E.R. Knight
The following day, Neva was bustling around the diner at noon, handling the lunchtime rush. She swept her hair back from her face, securing it to the side of her head, hoping it would stay put this time. She served a couple their meal, chatting with them as she worked. She was already halfway through her ten-hour shift, and her feet were starting to protest.
After ensuring the sweet elderly couple had everything they needed, she flashed them another bright smile and moved on to the next table. She was enjoying the work so far. It wasn’t too demanding, but it wasn’t a breeze either. She’d had the opportunity to chat with a few of the other girls working the same shift, and they seemed friendly. She was off to a good start.
She’d already earned over fifty dollars in tips, thanks to her attentive service. Neva adjusted the red apricot tied around her waist and returned to a table with a family of three. The little girl, who looked to be about three or four, was so adorable that Neva wanted to scoop her up.
As she set the plates on the table, the girl looked up at her shyly and gifted her with a beautiful smile. Neva’s heart swelled with the urge to pick her up and cuddle her. Instead, she patted the pocket of her apron, keeping her eyes on the little girl and then frowning as though she couldn’t find something.
The child sat up straight, watching her with eager, bright blue eyes. Her parents smiled at the display, shooting Neva grateful looks. Then, with a quick dip of her hand into her pocket, she pulled out a red lollipop, feigning surprise as she handed it to the child. The girl clapped with joy and gave Neva another shy smile.
Her mother was smiling so broadly that Neva was glad she’d taken the time to grab the candy from the register on her way over. The rest of her shift passed in a blur. She waited tables, delivered orders, and wiped down surfaces, ensuring everything was clean.
By the time she finished, there wasn’t a muscle in her body that wasn’t sore. She grabbed her bag from the back room and waved goodbye to the rest of the staff, cradling her takeout box with her dinner inside against her chest.
She pulled out her phone to check her messages. There was one from her sister, asking how her first day at work had gone. Neva locked her phone and slipped it back into her purse, deciding to respond when she got home.
She unclipped her hair, letting it fall around her face. The weather in Minnesota was pleasant in September, and she didn’t need to carry a coat with her everywhere. She made her way down the street, heading toward her apartment. People were everywhere, taking their lunch breaks, rushing in and out of restaurants with takeout boxes in their hands.
She smiled to herself. This was it. This was her new life. It wasn’t going to be easy, but she was starting to love it. She had her own apartment. She had a job. She was soon going to have a better one. Last night, she’d started preparing her resume to apply for a business development associate position.
She had some experience already, and she was confident that she could find a role that matched her current skills. Neva winced as a sudden pain shot through her right side. She stopped in the middle of the path and held her side, willing the pain to subside.
She took a deep breath, pushing it down, as she moved toward a nearby wooden bench. She sat down and clutched her side. Damn it, she’d overdone it at work. The doctor had said she’d need eight to ten weeks to fully recover.
Neva took another deep breath and stood up. The pain was already starting to fade. Another two weeks of proper rest and she’d be as good as new. She picked up her food and started walking again. As she turned a corner, she didn’t pay attention, still holding her side, and bumped into someone coming the other way.
“I’m so sorry!” she extended her arm, looking up to apologize. Dark green eyes stared down at her, and her breath hitched in her throat.
“Neva.” Grayson’s deep voice washed over her, drowning out everything else. Drowning out the pain in her side and her feet. He was dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and black sweats. His skin was lightly glistening with sweat. Neva realized she’d interrupted his workout.
“Hey, Grayson, I’m sorry for bumping into you like that,” she apologized, suddenly aware that he was holding her upper arms. He must have reached out to keep her from falling. His chest was rising and falling rapidly. He was breathing hard. But when he spoke, he didn’t sound out of breath.
So that’s how he stayed in such great shape, she thought. Grayson’s eyes roamed over her. He stiffened when he saw her clutching her side. Worry flickered in his eyes.
“Did I hurt you?” His voice was laced with concern.
She quickly shook her head. “No, that wasn’t you. I just overworked myself.”
His handsome face creased into a frown. “Where are you headed?”
She pointed down the road. “I live about ten minutes from here.”
He looked in the direction she’d pointed, then released her and took her takeout box. Neva was too surprised to react.
“I’ll walk you home,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
She frowned. “What? No. You’re in the middle of jogging…or running or whatever it is that you were doing, you don’t need to—”
He took her arm and fell into step beside her. “I know I don’t need to, Neva.” He looked down at her with an intensity that made her pause. “I want to,” he said simply.
She swallowed. He looked back at the path and then led her forward. “Thank you,” she said quietly. She saw him glance at her.
After a long moment, he asked, “So, how was your first day?”
Neva adjusted her bag on her shoulder. “It was great actually, I just got off my shift and I have a day off tomorrow so yay!” she said brightly.
“Are you from around here?” She lifted her gaze to meet his, realizing he was already watching her.
His lips curved into a smile. “Yeah, just a few blocks down. It’s good to hear you had a decent day at work.” His eyes flicked to the takeout box she was holding. “Dinner?” he inquired.
She nodded. “Yeah, it’s pasta and salad.” She paused before adding, “You can have it if you want. Consider it a thank you for walking me home.”
She offered him a smile, suddenly aware of her unflattering work uniform.
His smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
“Sounds fair,” he responded, his tone serious. “But I think I’ve got a better idea.”
“And what’s that?” she asked, her heart fluttering as he moved a fraction closer.
He looked at her, a grin spreading across his face. “You’ll see.”