I smile. “Yeah, sure. Sounds good.”
The suburbs pass by the window in a blur of green lawns and neatly trimmed hedges. As we drive through the maze of cookie cutter houses, I pull out my phone to fire off a quick text to Maddie.
Mason:how was the sleepover?
Maddie:Fine.
That’s it. One word.
I stare at the screen, thumb hovering over the keyboard, tempted to push.What’s fine? Did you eat? Did you have fun?I don’t type any of it. Lately she’s been pulling away, wrapped up in her own storm. Between Mom getting sicker and the court date with Stephen, she’s carrying more than any thirteen-year-old should. The least I can do is not crowd her.
So, I slip the phone back into my pocket, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Hunter takes the next turn, and the diner comes into view: a little brick building with a flickering neon sign that readsRise n’ Shine, but a couple letters are burnt out, so it looks more likeRis n’ hine. The parking lot is cracked asphalt, littered with cigarette butts and faded paint lines.
Inside, the air is thick with the smell of frying bacon and butter. The hostess leads us to a booth by the window, the red vinyl seats patched with duct tape. Hunter slides in across from me, grinning wide and glancing around like he’s lost in nostalgia. His foot taps excitedly beneath the table.
“You look way too happy to be here,” I tease.
He shrugs. “Derek and I used to come here all the time in high school. Cheap coffee, and it was the only place in town that serves veggie burgers at lunchtime. What’s not to love?”
Before I can answer, a waiter strolls up with a notepad tucked under his arm. He appears to be Hunter’s age, dark hair shaved close on the sides, name tag readingCooper. A rainbowHe/Himpronoun pin shines on his apron. Back in Claremont Shores, wearing something like that would make you a target. Here, it’s worn without hesitation.
His piercing blue eyes widen as soon as they land on Hunter. “Landon?” he blurts, brows shooting up. “Man, I thought you moved to Indiana for law school?”
I glance at Hunter, caught off guard, but he just blinks once before smoothing his expression into something polite. “Uh—hi, Cooper. You’re thinking of my brother. I’m Hunter. Just back in town visiting my parents.”
Cooper’s mouth falls open slightly. “No shit. Wow. Sorry, man, it’s just—you two really are identical. But damn…” His gaze lingers a little too long, a crooked smile tugging at his mouth. “You grew up nice.”
Hunter shifts in his seat, ears turning pink. “Uh—thanks. Anyway, good to see you again.”
Cooper clears his throat and flips open his notepad, finally tearing his eyes away. “Right. What can I get you two to drink?”
“Just water,” I say quickly, my voice coming out a little sharper than I intended.
“Coffee for me,” Hunter says with a smile.
Cooper’s lips quirk into a grin. “Coming right up.” He gives Hunter one last look before walking away, shoulders squared like he’s proud of himself.
“That was awkward,” Hunter grumbles.
I arch an eyebrow. “What? The very obvious flirting?”
His mouth parts in confusion. “What? No, I meant him mistaking me for Landon. It used to happen all the time, but not since I moved away.” He hesitates, side-eyeing me. “You seriously think he was flirting with me?”
I snort. “Duh.”
“It’s not like that. We went to high school together, so he’s just being friendly. It’s part of his job.”
“Aw, you’re oblivious. It’s so cute.”
Hunter makes his scrunched grumpy face, which only further proves my point.
Cooper reappears with a glass of water and a steaming mug of coffee. He sets them down smoothly. “Are you two ready to order food?”
“Yeah,” Hunter says. “I’ll have a stack of pancakes with a side of veggie sausage, please.”
My stomach grumbles at the thought, but when I discreetly check my CGM app under the table, the number flashing back at me makes my chest tighten. The coffee from earlier already sentme spiking. Pancakes would be a blood sugar bomb. I swallow my frustration.
