Levelling the Playing Field (HD&D Sequel)

Chapter 1 - He's Shy

She smiled at each of them, looking from Bennett to Declan to Naomi and finally resting her gaze on Jordan.

"Hi, my name is-"

"Kendall?" Jordan interrupted and then immediately cringed. The whole table cringed as the waitress looked at him funny.

"Actually, no, it's Arya," she said with a slight laugh. "I'll be your waitress today."

Naomi took in her golden hair and dark brown eyes. They reminded her of honey and warm chocolate on a cold winters morning.

Declan could understand the attraction. Her laugh was whole and sincere, entwined in a perfect melody floating around the room.

Bennett blinked up at her, her fragrance hitting his nose, sweet and comforting, like coconut mixed with vanilla.

Jordan found himself staring and not wanting to look away, and when she turned her gaze to him, it was like looking into the sun, blinding.

"Have you had a chance to look at the menu?"

Jordan looked down at the menu, pretending to read the words on the page, but all he could do was recite her name in his head over and over again. He couldn't help but smile unconsciously. He liked the name. It was light and airy and suited her well.

"See anything you like?" She caught his gaze.

Yeah, I do. He thought to himself. "Uhhhh, the uh- the vanilla-" His eyes were scanning the menu to find what he'd been previously looking at. All thoughts of food had left his head which is concerning, to say the least.

"He'll have the vanilla topped waffles," Naomi cut in, smiling up at Arya. Jordan closed the menu and nodded in agreement, thankful she came to his aid like that. Arya noted it down before asking Naomi.

"I'll get the buttermilk pancakes,"

She turned to Bennett and Declan. Declan placed his order with a charming smile. Jordan could only glare at him from across the table.

"Could you give me a moment?" Bennett asked, scanning the menu.

"Sure."

As she waited patiently, Naomi struck up a conversation. "This place opened up pretty recently. How are you finding working here?"

Arya turned to Naomi. "Yeah, it's going great so far, the staff are nice, and the food is to die for-"

"I'm having trouble deciding. What would you recommend?" Bennett inquired innocently. Arya moved to read the menu. Bennett looked up and smiled at Jordan, to which Jordan returned a "Are you kidding me" look. Bennett just shrugged.

Bullshit, he usually knows exactly what he's getting. Jordan knew Bennett just wanted to keep her around a tad longer. He glared at his friends.

"You seem like the type of guy who'd want something rich in flavour," she looked at Bennett. "May I suggest the hot chocolate french toast?"

"I never met anyone who could read me so well," he said, looking up at her, causing her to blush. Who knew Bennett could be such a charmer?

Jordan continued to glare at his so-called friend. Unaware of the telepathic conversation between the boys, Arya wrote down their orders and asked about what they'd like to drink.

"Water, please," Jordan said in the smallest voice, not looking at her. He was afraid if he looked at her again, words wouldn't form in his mouth.

She walked away to bring their beverages for them.

As soon as she was out of earshot, the four leaned forward in hushed whispers. "This is insane. That's her. That's definitely her. The resemblance is too strong," Declan started, eyes wide.