“Hey, wait up.” Sean and Dennis were approaching.
“What now?” I droned, over this entire ordeal.
“Let’s do something else, since you guys got kicked out.” Sean was holding back an amused smile. “My shift is over so I’m free for the night.”
“I’d be up for some food,” Ari said. “Is anyone else hungry?”
“We don’t eat often,” Dennis said. He took in my slight pout and added, “We can, though. Food is fine.”
“Can we go to my favorite place?” I asked. There was a diner around the corner that I’d been obsessed with as a kid. It was also the only late night food place in town.
“Of course.” Ari hooked an arm through mine and we led the way. “Where’d you guys park?”
“We don’t need cars,” Sean said.
“I know this town is small, but it’s notthatsmall. How do you not have cars?” I tilted my head, wondering how they got around.
“We’re not slow like humans,” Dennis said. “Getting around without a car doesn’t take long.”
“So you can fly, then?”
“I hope that’s not a real question.”
“Yes, it’s a real question.” I shot a mild glare at Dennis’ rude response. “How can you get around in a timely manner? This town’s public transport sucks. Actually, it’s nonexistent. Even the closest train station is an hour away.”
“They’re super fast, so I’d assume getting around on foot takes no effort whatsoever.” Ari glanced at Sean for confirmation, which he gave with a simple nod. “I’m also assuming you guys can’t fly. Or turn into bats. Or mist?”
“Obviously.” Dennis’ tone was mocking.
“That’s disappointing,” I muttered. We reached the diner and I held the door open for everyoneto pass.It was a cute and casual place, decorated vibrantly with upbeat music playing from a vintage jukebox. It was essentially the opposite vibe of the bar. “What do you want,Ari?”
“Same omelet I always get,” she said. This place was her favorite, too. “Do you remember which one?”
“Yeah, of course. Go pick a table.” I waved her away. She headed to the section we always chose with Sean in tow. “I’m guessing you don’t want anything?” I asked Dennis.
“No.” He gave the cashier a once over before walking away.
“Hello. What can I get you?” The cashier nodded and punched keys while I ordered.“Got it.”
“Thanks, hun.” I ran a hand through my hair and leaned on the counter, careful to draw attention to my cleavage. I smiled as Ari said‘here she goes’from a nearby table. The cashier listed the total, but I had a different goal in mind.“Has anyone ever told you how cute you are?” I pulled a bundle of cash out and separated two twenties.“You haveamazingeyes.”
“Thanks.” He took the bills and opened theregister, then glanced over his shoulder at the woman fixing drinks before sliding them back to me. “Don’t worry about it. It’s on the house,” he whispered. “Our secret.” He winked as I faked a giggle.
“Aw, thank you. You’re so sweet.”
“Here you go,” the lady said in a bored tone, placing both drinks on the counter.
“Thanks.” I smiled at them both before grabbing the drinks and walking away. I sat in the booth beside Dennis and handed the pink lemonade to Ari.“On the house,”I bragged.
“The benefit of flirting with everything that walks.” Ari giggled at my shameless grin.“Thank you.”
“No problem.” I took a sip of chocolate shake before looking at Dennis.“What?” It seemed he had either glitched or got frozen staring at me.
“I didn’t glitch and I’m not frozen.”
I laughed and took another sip.“That’s what you get for eavesdropping. You’re gonna hearallmy insults, all the time ’til you stop being a nosy shit.” I held out the shake.“Want some?”
“No, but I think your friend does.”
