Marigold didn’t know what to say to that. The last thing she could tell Ma was that Luke had arranged the job for her. He’d known Bunny for some years he’d said, and she’d been desperate for help after her waitress left to get married. That was over a month ago, and it showed. Poor Bunny looked beyond exhausted. She had that haunted look Ma always wore.
Marigold had needed little instruction on how to serve the customers and had seen the expression of relief on the other woman’s face from the moment she had donned the apron provided. She’d worked hard for the rest of the day, and stayed until the doors were locked for the evening.
Bunny had even given her some leftover food to take home.
“These rolls are delicious,” Ma said, wiping butter from her mouth. “How much you will get to bring home?”
“We’ll share the leftovers between us, Bunny said.” Marigold knew Ma would be thinking about the savings for food as well as the money her daughter would be earning. It was a win all round. “It will depend on how busy the café is each day.”
Ma nodded as she took another mouthful. “As long as you’re certain, I won’t go back to my back-breaking job.”
Marigold was happy with the turn of events. Ma had been paid today, so she had no need to go back. She’d been treated so badly for many years that she owed nothing to anyone. All she had to do now was sit back and enjoy the rest of her life. Warmth spread through Marigold that she was finally able to do something to give back to her mother.
She sliced up the leftover apple pie Bunny had given her. There was just enough for a good-sized piece each. “Oooh, this is decadent,” Ma said as she ate a spoonful of pie. “If they teach you to cook like this, you’ll be able to snap yourself up a good husband.” She stared up at Marigold. They’d talked about the subject a lot. If she found someone she loved, then she’d marry them if they asked. But eligible bachelors were hard to find around here. Well-to-do bachelors were even more difficult to find for someone like her.
As she remembered Luke’s proposal, warmth filled her because she had a soft spot for him, but knew she shouldn’t take much notice of that. He was trying to get her out of a bad situation. He’d made up for his silliness by arranging this job for her. The best part being it was in walking distance. It wasn’t pitch black when she had to come home, so that worked out well.
Still, being married to Luke could be... adventurous. Ma insisted he was a classic bad boy who lived on the wrong side of town. She seemed to forget they lived on the wrong side of town. Luke still lived in his parents’ home where houses were far larger and much more expensive. Ma’s house was a dollhouse in comparison. When his parents had passed on, Luke inherited the house. At least that’s what she’d heard. She and Luke had been forced apart long ago, so she really didn’t know him anymore.
Marigold had barely seen him since that kiss behind the church hall. After Pa died, Ma forbid her from seeing him ever again. Back then she was just a teenager, but now she was an adult, it was her choice who she did and didn’t see. Her fingers suddenly flew to her lips at the thought of Luke’s lips on hers. They tingled as though he’d kissed her only moments ago.
She had to forget Luke. He wasn’t her type.
“If you had a husband,” Ma said slowly, “You wouldn’t need to work.” She studied her and stared at Marigold through tiny slits. “At least if you picked wisely and he could support you.” She reached out and covered her daughter’s hand.
“You mean keep away from Luke, Ma?” Marigold pulled her hand back, and Ma stared at her.
“He’s gutter trash,” she spat, but she’d never explained why she thought that way.
Licking her lips, Marigold thought carefully about her next words. “He got me that waitressing job. We owe him a lot.”
“Gutter trash!” Ma spat again, then pushed back her chair and shuffled out of the room leaving Marigold to stare after her.
~*~
Luke lay in bed, his hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling.
Last night he’d had the best sleep. He had long worried about Marigold. Even when she was a slip of a girl and he wasn’t much older, he’d worried. He’d overheard far too many conversations his parents had, thinking he was out of earshot, but he wasn’t. When it came to Marigold, he was all ears.
He’d known from his early teenage years her father wasn’t all he made out to be. The moment he was old enough, Luke was forced to work in his parent’s business. Back then it was a terrible place. His mother tried to keep him away from the worst of it, but Pa said he needed to grow up and be a man. He was put to work in the kitchen to begin with, and worked his way up from there.
His utter distaste at the soiled doves working in their saloon did not sit well with Pa. Luke had earned many a clip around the ear because of it. Not that he disrespected the women, he would never do that. No, his aversion was focused on his father for forcing them into that situation. If they wanted to leave, they had to pay a large penalty. The vast majority did not have the money to buy their way out of their enforced situation.
There were still soiled doves working at his establishment, but none were there by force. They came voluntarily, and were free to leave whenever they wished. They were also paid extremely well for their services.
Luke was not a cruel man, and he had proven it time and again.
He’d first known Marigold’s father had a gambling problem when he’d been thrown out of the saloon. It was that or face the wrath of the other gamblers. The man was relentless, he came back night after night. Luke knew money was tight in the Davis household, because Marigold had told him several times in her own innocent way. Even if she’d said nothing, he would have known. The poor girl was forced to wear hand-me-downs from distant cousins, and sometimes neighbors would even help out. It wasn’t hard to be aware of their terrible situation.
He couldn’t help her without admitting he knew what was going on, but as the years rolled by, it became apparent she had no idea of her father’s sins. Including the fact he used the services of those soiled doves from time to time. Money that should have been used to put food on the table.
