Big City Little Rebel

“Can you close early? I'm ready to take you home.” He ran his hands down her back and cupped her bottom.

“Negative. Nine o'clock.”

“Well, until then, I'll work for food.”

Bobbie sat out the rest of her shift while he attempted to wait tables. Thank God everyone was patient when they found out Bobbie had injured her hand. When the last person left, he sat down and ordered a cheeseburger and fries, which they shared.

Bobbie took a bite of the burger and counted the tips. “I think you made more money than I did tonight.” She pushed thirty-three dollars in front of him.

“They took pity on me.” He shoved the money back toward her. “I earned it for you. Now let me look at your hand.” With her palm placed in his, he inspected her bruised knuckles. “I can't believe you hit him.”

“I'm fairly certain it shocked him, too.”

He fished the ice out of his water, placed it in a napkin, and pressed it to her wound. “It looks painful.”

“I'm fine. Satisfied doesn't describe what I feel. He deserved it.” She opened and closed her fist. “It doesn't feel great now, but seeing him bleed and knowing I caused it was worth every ache I feel.”

“You're a total badass, aren't you?”

“No, I'm a lover, not a fighter. Let's go home, and I'll prove it.” She dumped his empty plate into a bin below the counter.

“Don't I need to fill the shakers and stuff?” He rose from the stool and looked around.

“No, but I like that you're a detail man.” She called to the back and told the cook she was leaving.