Finding Home at Randy’s (Diner Days)

Chapter 13

I hate night shifts. I don’t know how Denver can stay so upbeat while working overnight, but it is definitely not for me.

“Hey.” Someone sidles up to me as I’m washing the mug I used while on shift.

Turning, I smile at the person I’ve only seen a few times in passing, I’m pretty sure they work nights, mostly. “Sorry, am I in your way?”

“No, no. I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Axel, a friend of Ivy’s. She keeps talking about how sweet you are, so I thought I’d come over and officially meet you. Maybe then it’ll seem less creepy when she gossips. Or more… I’m not entirely sure.”

I chuckle a little and set the mug in the dish drainer. “I hope it’s good gossip, at least.”

Axel smiles. “It is, believe me. She thinks you’re adorable. And like I said, sweet.”

My face heats at Axel’s words, but a warmth settles in me at the same time. Outside of Val and Denver, I don’t have friends here, so to know that I’ve made such an impression on Ivy, even though we haven’t been able to hang out recently, means a lot.

“Hey, you can say no, and I’d understand as you don’t know me, but I’m starving, and was going to get something on the way home, so do you want to have breakfast with me?”

Axel backs up a few steps, giving me more space. “Totally cool if you say no, though. I just don’t like eating alone. I’ll call my partner and make them meet me, then they’ll bitch because they are not an early riser, but it’s fine.”

Axel must be able to interpret my deer-in-headlights look because they smile. “I promise, it’s okay. I’m sorry I came on a little too strong. Lauri, my partner, bitches about me being…excitable.”

An awkward chuckle escapes me and I shift on my feet. “I mean…I need food too, but I’m also exhausted, so raincheck?”

Axel’s grin doesn’t dim, despite me turning them down. “No problem. I know I came on too strong. Lauri says that a lot, too. But I feel like I know you because of Ivy, and I am always here for new friends.”

My smile softens and becomes more genuine. “I could always use more friends, but not after working overnight. Sorry, I am not a…fun person to be around without sleep.”

Axel laughs. “No worries. We can exchange numbers and meet up another time? I’ll bring Lauri too, so you don’t feel awkward about being alone with me. You can bring someone as well. I promise not to make it weird.”

“Awkward is my usual state of being, so it’s fine.”

“Oh good, then we’ll get along great.” Axel pulls out their phone. “Mind putting your number in? I promise to only use it for nudes of Lauri.”

Laughing, I take the phone and give them my number. Normally, doing this would send me into a state of overthinking, but there’s something…calming about Axel that draws me in, even with the…excessive energy they seem to have after a twelve-hour overnight shift.

Handing the phone back to Axel, I watch as they type for a few seconds. “There,” they say. “Now you have my number, too. Don’t hesitate to tell me if I overstep, yeah? I tend to do that sometimes, especially when I’m excited about something.”

“And that’s me?”

Axel shrugs. “Well, yeah. I’ll admit that I saw you way before I ever talked to Ivy, but I don’t want to come off as some creep. I promise, I’m really nice!”

I smile a little. “I believe you. I’m not good with…social interaction though.”

They roll their eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.” Sighing, they say, “I suppose I should go home. Maybe if I annoy Lauri enough they’ll take pity on me and cook.”

I laugh because I almost feel bad for Axel’s partner now. I don’t know them at all, but I can already tell Axel is…a lot. In a good way, though.

“I’ll walk out with you.”

Axel grins and it’s infectious, making me smile in a way I haven’t since Valery was my almost-cousin.