Something Worth Fighting For (2 page)

“I understand why you keep calling me ma’am now.” I drew circles on the countertop with my fingernails, avoiding his face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in here before three weeks ago.”

“Are you keeping count?” Atlas smirked, wiping his mouth. “The guys on base always rave about the cheap food and um... hot waitresses.”

“Which of those brought you in, Cowboy?”

“I’d be lyin’ if I didn’t say both.”

“Sorry man the hot girl shift doesn’t start until six p.m.” Shep hollered from the back with a loud laugh. I narrowed my eyes, shooting him a one fingered salute.

“You do so much for my ego, Shepherd.” I scowled, my freckle peppered nose scrunching up in annoyance.

“No one likes a ginger kid.” He retorted from behind his flask.

“I do, I’m actually partial to redheads.” Atlas said, smiling at me. “I definitely picked the right time.”

“Suck up,” Shep scoffed.

“Don’t listen to him, I try not to.” I shook my head, rolling my eyes.

“I don’t think he could change my mind even if he wanted to.” Atlas took a long drink from his coffee cup as I tried in vain to suppress my growing smile.

“So who’s back home? Brothers, sisters?” I asked, almost desperate to change the subject.

“Mom and my little brother Ares.”

“Someone likes Greek Mythology.” I mused.

“My mom, her name is Andromeda but everyone calls her Andy.” He smiled fondly.

“Girlfriend waiting on you?” The question slipped past my lips before I could even stop myself. My cheeks burned from embarrassment as I dropped my eyes to the counter. I was bound and determined to turn myself permanently red before he left today.

“No,” he laughed. “She bolted as soon as the word
“enlisted”
came out of my mouth.”

“Her loss.”

“Thanks. What about you? Family? Boyfriend?” He looked over at me with those killer blue eyes that made my heart flutter.

“Thr-- Two brothers, Mom and Dad are divorced. My last boyfriend was... well, a long time ago.” I smiled softly.

“His loss.”

“Thanks,” I whispered pulling the sleeves of my knit shirt over my hands.

“So, social work and music, if I remember correctly? What kind?”

“I think I want to work with children, be an advocate of some sort.”

“Wow, you really are going to change lives.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Why that?” He asked genuinely curious.

“That’s too heavy a conversation for this early in the morning.”

“Another time?” Atlas asked.

“Are you saying you’re going to keep coming back?” I laughed shaking myself from my darkened mood.

“Actually that was my feeble and well meaning attempt at asking if you’d like to go out sometime.” Atlas smiled.

“I’d love to but...”

“But?” He waved his hand as signal to continue.

“You have to ask my father. I live with him, it’s his rules.” I bit my bottom lip as Atlas’ Adam's apple bobbed.

“I can handle that.” He nodded with a look of confidence.

“You probably already know him actually.”

“Yeah, he’s a Marine himself.” I smiled as Atlas raised his eyebrows. “Master Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin Grant?” I watched as his face paled and he dropped his fork. It rattled against the counter before falling to the floor.

“Oh shit... You... You’re Master Gunny Grant’s daughter?” He stuttered, running his hands down his face.

“Yes I am. Still want to ask him?” I laughed, reaching across the counter for a clean fork.

“Do I absolutely have to?”

“Do you want to take me out?”

“Yes,” he said without hesitation.

“Would you rather him catch you?”

“Hell no!”

“Then man up and ask him if you can take his
only
daughter on a date.” I emphasized the word, laughing.

“Should I be afraid?”

“Terrified,” I smirked, “I get off in half an hour. You can either follow me or I can give you my number and you can do it when you muster up some courage.” I slid off of the chair as an elderly couple walked through the door.

“I’ll wait for you,” he called as I ushered them to a booth, “Even if he says no.” He winked at me causing me to fumble as I poured cups of coffee, spilling it down the side of the glass.

“Dammit!” I hissed, wiping my burnt hand on my apron and cleared up the rest of my mess.  I switched to the juice dispenser filling glasses of orange juice next for the two regulars.

