seat at her table.
    She looked across at the man and when he unexpectedly smiled at her, her heart took a leap. For what seemed an age he held her gaze before turning away.
    Confused and embarrassed, she fumbled in her shopping bag. Drawing out this month's Woman and Home , she opened it up and spreading it across the table, pretended to read. In her mind's eye she saw his smile, soft and friendly, reaching out to her…and those wonderful dark eyes! Daisy was right. He was devilishly handsome, and yet, there was such sadness about him—a kind of lost look that had touched her deeply.
    'What you got there?' Daisy was back. Placing Amy's order in front of her, she turned the page of the magazine. 'Heck! Look at that!' Pointing to the elegant model in centre-page, she called Amy's attention to the blue spotted dress with thick belt and flared hem, 'How much!' Her look of rapture turned to one of horror. 'One and ten! I'd have to work a whole month before I could buy that!'
    Amy wasn't listening. Something else had alerted her. Strangely uneasy, she turned to see the man looking straight at her again. He held her gaze for a second or two, then he stood up and walked towards the door with long easy strides. 'I think your mystery man is leaving,' Amy told Daisy quietly.
    'What!' Looking up, Daisy saw the door close behind him. 'Damn! He always does that to me!'
    Amy tutted mischievously. 'What? You mean he sneaks off without paying?'
    'No, you daft ha'pporth!' Daisy groaned. 'He always leaves his money on the table. I wish he'd pay at the counter, then I might get chance to quiz him a bit.'
    Amy's curious gaze followed him as he went past the window and away down the street. 'Maybe next time,' she said quietly. 'But I wouldn't count on it if I were you.' Because there was a man who had a lot on his mind, she thought, and he wasn't about to share his secrets with anyone at Tooley's Cafe.
    Just then two more customers arrived, a middle-aged woman with a younger woman who, judging by the argument going on, appeared to be her daughter. 'What in God's name d'yer think you're playing at?' demanded the older woman. 'By! If your dad knew, he'd hit the roof!'
    'I don't give a bugger what he says!' snapped the younger woman. 'It's his fault I'm leaving. Miserable old git, I don't know how you've put up with him all these years!'
    Daisy groaned. 'Bleedin' Nora! It's them two! Argue all the time, they do. I've a good mind to bar the pair of 'em.'
    Amy couldn't help but laugh. 'Good customers, are they?'
    Daisy nodded. 'Three times a week, regular as clockwork: two full breakfasts and gallons of tea.'
    'Right!' Amy gave her a shove. 'What you do is shut your ears…if you can bear not to eavesdrop. Then