“Poor Marigold,” he said out loud, and unable to sleep any longer, sat on the side of the bed. It was a little after seven in the morning, a time he’d prefer to be sleeping since he always worked into the early hours. Tossing and turning night after night didn’t help his disposition, but today he felt a little more content. Since he’d hooked up with Marigold again, he had been in a better frame of mind, but still worried.
The fact he’d arranged a permanent position for Marigold was a big part of that. This job paid far better than she’d get elsewhere. His one hope was she would never find out he owned her new place of employment. It was a secret he’d managed to keep for many years.
He shuffled out to the kitchen and filled the woodstove with newspaper and wood, then put the kettle on to boil. He didn’t know why he bothered. Eating most of his meals at the café meant he didn’t need to cook for himself. If he had a wife, they’d likely eat at home, but he didn’t feel so lonely when he was surrounded by customers. Would she become suspicious when he was there twice a day? He hoped not.
He’d decided to walk Marigold to work for her first day. Although technically, yesterday was her first day. He couldn’t have been more proud when she’d stood and followed Bunny into the kitchen to help immediately. That was just like her, thinking of others before herself.
He went to the bathroom and threw cold water into his face. He’d only managed a few hours sleep last night, but it was the deepest of sleeps, and he felt more refreshed than he had for ages.
The kettle had boiled by the time he returned to the kitchen. Luke glanced at his watch; he still had time to enjoy a leisurely mug of coffee before meeting up with Marigold. Not that she knew it, and would probably throw a fit when he turned up at her house. Especially if her Ma was up and about.
Now he needed to work on the old lady and get her to stop seeing him a
s the enemy. Until he managed that, he had no chance in marrying her daughter.
~*~
Marigold scoffed down the last of her breakfast, happy in the fact Ma was still sound asleep. She deserved a sleep in; she’d been getting up at the crack of dawn for as long as Marigold could remember.
She threw back the last of her coffee, then headed to the bathroom to brush and style her hair. Soon she’d be off to her new job. A little early perhaps, but rather that than late. Especially on her first day.
She fashioned her hair into a tight bun, and pulled her bonnet onto her head. She far preferred hats, but Ma constantly told her it wasn’t the done thing. That the more refined young women wore bonnets. Marigold did not consider herself a refined woman – far from it.
If anyone could be considered gutter trash, it was Marigold, and certainly not Luke. She looked down at her worn gown with the small holes showing parts of her underskirts. With her first pay, she would rectify that. Of course she wouldn’t go overboard, but with the money she was getting now, she could afford to buy two new day gowns to wear to work.
The last thing Bunny needed was for customers to be commenting on her state of dress. That would never do, and might even cause her to lose her job. Marigold swallowed. She couldn’t afford for that to happen. She’d go out and buy the new gowns now if the funds were available, but until she was paid, they were still living on Ma’s meagre payout from yesterday and the little she’d received from Mr Green at the Mercantile.
That said, she was very grateful for the small bonus he’d given her. It was barely enough to cover the cost of a few night’s meals for the pair, but she was still thankful. He didn’t have to do it, but Marigold knew it came from guilt on his part.
Pulling on her boots, she was finally ready. She reached for her coat, pulled on her gloves, and opened the front door, and there stood Luke Jensen. “What are you doing here?” she asked him, not entirely unhappy to see him. He silently helped her into her coat, his fingers rubbing over the material. She knew what he was thinking, and he was right. The coat needed replacing, but she didn’t have the money for that. Not yet anyway. Perhaps in a few weeks. By then she would really need it as they’d be in the midst of winter, and the chill of the wind would go right to her bones.
He lifted his eyes from her coat and smiled. “I thought I’d walk you to work. I couldn’t sleep anyway.”
She couldn’t help but grin. Luke Jensen got out of his warm bed to walk her to work. It didn’t get any better than that. “Thank you, Luke. I appreciate it.”
She quietly pulled the door closed behind her, happy in the knowledge her mother would have a far easier day today. It was her turn to bring in the money, and Marigold was more than happy to do so.
Luke slipped his gloved hand into hers, and she stared down at their entwined hands. “That’s a bit forward of you, Luke Jensen,” she said, but she didn’t think for one minute he would pull his hand away, which he did. “I was only joking,” she said, somewhat annoyed at the result. It felt good when he held her hand. Not as good as when he held her at the park – that was the best thing ever, and she would not complain if he did it again.
He slipped his hand back into hers, and Marigold was once again happy.
As they approached the café, they could see Bunny unlocking the front door from inside. She arrived far earlier to get started on the cooking, and Marigold felt bad. The other woman insisted it was not an issue since there were no customers there that early.
“Thanks for walking with me, Luke, but I have to start work now.” He held the door open for her, then followed her inside. “What are you doing?” she asked when he sat down at one of the tables nearest the fire.
“I’m staying for breakfast,” he said with a grin. “I come here for breakfast every day. Normally I’m not quite this early.”
Her heart fluttered. She would get to see Luke every working day? She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. More importantly, what would Ma say if she found out?