“Alright Daniel here’s your black coffee and orange juice with pulp. Sarah, coffee, two sugars, two creams, and orange juice without pulp.” I smiled kindly at the couple as I sat their menus in front of them.

“Thank you Ellie.” Sarah patted my hand.

“Is that your young man?” Daniel nodded toward Atlas.

“I think he’s working on it.”

“I’d like to pay for his meal.”

“You don’t know how much he ate.” I teased.

“I don’t care Ellie Mae, you just bring me that boys ticket when he’s done.” Daniel scowled at me, Sarah nodding in agreement.

“Yes sir. You’re lucky he gets a discount.” I smiled at their act of kindness as I wrote down their orders. Shep grumbled as he crawled back over to the cook top.

Twenty minutes later Savannah managed to slip in and relieve me just as I was setting Daniel and Sarah’s plates down on the table. Atlas’ eyes never left me as I dropped his ticket off with them.

“Are you coming with me?” I asked returning with Daniel’s change.

“I’m waiting on my ticket.” He raised his eyebrow.

“It’s already been taken care of.” I said matter of factly with my hands on my hips.

“Oh no, no one is paying for all that food.” Atlas stood up, brushing off the front of his Service uniform.

“Too late,” I crossed my arms, “Daniel here already did.” I nodded to the elderly man with thinning patches of snow white hair. Atlas crossed his arms, mimicking me, and walked over to the table I was standing next to. 

“Thank you sir, ma’am,” Atlas nodded at each of them, “You really didn’t have to do that.”

“No son we did. Thank you for your service.” Daniel extended his tan wrinkled hand to Atlas who shook it smiling. “Be good to our Ellie Mae.”

“Yes sir, I would be nothing but.”

“If you two are going to talk about me then I’m leaving.” I pulled off my apron and grabbed my purse from the coat rack next to the door.

“You two have a good day, I have one wild woman to chase.” Atlas grinned as they laughed.

“Good luck with that son.” Daniel called as I waved to them over my shoulder.

“So is your name really Ellie Mae?” Atlas asked as he followed me out to cherry red 1970 Mach 1.

“No that’s just what Daniel calls me.” I shrugged unlocking the door. “Follow me if you dare.” I slid inside and started the car, feeling the engine rumble through my seat.

Atlas ran over to his black Harley Blackline, pulling on his helmet and nodded. He revved the engine, backing up as I pulled to the edge of the lot. I looked both ways then left the diner and headed for the beach.

I rolled down my window letting the ocean breeze blow through my hair. With the sound of the motorcycle engine roaring behind me, I smiled. Dad’s truck was still in the driveway as I pulled in causing anxiety to blanket over me. Atlas parked behind me, cutting the engine, and hanging his helmet on the handlebar.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked once again.

“Yes, I’m not going to be happy until I at least try. One date, that’s all I’m asking.” Atlas spoke as he followed me up the worn white wooden stairs of the beach cabin.

“Here goes nothing.” I mumbled pushing the door open. “Daddy?” I called out as I dropped my purse on the curved leather couch. “I’m home, and um... I have someone with me.”

“Hey Darcy.” Dad’s voice rang clear from the second floor.

“It’s not Darc. It’s a young man who would like to speak with you.” I tried to stop my giggling as I imagined the bulging vein in my dad’s forehead. In no time flat he was coming down the spiral wrought iron staircase in worn grey sweats and a dark green tee. Fresh from the shower by the smell of Old Spice lingering in the air.

“Sergeant Ryker, what a surprise. Can I help you with something?” He shook Atlas’ hand and I couldn’t help but feel hopeful.

“Master Gunny, I’ll get straight to the point. I met your beautiful daughter a few weeks ago when I stopped for breakfast. I was hoping, sir, that with your permission, you would allow me the privilege of taking her on a... date?” Atlas gulped as my dad stepped back from him, crossing his arms. 

