I never actually got to choose my own path since I was thrown in here the second I could have a job. Especially now that my name is written down as co-owner, which for some twenty-somethings might be the dream—but I’m not so sure it’s mine.
It’s almost as if I can never leave Ruby Lake.
I hear the creak of the diner door open, blinking me out of my thoughts. As if today couldn’t get any busier I yell over my shoulder without looking back, “I’ll be with you guys in just a moment!” Probably not the best customer service but it’ll do.
My mom comes out of the office and pats my shoulder. “I’ll go seat them for you, honey.”
Sundays typically consist of my mom, Wren, and myself. Wren—my coworker and also my best friend. Unfortunately period cramps took over leaving her bed ridden for the day.
With her being out, it leaves just me and my mom to wait tables for Sunday breakfast, the busiest day of the week. It always is with tourists leaving and wanting something to eat before they hit the road, and town regulars here for their family Sunday brunch.
It may be a lot, but I love this place and love meeting new people as well as seeing familiar faces. Speaking of familiar faces, I nearly stop in my tracks when I see who my mom just sat at my next table.
Miles Bellwood.
He was a few grades above me in school and the most beautiful boy I had ever laid eyes on at the time. He was one of the star players for the Ruby Lake High School's basketballteam. Being athletic and handsome meant all the girls were constantly flocking to him, yet I never actually saw him with a girlfriend. Wren and I always found him cute but we kept our distance, we weren’t in with the popular crowd in school. We minded our business, got good grades, and did whatever was needed to stay out of trouble.
Across the booth from Miles is another man whose resemblance is hard to miss. They both have short dark brown hair and skin that looks like it’s been sunkissed just barely. My eyes continue to bounce between the two of them. They both have the build of a working man, not someone who spends their days in a gym.
My eyes are still focused on them when he laughs at something Miles must’ve said. I see the dimples in his cheeks form a toothy grin.
Seeing the joy on his face and the utter annoyance on Miles’ face makes me smile and let out a small laugh to myself. Miles looks like he wants to bash the other guy's face into the table. And what a bummer that would be for such a beautiful face.
Snapping myself out of this one sided stare down I’m having, I remind myself that I’m here to work, not to ogle customers. “You got this, Maisie, you can do this,” I tell myself as I walk toward their table.
The closer I get, the more I find myself staring at this mysterious man, calculating every move he makes and the clothing he’s wearing—a University of Washington hoodie.
Is that why I've never seen him before? Because he lives hours away?
Maybe he doesn’t even go there…
Or maybe he’s already graduated?
If I were to put his sweatshirt on, would it smell of sandalwood or warm vanilla? Evergreen trees?
My thoughts no longer matter as my feet take me to their table. I immediately notice that smile of his is more breathtaking up close. And it’s directed toward me. “H-hi.” I feel myself start to blush.Get it together.Clearing my throat, I properly greet them. “Welcome to Ruby’s Diner, how are you two doing today?”
“Good,” Miles says, not looking up from his menu. The man across the table from him shuffles a bit and the next thing I know Miles mumbles a “fuck” under his breath. “Sorry… we’re doing good, thank you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Maisie.” He holds out his hand for me to shake—an unexpected gesture in the middle of a crowded restaurant, but I take it anyway. “My name is Henry.”
His hands are rough, opposite of his smile. The toughness should scare me yet I feel a sense of calming with his hand in mine. My eyes move from where our hands meet at the same time his move up to mine, and I wonder if he feels the same calm I feel.
His ocean blue eyes twinkle under the diner lights.His eyes are beautiful.
“Thank you. You have gorgeous eyes yourself, Maisie.” A wide smile spreads across his face while my jaw hangs open momentarily. But I focus on remaining cool, calm, and collected. That does nothing to stop the warmth spreading to my cheeks and my hand reluctantly pulling away from his handshake.
Forcing a smile, I say, “I’m so sorry, I uh—I didn’t mean to say that out loud.” I grab my pen and notepad and completely ignore the interaction that just happened. “What can I get you guys started with to drink?”
“I’ll just take a black coffee,” Miles says without looking up from his menu once again.
Henry leans in with a whisper. “I’m sorry about him, he had a bit of a night last night.” I nod, though I'm barely processing the words coming out of his mouth. Vanilla invades me, just likeI thought. I'm intoxicated by his scent. It's subtle, but I want more, so I follow the pull toward him. “He was with a girl this weekend and he’s a bit of a love sick puppy now.”
“I can hear you.” Miles finally looks up, a glare in Henry’s direction.
“What do you mean? I was just telling Maisie that I’d love a water.” He looks at me again andwinks,leaving me breathless.
I typically ignore customers who flirt with me, but ignoring Henry would be impossible—men who look like him are never a good idea.
