Finding Home at Randy’s (Diner Days)

Chapter 1

W hen my new co-worker invited me for a “welcome to the team” lunch, I didn’t question it. I was just happy to get free food after a long and exhausting few months of starting over on the other side of the country. Walking into Randy’s Diner, I realize I should have asked a lot more questions.

But the words “ I’ll buy you lunch, I know a great place ” were really all the motivators I needed to say yes. I’m an easy mark, I’ll admit that.

I can’t say I’ve ever been to a true, authentic diner before; I don’t think Denny’s or IHOP count in either instance. So when we walk up to the hostess stand and the person behind it waves us off to seat ourselves, I take in as much as I can.

The white-and-light-blue checkerboard floor is different and unique, as is the glow of pink neon lighting around the upper perimeter of the space, but I have to admit, they all tie in together with the fifties vibe of the place and vinyl seating.

It is definitely not someplace I’d ever be brave enough to visit had I stayed in California.

Ivy chooses a booth near the back, and as we settle in, I turn to her. “This is nice. I like the vibe.”

She smiles. “I thought you might. Looks like we missed the lunch rush as well, which is good. I don’t wanna scare you off by throwing you into the full force of Randy’s clientele on your first day.”

I eye her warily. “Why does that give me a bad feeling?”

Ivy laughs. “It’s a good thing, promise. I just, well… I want to ease you in.”

A server comes sauntering up to us. “Ivy! Good to know you didn’t just up and abandon us.”

“Hey, Henry. You know I would never do that, things have been a little crazy at work lately. I’ve barely even seen Maisy and I live with her.”

“Hmm, that better be all it is.” Henry turns his attention to me. “At least you brought new eye-candy.”

I blush at his words, unsure what to say or do in the face of someone so…brazen. Henry must see my distress because he chuckles a little. “It’s okay, cutie, we’re all friends here. I’m Henry.” He brandishes his hand and I awkwardly take it in mine.

“Luka… it’s uhh, nice to meet you.” I look down at the hand I’m more holding than shaking and say, “I like your nails?”

God, please don’t tell me that came out as a question.

Henry giggles and pulls his hand back. “Thanks, sweetie. Now, what can I get ya to drink?”

“Water, please, with lemon.”

“You sure that’s all?” I nod and he looks to Ivy. “Coffee for you, I’m guessing.”

“You know me well. We’ll need a few minutes with the menu.”

“Sure thing. I’ll go get your drinks and poke at the writer’s table, make sure they’re all still breathing over there, then I'll come back.” Henry saunters away, hips swaying.

“See,” Ivy says, forcing my attention back to her. “That wasn’t painful, was it?”

I laugh a little and relax back in the booth. “It was… something.”

“Here.” She pushes a menu at me. “Find something you like, you can’t go wrong. The food is really good. Just be careful of the specials.” Some incredulous look must show on my face because she laughs. “Nothing bad, just one of the cooks is really into fad diets and Randy lets her put one item on the menu whenever she’s in a mood. So if you’re not into that then stick to the basics.”

“Good to know. I’m guessing you’re a regular?”

“You could say that. I actually used to work here, and my sister still does.”

“Oh, okay, that’s cool. So you know everyone then.”

“Yep.” She smiles brightly. “It’s like a second home to me, if I’m being honest.”

The smile I give her is a genuine one, something that’s been a rarity with me for a long while, but I’m slowly finding the joy in things again.

Henry returns with our drinks. “Still need more time?”

I shake my head before saying to Ivy, “Unless you do?”

“Nope. I’ll have my usual, but sunny-side up eggs this time.”

“And I’ll have pancakes, but can I get jam on the side, no syrup?”

“Sure thing, sweetie. I’ll get those right out. Let me know if you need anything.”

Ivy makes a face at me when Henry sashays away. “No syrup but jam? You’re a heathen. I don’t know if we can be friends anymore.”

I laugh and reach for my water. “What can I say? I have…unique tastes. I’m here with you, aren’t I?” I tease.

“Ooh, so that’s how it’s going to be. Okay, I see how it is.” There’s a twinkle in her blue eyes and we share a laugh at her words.

It’s been a long time since I’ve met someone who I feel comfortable with this quickly. It feels good. If I wasn’t terrified of jinxing myself, I’d say this entire cross-country move was the right decision, but it’s only been a handful of weeks, and I’m not an optimist by any stretch of the word.

So, I’ll hold onto this feeling for a while, and hope like hell it’s not a one-time thing.

We’re finishing our food when something catches my attention. As I’ve been people-watching, trying to soak up as much of the diner as I can, I’ve noticed the people coming and going from the hall where the restrooms are. One person in particular catches my attention.

Don’t ask me why, there’s nothing special about the man. He’s wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His medium-brown hair mostly lays flat against his head, but the top is sticking up a little, like he’s run his hands through it a few times.

I watch as he moves across the diner and takes a seat at a table. There’s a few other people sitting with him, all of them with their heads buried in their laptops.

“Whatcha lookin’ at?” Ivy asks. She cranes her neck, trying to follow my line of sight. “Writer’s corner,” she finally says. “Don’t pay them any mind, they’re mostly here for the free coffee refills.”

I laugh a little. “Do you know who any of them are? Never mind, that sounds weird.”

“Someone catch your attention? I know Myles and Graeme. Don’t know who the other person is, but those two are regulars.”

As she’s speaking, the one who’s caught my attention looks up and I blush, quickly looking away. I’m sure he wasn’t actually looking at me, maybe just glancing up while lost in thought, but the last thing I need is to be caught staring like a weirdo.

“Ah,” Ivy says. “Graeme. Good choice, Myles is taken, but as far as I’ve heard, Graeme is as single as we are.”

I try to pretend that information doesn’t curl a little bit of interest in me. After all, I haven't even had a clear view of his face yet. Plus, being single doesn’t mean I’m available for dating, or that he is.

“I could introduce you…” Ivy says in a sing-song voice.

“Absolutely not!” I hiss, leaning in and trying to ignore how hot my face feels. Damn redheaded genes, making it so my skin flushes easily.

She laughs. “You’re so easy, Luka. Seriously though, Grae’s cool. If you don’t want to eat alone, but don’t want to be bothered, he’s good for that.”

“Can we drop this, please? I was just taking in the atmosphere, not really paying attention to the people.”

“Uh-huh, whatever you say,” she teases. Thankfully, she drops the subject, and I ease back in my seat, pretending I don’t want to look over and maybe catch Graeme’s eyes again.

It’s ridiculous. I don’t pay attention to people, let alone random guys in diners. Not even if I swear I can feel their eyes on me throughout the rest of my meal.