#Chapter 79: Mean Spirited
Abby

The lunchtime rush is finally easing up. Much unlike yesterday, it’s been a smooth day so far, and I feel

relieved; but that’s exactly when it happens.

I’m scanning the restaurant floor, making sure everything is running smoothly, when I hear the crash.

It’s a shocking mix of the sound of ceramic shattering, gasps, and the thud of a body hitting the floor,

followed by a loud “Ow!”

My heart lurches into my throat as I rush over to see one of my waitresses, Sarah, sprawled on the

ground amid a mess of broken dishes and spilled food.

“What happened?” I ask, my eyes darting around the room, locking onto a group of snickering

teenagers at a nearby table.

“I saw it,” Karl says, striding past me. “Those little s hits tripped her. Deliberately.”

In seconds, he’s at their table, his face dark with anger. “You think that was funny? Get up.”

“It was an accident!” one of the kids says, feigning innocence. But it’s clear that he’s full of sh it. They all

are.

I kneel beside Sarah, who’s clutching her wrist, her face pale. “Are you okay?” I ask.

“I think so,” she mumbles, grimacing as she attempts to move. I call over two other employees to clean

the mess and guide Sarah to a chair.

Karl reappears, dragging the shame-faced teenagers behind him. “Apologize,” he commands, his voice

icy. They mumble sca ttered apologies, looking anywhere but at Sarah or me.

“Sorry isn’t enough,” Karl continues. “You’re washing dishes for the rest of the night. And if I see any of

you around here again causing trouble, you’re going to wish you never set foot in this place.”

“Karl, you can’t—” I begin, but my voice trails off with a look from Karl. A look I know all too well, one

that embodies his spirit of an Alpha.

I watch the teenagers slink off to the kitchen, led by Karl. The room is quiet now; even the low hum of

conversations has died down. But my focus is on Sarah, who is sitting by the bar and wiping tears from

her hands

says as

give her shoulder a

in

But it’s not long before the front door swings open, and a couple

all that I need to know: they have that classic “I’d like to speak to

my heart

asks, her eyes scanning me

whether I’m worthy of

am,” I reply, bracing myself for

they’re here, washing dishes? Something about a prank?” the man

his arms over his

say, swallowing the lump in my throat. “They tripped one of my waitresses. She’s

was

even threats of a lawsuit. But

a tired look

you have to deal with this,” she says, shaking

of responsibility in them, but teenagers will be teenagers,

chimes in.

goes beyond a joke. Someone

their words. This is not the reaction I was expecting, but it’s a relief,

lifting off my shoulders.

would be a

cautiously, gauging their response.

The man nods, looking toward the

employment, if you’d be willing. A week of

fit should drive

stunned. “I wouldn’t want

about time they learn a good lesson. You

trouble and not expect to deal

from the kitchen, wiping his hands on

subtly, a smile

I explain. “They agree with your punishment. Actually,

for an

“I appreciate your understanding. Trust

would know.” He glances at

my gaze

settled,” the man says,

walk toward the kitchen, presumably to have a serious chat

I lean against the bar, suddenly

barely touching mine. “Not what you

escaping my lips. “But these

chock full of surprises.”

his eyes warm and comforting. “Some surprises

the truth in his words. Maybe it’s the parents owning up

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