The One

Susan's Diner

 Pulling into the parking lot of Susan's diner precisely at 5:50 p.m., she parked beside Brian's truck. Just before getting out, she snatched her iPad from the passenger seat, determination seeping from her every move.

Striding over to the truck, she knocked on the passenger window, which rolled down to reveal Jake.

"Hi!" she greeted cheerfully, waving at both brothers.

Jake gathered his wallet and phone, assuming a casual demeanour. "I'll call you when we're finished," he said to Brian as he unlocked his door.

"Hey, Jake, your brother can come too! The more the merrier!" Karol insisted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jake glanced at Brian, who remained silent, an ambiguous expression on his face. "Nah, he'll pass," Jake replied dismissively, reading Brian's mood for him.

Seizing the opportunity, she pressed further, her tone conspiratorial. "Don't be rude, Jake. I bet your brother hasn't eaten yet! Am I right, Jake's brother?" She looked at Brian, deploying her appealing puppy-dog eyes that softened both Jake's and Brian's resolve.

Brian blinked, caught off guard, but before Jake could make a decision, Brian rolled the window up and turned off the engine. The brothers stepped out of the truck, eyeing her beaming smile.

With a bubbly enthusiasm, she marched towards the diner, both brothers trailing behind her as she pondered aloud, "What should I get?" until they reached the entrance.

Without waiting for either of them to decide, she picked a table situated at the far end of the diner, her eyes scanning the room intently.

As they settled in, Cathy, the waitress, approached with menus in hand. "Hi, welcome to Susan's Diner! Oh, hi Jake, hi Brian!" she chimed, her attention seemingly captivated by Brian.

She shot a glance at Jake, both of them exchanging a knowing look that screamed, 'She's flirting!' while Brian remained engrossed in the menu, oblivious to the silent exchange.

With a piercing gaze, she narrowed her eyes at Brian before shifting her attention back to Jake, who mirrored her expression. In that moment, it was as if they were engaged in a wordless conversation, leaving Brian feeling isolated and puzzling over the dynamics unfolding around him.

In a split second, her phone shrilled, jolting both Jake and Brian from their intense, silent conversation.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice steady despite the distraction.

"Yes?"

"Yeah, I know."

"Didn't I tell you that you don't need to do that?"

"Listen, I'm not at home; I'm outside right now, having dinner."

"No."

"I'm alone."

"I don't want to tell you."

"No."

"I'm going to eat my dinner now."

"Whatever."

"No."

"Bye."

With a decisive click, she hung up and switched off her phone, giving it a swift and annoyed tap against the table.

"Sorry about that. So, did you two order?" she said, scanning the room for the waitress.

"We did," Jake replied.

Brian added, "I didn't want to disturb you, so I ordered for you too, along with ours," smiling awkwardly.

She returned the smile, muttering, "Thank you," before Jake's concerned voice broke through the moment.

"Karol. Is everything okay?"

"Oh, that? No worries. Everything's fine."

Without further small talk, Brian cut to the chase. "So, how did you get his phone number?"

She smiled at them. "Easy, I had my secretary fetch your details, and that's how I got your number," she said as if it were the most casual thing in the world.

Jake narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Why do you want my details?"

Brian, unimpressed by pleasantries, leaned in. "I smell something fishy. Who are you?" His unease was palpable, a contradiction to her calm demeanour.

"Let's wait for our food, then I'll tell you what I'm doing. Deal?"

The brothers exchanged wary glances, eyeing her as if she were a dark omen, poised to snatch their souls away. The atmosphere thickened with unspoken tension, yet she seemed unfazed, accustomed to such scrutiny.

Just then, she exclaimed, "There she is!" as their food began its journey towards them.

Cathy arrived, placing each dish down with care before retreating to fetch their water. Once she finished serving, she called out, "Cathy dear, could you please bring your owner here?"

Cathy exchanged puzzled glances with the brothers before awkwardly replying, "Um, sure...?" and headed inside to find the owner.

As they sipped their drinks, a middle-aged lady approached their table, confusion etched on her face as she received Karol's infamous smile.

"I heard you call me. Is everything okay?" she asked, ready to brush them off.

"Everything's fine; I just wanted to see you, that's all," she responded her tone a blend of sweetness and unsettling determination.

The lady's expression shifted, trying to maintain professionalism. "Miss, if you'll excuse me, I have tons of things to do. Enjoy your meal." Her polite veneer was cracking, irritation flickering in her eyes.

Just as she turned to leave, Karol retained her charming façade. "How can I enjoy my meal if you don't sit down with us? Could you please join us?"

The lady shut her eyes tightly, a smile plastered on her face that barely masked her growing annoyance. "Sorry, I can't sit with you. If there's no problem, I must return to my work." Her voice held a sharp edge as she turned away.

The shift in the room was palpable. Her smile vanished, replaced by an eerily blank stare. "Stop," she commanded, her voice cold and devoid of warmth.

A chill ran down the brothers' spines as they observed the sudden transformation in her demeanour. Then, with an unsettling grin, she softly insisted, "Madam, sit with us. I have things to discuss."

The middle-aged lady looked at the three of them, suspicion rising in her chest.

She locked her gaze on her, the malice simmering just beneath the surface. "Don't act so suspicious of us, Madam Susan Creed Timber, or should I say ex-Madam Timber?" Her smile was laced with wicked intent.

In an instant, shock painted the faces of Jake, Brian, and Susan alike, awe and fear mingling in the air as Karol dropped her revelation, casual yet devastating, a smirk dancing on her lips.