“It takes a lot of balls to come into a man’s home and ask his permission to take his baby, his
princess
, his daughter, out on a date. Did you stop with those on? No wonder she likes you.” Dad was teasing him, Atlas’ face paled in what I could only think was a look of intimidation. Dad looked at me as I gave him my pleading big green eyed pout. “Don’t look at me like that Penelope.”

“Come on Daddy.” I nudged him with my shoulder, watching his face fall. He was putty in my hands and I knew it. “We’ll come here, you can chaperone the first one and if he’s good...” I pointed to Atlas, “We can go out by ourselves after that. If he decides he wants to put up with all your crap that is.” I smiled sweetly at my father.

“You know I do this for a reason.” He lowered his voice and narrowed his eyes at me. I was probably the only person on planet Earth who wouldn’t back down from this look.

“I know that but he doesn’t so mind yourself.” I shot back, crossing my arms defiantly.

“Fine,” he conceded, “But I’m checking you out.”

“You won’t be disappointed, sir.” Atlas looked relieved as Dad stomped back upstairs, mumbling under his breath.

“Sorry, he’s a bit overprotective.” I laughed, shrugging.

“I can handle overprotective. I would be too if I had a daughter as beautiful as you. He is rather intimidating though.” Atlas shook his head, checking his cell phone. “I really need to go get some sleep. Can I get your number? I’ll text you.”

“Promise?” I looked up at him through my eyelashes, holding out my pinky finger.

“When you look at me like that how could I not?” Atlas hooked his finger with mine, grinning. Without hesitation he handed me his phone. I went into his contacts and added my number.

“I’m a little shocked. A man that willingly hands over his phone? That’s not common.” I laughed, returning his phone. After unlocking my own I tossed it to him.

“I don’t have anything to hide.” He answered honestly. “Later, promise.” Returning my phone he wrapped his pinky finger with mine again and brought it to his lips planting a light kiss on my knuckle. A stupid schoolgirl smile spread across my face, ear to ear, face splitting. Atlas just grinned right back at me.

“Go get some sleep.” I nodded toward the door, following behind him.

“Yes ma’am.” He waved and I shut the door, listening as the motorcycle engine revved and disappeared into the distance.

“Penelope Noelle,” my dad’s voice was soft, “he’s a Marine.”

“He’s more than that Dad. You of all people should know.” I knew what was coming. I had been mentally preparing for it since Atlas agreed to follow me back to the house.

“
I also know how young men can act, specifically those young men..”

“Yeah? I think I have a pretty good idea of that too.” I practically growled as I poured myself a cup of coffee. Plopping down at the bar, I spun my phone around on the smooth granite countertop. “What is it Dad? Is it just that he’s a man or is it that he’s a Marine as well?”

“Both,” he admitted honestly.

“I’ll have you know the three best men I know are Marines.” I looked over his shoulder at the picture of my father and two of my brothers all in their Dress Blues.

“Touch
é
.”

“Just give him a chance. Not every man I meet will be like... Spencer.” Saying his name out loud made my stomach churn. I rubbed my eyes refusing to let my mind to go there.

“I’m not sure I’m willing to risk finding that out.” Dad was standing against one of the exposed wooden beams across from me. His stare was straight ahead in my direction but I knew he wasn’t looking at me. His eyes always glazed over whenever Spencer was mentioned.

“What am I supposed to do exactly then? Finish school, have a career, get twenty-five cats, and not date until I’m married?” I sighed, exhausted of the conversation already.

“Is that an option?” He chuckled. “Look Ellie I just can’t handle the thought of someone hurting you again. I won’t let that happen. We all had to get over a lot of guilt and blame. I won’t do it again.”

“It was years ago...”

“You still have nightmares.” He said, challenging me. I was too tired to fight with him any more.

“Fine, but here’s the deal, Dad, I want to get to know Atlas. Do whatever super spy shit you deem necessary but I want to take this chance with him. I’m going to take a nap.” I poured the rest of the now cold coffee in the sink and rinsed the cup.