Back in the Saddle

Not a Date

Alex's POV:

I pull up outside of my favorite place in all of downtown: a small diner. The neon lights of the sign have just turned on because of the fading light of the sun, and I see a few people talking and having dinner in the windows. We get off work at five, making it the perfect time for me to take Karl out to dinner.

But this isn't a date.

I just want to buy him dinner and maybe a milkshake. That doesn't mean it has to be a date or anything beyond an outing with friends. Because I don't like Karl like that. Because I just met him. And I'm not gay... right?

Whatever, it isn't important.

The two of us get out of my old car and walk up to the front door. I open it for him and he gives me a small smile before entering. The inside is really cute and clean and feels very homely: booths line the windows and some tables and chairs are scattered throughout the middle. There are a few people sitting at the counter, drinking milkshakes while talking to a waiter, or just sitting alone quietly.

The owner, Mr. Turbolono, comes out from the back, holding a plate of food that he sets down in front of one of the girls at the counter who's flirting with a waiter. I chuckle at the two before turning my attention to Mr. Turbolono, who is waving at me eagerly. I give him a quick wave and a toothy smile as I lead Karl over to my normal booth.

Mr. Turbolono meets us there, two menus in his hand and a wide grin on his face. He sets them down in front of us before looking at me. "Hey, Alex. How are you doing, son?"

"Never better, sir."

"That's great to hear. And who's your friend?" as he says this he looks at Karl who grins brightly; it makes my heart warm.

"This is Karl. Karl, this is Mr. Turbolono, the owner of this fine establishment."

"It's wonderful to meet you, sir," the brunet says, offering his hand.

"Please, call me Freddy."

"Hey! I've been coming here for two years and I'm not on first name privileges yet!" I complain, throwing my hands up in the air overdramatically.

"That's because the first time we met, you told me you didn't like my hat," he deadpans, pointing to his hat and pretending to be offended. "You get first name privileges when you apologize."

"Nah, not worth it. I mean, can you blame me? It's like an old-timey sailor hat."

He laughs loudly and turns to Karl: "You could find someone better than him to take you out on a date, boy."

"This isn't a date," I say instantly. I see Karl glance over at me, probably offended by how opposed I sounded. Suddenly, I feel horrible about saying it so surely without even knowing Karl's thoughts. I just didn't want to jump to conclusions on anything without knowing whether or not Karl feels that way.

"Oh," Mr. Turbolono mumbles, looking a little surprised. He snaps out of it quickly, though, and looks back to Karl. "Well anyways, what can I get you?"

"I'll, uh, just have what he's having," he stutters.

"I'll have my usual, please. Oh, and can you add two strawberry milkshakes to that?" I say.

He gives me a nod and heads to the back, probably getting immediately to work. He is very efficient and makes every meal fresh, yet somehow manages to not make it take four hours. I look at Karl but he doesn't look back because he's too focused on his hands which are resting in front of him. He's fiddling with his rings, which I've seen him do a lot, and he has a slight frown.

"Karl?" I say but he only hums in response, still not looking at me. I set my hand on one of the backs of his, gaining his attention and causing him to finally meet my gaze. "I'm sorry if I... hurt your feelings when I said that this isn't a date. It's just that... I didn't know if it was and didn't want to make you uncomfortable?"