CHAPTER NINE – A PIT OF DEBT

One afternoon, as Cassie was refilling salt shakers, she overheard Lisa talking to another waitress near the kitchen. "I'm telling you," Lisa hissed, her voice dripping with malice, "she's trouble. I heard she's mixed up with some dangerous people. Probably drug dealers or something. It's only a matter of time before she brings that drama here." Cassie's hands clenched around the salt shaker, her knuckles turning white. She knew Lisa was trying to poison the well, but the lies hit too close to home. The shadow of Tony's threats still loomed large in her mind. Before she could confront Lisa, Mr. Thompson's voice boomed across the restaurant. "Hartman! Table twelve needs you. Now!" Swallowing her anger, Cassie plastered on her best waitress smile and headed to table twelve. To her surprise, she found Alex seated there, a mischievous grin on his face. "What are you doing here?" she asked, unable to keep the pleasure out of her voice. Alex shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "I was in the