Fresh Meat

Bob

The next day, you couldn't help yourself. You went back to Boys 'N' Grills. Theres something about that place that draws you in...

You walk into the diner, it's the same as yesterday. Booths on the walls, bar stools by the counter, and then the kitchen at the back. You noticed that there were less workers than yesterday, strange.

You decide to walk over to the counter, the diner is less crowded, only a handful of people in it. There are around four customers and two waiters, no sign of Bob, though. Maybe he's in the back?

You recall him saying that he's the butcher and the cook, but that didn't make sense. Why did he serve you yesterday?

You brush it off as a coincidence. Bob probably rotated, that's why.

You perked up, hearing a door open. It was the door to the kitchen. Bob stepped through, and he was walking towards you!

Alright, your brain coaches you, play it cool. You smile at Bob, the grin that rests on his face grows just a bit wider, but you don't notice it.

"Hello, Y/N. Nice to see you back here, you like us so much you just had to come back for more, didn't you?" He said in his southern accent. You giggle in response. "I guess you could say that." You replied. Bob's grin widens. "So tell me, what can I get for ya?" He asks, leaning on the counter on both arms crossed, similar to what he did yesterday. You tap your finger on your chin, pretending to contemplate, you had already made up your mind the moment you stepped in the cozy diner.

You look back at him, giving a smile, "Surprise me, Bob."

For a moment, he looked taken aback. But it didn't take long before a challenging grin slid into his face, "Okay, then. Trust me, you'll be coming back for more after this one." He said as he got up. You smile at him again.

"I bet I will."

—-

A couple minutes later, Bob walked out again. This time holding a steak, it was seasoned and had a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus. He grinned again as he served it to you. "Here ya go! One medium rare steak."

You smiled again as you took it from him, he watched as you took the first bite. You beamed once the flavour hit your mouth. Goddamn. You ate a bit faster, trying to be polite but also trying to get all that flavour in your mouth. Bob simply watched the whole time, his grin widening as you ate. The food was so good! You didn't expect it to taste like the food you had back home! It makes you a bit homesick. Bob talks to you while you're eating.

"Slow down! Ya might choke!" He sighs as you, in fact, do not slow down. He chuckles softly under his breath, then goes back to staring at you. Shooting out random "did you know" facts.

"Did you know that in early European culture, medicinal cannibalism was popular?"  You perk up at him, almost done. You swallow. "No, I did not know that! Thanks for that fact Bob." As you finally finish, you decide to give compliments to the chef.

"Mmmmm... Bobbbbb. That was delicious! I'm so full! God, you are such a good chef!" You grin at him as you wipe off any food chunks off your mouth. He smiles at you, again. "Why thank you! I'll treasure that compliment!" You shook your head, surprising Bob. You wanted to make sure that he knew that your compliment was genuine, not just some thing to be polite.

"No no! I mean, it's actually so good! The meat is tenderized perfectly, the flavour is on point! The asparagus was cooked to the point of perfection, and the mashed potatoes are super soft! Oh, and don't get me started on the seasoning-!" You went off into a tangent, not noticing that Bob was staring at you. The grin that usually rested on his face was replaced with a surprised look. He was completely enraptured, and you didn't even notice.