Colton
I went back into the garage to work after we ate lunch. Hallie was easy to talk to. I told her more about myself than I had anyone here. While I was polite to the people in town, I didn’t dine with them or even drink with them. I just worked and went home.
Hallie made me want to go out after work and talk over dinner. Hell, she made me feel like a teenager again. I wanted to impress her as much as I wanted to act very much like an adult with her.
She left shortly after lunch and I felt empty as I finished the day on my own. I knew that I needed to get some food. I decided to stop by the diner and grab a burger, walking in to sit at a table.
I glanced around and saw that the room was half full of diners, nodding at the waitress as she told me to take a seat. I chose one in the back and pulled out my phone, seeing a text from Mom. We did this almost daily since we were close. It was us against the world for a long time. We went over work and what was happening in our lives. I asked her to come and visit me again, not quite sure what happened with her parents. I got another vague maybe and sighed as I reached for my burger.
She asked how the job was, prompting me to remind her that I had two now. I knew that she didn’t remember the people here well enough to know who Brian was. I also knew that she was busy running her art gallery in Aurora since that had always been the case. We ended the conversation with a promise to talk in the morning. I set the phone on the table and dunked my fry into a blob of ketchup on my plate. I’d go for a run tomorrow if I got up early enough.
I felt my skin prickle, raising my eyes to the door to see Hallie walking in with a small blonde girl. They were laughing and took a seat across the room after greeting the waitress. I could tell that they were close as they leaned across the table. It made me wonder what Hallie’s life was like here before she left.
“Was that her best friend?”
“Did she had a boyfriend here? “
“Where was her mom?”
I kept watching as I finished my fries. Hallie was beautiful when she laughed, and I had a good view of her from here. Her friend was sitting with her back to me. I couldn’t stop staring as she ordered something from the same waitress helping me, a huge grin on her face. They must be having a great time.
I chuckled when I saw that they ordered shakes and fries. I loved the combo as well but tried not to eat it too much. I left Chicago a fit man and didn’t want that to change too drastically.
At some point while they were eating, the blonde left the table to use the bathroom. She passed me, and I knew that she recognized me by the smirk on her face. When she walked by again, I watched her sit down and lean forward to tell Hallie something.
Her face flushed pink as she looked across the room at me. Her eyes were bright as she forced an awkward smile before looking back at her friend. The blonde shook her head and turned to gaze at me, waving me over to their table. I grinned and pulled out a bill to pay for my meal, ready to hand it to the waitress when I saw her next. It was more than enough for dinner and a tip. Hallie gave her friend a wide-eyed look as I approached them, appearing as though she wanted to flee from the building.
“Good evening, ladies.” I paused at the end of the table and smiled at both as the blonde tilted her head at Hallie. I was pleased when she scooted further down the bench and gave me the room to slide in beside her.
“I’m Bri. I’ve been friends with this girl for years.” She smiled and offered me her hand, which I grasped with a nod. The blonde resembled a pixie with her small body and features, but she had a fire about her. That was apparent in this situation.
“Colton? Your Gus’ grandson, aren’t you?”
“I am.” I replied as I sensed movement beside me. “What brings you ladies here this evening?”
“We are regressing to high school. We used to come here a lot to gossip about boys and school.” Bri gave Hallie a warm smile. “I am taking advantage of her being here.”
That reminded me that Hallie was likely to leave Chester once her dad was better. Why did that idea bother me? I brushed it off and waved at the waitress for a refill on my tea. She looked at my old table for a moment before grabbing the pitcher. Once she was done refilling it, I handed her the money and the bill. I told her to keep the change, and she grew flustered as she stared at me.
“Thank you,” her voice was grateful, and I nodded as she walked away. Looking at Hallie, I saw something in her eyes that might be jealousy as she stared at Bri.
“This is a nice place,” I offered as I leaned back, pressing my leg against Hallie’s thigh. I think I was ready to break my rule of not messing with local girls though Hallie didn’t live here. I pushed away the nagging reminder that she was Brian’s daughter for the millionth time as I felt the heat pass between us.
“It’s been here for a long time. The food is good if not a bit divey. I don’t mind that though.” Bri replied as I glanced over at Hallie. She finally smiled at me, looking shy.
“I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t think Betty would let you eat here.” There was a joking tone to her voice, and I laughed.
“They had dinner plans tonight. I don’t ask her to cook for me, you know. It’s just how she is.” Both girls smiled.
“We’ve had her food at gatherings. It’s the best thing ever.” Bri confessed as I sipped my tea. “You’re in charge of the lumber yard now, right?”
I nodded.
“You’re also taking care of Dad’s shop?”
I frowned at her and Bri laughed.
“He’s like another father to me.” She said with teasing smile on her face.
“Oh, gotcha. Yes, I’m keeping it going while he gets better. I have help inside.” I nudged Hallie with my shoulder gently as Bri lifted a perfect brow. It didn’t take long for her to excuse herself to leave for some reason, assuring Bri that she should stay and relax. It was painfully obvious what Bri was doing, and I winked at her as she walked out the door.
“She abandoned me.” Hallie said in shock as I gazed at her.
“How long are you staying? You girls should have plenty of time to catch up.” I told her, my curiosity too much to bear. “I was thinking a couple of weeks. I have tons of time off since I am a workaholic back in the city. I suppose you understand that feeling, running two places and all.” Her eyes met mine for a moment and heat passed through them.
“I had fun at the shop today. It was a bit like old times when I helped my dad in the summers and on holidays.” She smiled happily, and I longed to tuck a piece of errant hair behind her ear.
“I liked having you there. I’m bad with spreadsheets and figures. I like to work on stuff. I have Cora to help me with that at the yard.” I watched her face pale and knew for certain that there was something between them.
“Cora Clark?” Hallie asked hesitantly as I frowned.
“I don’t know her last name. Huh. She’s a brunette.” I replied. Hallie dropped her shoulders as if in defeat.
“You know her?” I asked her.
“Yeah. I mean, I did back in school. I haven’t seen her in years.” Her voice was flat.
I turned to her, slipping an arm over the booth behind her. Food forgotten, Hallie seemed forlorn. I wanted to bring her back to me and I stroked her shoulder gently as she jumped.
“Are you okay?” I asked as she licked her lips quickly.
“Yeah. It’s just stupid high school stuff. It doesn’t matter anymore.” She forced a laugh that didn’t sound genuine and I looked at her food.
“Are you finished eating?” I asked in a soft voice as she surveyed the remainder of their snack on the table. When she nodded, I asked for the bill and paid it as she remained silent.