*Fallon*
Pennsylvania is now home to a lot of wellsites, meaning— we get a lot of truck drivers that stop in. And being the only diner on this stretch of road brings us a lot of business. But it isn't just truckers who stop in. We also have a lot of dedicated hometown locals that come in as well. Without them, I'm afraid this place would have shut down a long time ago.
Since my shift has started, I haven't stopped moving— until now. For some reason, it's a lot busier today than it has been all week. But I'm not complaining, the more the merrier.
After wiping down all the tables, I decided to sweep and mop the floor since nobody was in there. When I was finished, I made my way behind the counter and leaned on it. My feet hurt so bad right now, that any relief would do.
I like these little breaks after a rush. It gives me time to catch up on my cleaning and prepping. Lord knows I'm the only one— besides Ray, that does it. And the faster that I get all that done, I get to relax until the next customer decides to walk in.
I grab an old magazine that was sitting on the counter and begin sifting through the pages. This thing has been sitting here for months now, but it's the first time that I'm actually looking at it.
'Hot topic. The Hottest club in, Pennsylvania.' That's my club. Well, not mine— but you know what I mean. It's the only place I go to, aside from a few local bars when I'm not feeling the dancing scene. Is the page I land on. Most of the page is missing, but that doesn't stop me from reading.
From what I could read, the owner of the club is a rich, young male and is also considered one of the sexiest bachelors in Pennsylvania. In fact, it says he is a favorite amongst the ladies. I roll my eyes and slide the magazine away. I would rather stare at the counter than read anymore.
I placed my chin on my fist and stared out the window, watching the cars pass by. My mind wanders to Alex and the wonderful night we had together.
It's been a while since I have shown this much interest in a man. After Dom treated me the way he did— always cheating, taking all my money, telling me that I was lucky that he even found me mildly attractive and that no one else did, I wanted nothing to do with the male species. It took me a while, but I eventually left him— with the help of Ally of course. It wasn't easy at first, but I managed to do it.
Alex seems different though. Yes, I know that we just met, but he does. He's very respectful and values my opinion. Every time I spoke it was like he was hanging on to every word I said— whereas Dom, never gave two shits about my feeling or what I thought. It was always about him and him only.
He wasn't always like that though. In the beginning, he was a sweetheart. Always showered me with gifts, even when I told him not to. He was the first one to tell me good morning and the last one to say goodnight. He made me feel special.
But after a while, I started to see a change in him. He began to push me away. The sweet things he used to do for me— the gifts, which I didn't care much for, to begin with, had stopped as well as the beautiful texts.
Every time I would try and call him, it would go straight to voice mail. Of course, I would leave a message only to receive a text message saying that he was too busy to talk and would call me back later. That was definitely a red flag.
It wasn't until I called him one night after work that I knew he was cheating on me. His phone rang a few times and a woman answered his phone. At first, I thought I wanted to believe that I dialed the wrong number, but I knew. Deep down I knew.
Turns out, he had a side chick the entire time we were together and it wasn't until later that I found out that he had a one-year-old son with her too. One year! We were together for two. It was a slap to the face. I've never felt so embarrassed in my life.
I was so in love with him that I was too blind to even notice.
After our breakup, I picked up more shifts at the diner to keep my mind off of him. It helped...some. But nothing could fill the void in my chest.
I went through so many emotions during that time, that I felt like I would never heal. But eventually, I did. It took me months, but I did it.
It's been over a year since I have seen him last and I hope it stays that way. I don't know how I would react if I ran into him.
"What's got you so blue, boo?" I cringe at the word boo. I hate it. I hate it with a passion. "You have been staring out the window for 30 minutes now and I'm starting to get worried," Jeff, our other cook says.
Jeff has been here for as long as I have and I do consider him a close friend. He's older than me, two years to be exact. He was also around when Dom was doing his stupid shit.
"Just reminiscing about the past," I sigh. A frown slowly makes its way onto his face. He knows what I am talking about.
"And why would you be doing that? It's been a year. I thought you were over him."
My eyes widen in horror at his statement. I am over him. Wayy...over him.
"I am," I tell him truthfully. "I was just thinking about it that's all."
"But why?"
I debate on whether or not to tell him about Alex or not. And after a moment I do.
"I guess—, I guess it's because I recently met someone," I mutter and his eyes light up with surprise.
"You...met someone?" He asks slowly and I nod. "As in a male who has piqued your interest?" I nod again. "Holy shit," he exclaimed. "When did this happen?"
He has so many questions.
"And here I thought you were going to turn into a lesbian."
I burst into a fit of laughter. I can't believe he just said that to me. "That's Ally, remember!?" I managed to say through my laughter. He was also present at the party when Ally had her very first lesbian experience.
He chuckles, "Yeah, I remember. And if I remember correctly, that girl was so mad at her for not returning the favor."
I remember to. She was shaking in anger. I thought for sure she was going to beat the shit out of Ally right then and there. Ally was completely oblivious to the world around her that night, she didn't pay any mind to the raging woman that she just dismissed.
"So tell me everything. How did the two of you meet? What's he like? What does he look like? What..."
"Whoa," I laugh, cutting him off. "One question at a time."
He snaps his mouth shut and waits for me to continue. I told him about how it all started with the wrong number. How we talked for a few days over the phone and through text. And how he showed up here, unannounced, saving Sally from me and all the events leading up to this point.
He shakes his head, "So...you let a stranger take you home and he spent the night? Do you not know how dangerous, not to mention stupid that was? He could have done anything to you."
I understand his concern. But really it's none of his business.
I snort, "It's no different than meeting someone in the club and taking them back home. Besides, I'm here. I'm still alive and not a scratch on me."
That last part isn't entirely true. I do have a nasty bruise on my hip from hitting the floor after Alex pushed me off the couch. But that was Ally's fault, not his. She scared him.
"I guess you're right," he sighs. "But promise me you'll be careful. I don't want to see you get hurt again."
I smile warmly, "I promise. But I don't think you have to worry. "He is such a sweetheart."
Jeff rolls his eyes, "Well...are you going to tell me his name or do I have to find out myself?"
I chuckle, "His name is Alex Grant."
For a second he looks to be deep in thought. "I know I heard that name before?" He murmurs, scratching his chin like he's trying to solve a mystery. "But I can't remember where."
I'm starting to think that he was a detective in his past life.
"Oh well," he shrugs. "It will come to me sooner or later."
I laugh shaking my head, "You never give up do you?"
"Nope."
I don't even know why I asked. I knew the answer before he even said it.
I slap my hand on the counter, causing him to jump. "We better get ready for the dinner rush." I glance at the clock. "It's almost time."
"Did you have to smack the counter to tell me that? You scared the hell out of me."
I snicker, "For a man you sure are easy to scare."
He really is. He makes Halloween so much fun. This one time Ally, Jeff, and I went to a haunted house. He talked all this shit about being our protector. Needless to say, his screams were the loudest and he was the one that needed to be protected.
He sends me a playful glare, knowing damn well what I am talking about. And without saying another word, heads back to the kitchen to prep for the dinner rush.
I chuckle softly to myself, tie my apron around my waist, and sit patiently waiting for our next customer.
Hello again. Thanks for reading this far. Hope you're enjoying my writing and hope to see you in the next chapter.