“In that case,” she said, passing a menu over, “I’ll get your coffee while you decide what you’re having.” She turned to go and make coffee, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back.
“If I had the choice,” he said as he looked her up and down, “I’d have you.” She felt the heat travel from her neck all the way up her face. Oh my! Ma was right, Luke definitely was a bad boy!
He sighed. “Since I can’t, then I’ll have bacon and eggs with sausages and toast.”
She backed up and scurried to the small nook next to the kitchen where the coffee was kept. She glanced across to where he sat to see him still grinning at her. Marigold busied herself making the first pot of coffee for the day – it gave her time to recover from Luke’s risqué comment. The moment the coffee was ready, she returned with an empty mug and a pot of coffee. “Your food won’t be long,” she said, then turned to leave.
“Stay,” he demanded, but she ignored him and scurried back to the coffee nook where she leaned against the wall in relief. Luke would wear her down if she wasn’t careful, and that was the last thing she needed.
Soon his breakfast was cooked and she carried it out to him. “Sit down and talk to me,” he said nonchalantly, as if it was normal for a waitress to sit with her customers.
She shook her head. “I can’t, Luke. I have other customers to look after.” It was true. By this time the café had filled up. There was now only one empty table, and another customer was about to enter. She rushed over and led the well-dressed gent to the table, then scampered off to get coffee for him.
The entire time she felt Luke’s eyes burn through her. By the time she’d served the customer his coffee, it was time to deliver food to another table. She’d never been so busy in her life, but Marigold was enjoying her new job. Customers were constantly coming and going, and she barely got to take a breather, but she liked it. They all seemed nice, and no one had been nasty or spiteful, unlike at the Mercantile.
She guessed the quality of the clientele was consistent with the quality of the food and the prices. It was not cheap to eat here, but Bunny’s cooking was top notch. Besides, most of the customers appeared to be business men going by their attire. Even Luke dressed like a businessman. But truth be known, Marigold had no idea what sort of work he did. She was certain Ma must know, but all she could get out of her was that he was gutter trash. That was far from fair.
Right now she didn’t want to ask him what he did, but she would ask when it seemed appropriate. She recalled his parents owned a business out of town, something Ma didn’t approve of. But she was only a teenager back then, and didn’t take much notice. She had no idea if that business was even still going, let alone if Luke had inherited it.
The whole situation piqued her interest but it was a question for another day.
Luke finally stood as though he was leaving, and Marigold hurried over to clean up his table. He reached for her hand and covered it, causing her to leave the soiled dishes right where they were. Then he pulled her close and hugged her. “Luke!” she admonished him. “Remember where you are!” She was beyond annoyed with him, and tried to pull out of his arms, so he dragged her into the kitchen.
Bunny glanced up from her cooking and grinned. She didn’t blink an eye. Was this normal practice for Luke to drag a woman into the kitchen to try and ravish her? A shudder went through her, and Marigold shoved him away. When she stared into his face, he looked hurt.
She was the one who should be hurt, not Luke. She wasn’t that kind of girl, and was devastated he thought she was. She took a deep breath and let it out in a shudder. “What do you think you’re doing, Luke?” she asked in a whisper.
He dared to laugh. “Bunny doesn’t mind, do you?” The other woman simply shrugged her shoulders and went back to her cooking.
At that, he pulled her close again. This time he stole a kiss. She had to admit it felt nice to have Luke kiss her, but she had to wonder where else those lips had been. If he was truly as bad
as her mother insisted, how many other girls had he kissed?
She shoved him away again. The last thing Marigold needed was to fall in love with bad boy Luke Jensen.
She was very afraid she was already half way there.
Chapter Four
Marigold had been at her new job nearly three weeks now, and Luke had walked her there each morning. He’d stayed for coffee and breakfast, then left after the reading the newspaper, which he left for other customers to enjoy.
He returned every day for a rather large luncheon, then left again. Working through the night had to be difficult, and he rarely had time to stop and eat, he’d said. That was the reason he came to the café for two large meals each day. That way he was sure to eat well and have enough food to sustain him.
They spent every Sunday together, first going to church together, then taking a stroll afterwards. Ma refused to attend church with them, and made her own way there. Being stubborn as she was, Ma sat as far away from Luke as she could get.
Luke wasn’t a bad person, despite what Ma said, and Marigold wished she would see Luke for who he really was.
Marigold cleaned down the tables that had been recently vacated, and looked up as the door to the café opened.
Luke Jensen stood in the doorway holding a box. He glanced at her and grinned, and her heart fluttered. He only had to be in the same room and Marigold was flooded with warmth.
He was far too early for lunch, and the café was near to empty at this time of the day. It gave her time to ensure all the tables and chairs were thoroughly cleaned, replenish the sugar, and help Bunny with the dishes.
There had even been a few cooking lessons, which she rejoiced in. She’d been cooking since she was old enough to avoid being burned by the stove, but only basic meals. Never anything fancy. Bunny was teaching her to bake bread and rolls, pies, and desserts. Soon she would learn to make muffins and cookies.
Miserable in Montana (Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Book 16) Page 3