Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

5.

The sound of my alarm pierces through the stillness of the morning and drags me from a restless sleep. Groaning, I reach out to silence it, my hand fumbling across the nightstand until I find the snooze button. I lie still for a moment, staring at the ceiling. With a heavy sigh, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, the cold floor biting at my bare feet.

I walk over to my dresser, pulling open the drawer with my work clothes. The sight of my black All-American Diner t-shirt and a pair of jeans with minimal holes feels almost comforting in its familiarity. I change into the clothes and throw my hair into a high ponytail, the routine movements grounding me.

I opt for no makeup and a pair of mini silver hoop earrings. As I slide on my non-slip black sneakers and grab my purse, I quietly ease my bedroom door open and slip out. Careful not to disturb Loki, who's sleeping on the couch, I head to the front door, casting one last look back before stepping outside and making my way to my truck.

Arriving at the diner, I slip in through the back door, where they're unloading boxes. "Morning, Corey," I greet with a wave.

"Morning, Cassie," Corey, a dishwasher, replies with a grin.

I head to the locker room where Fiona, my closest friend, is meticulously applying her signature red lipstick. Her concentration is almost comical, her lips pursed in intense focus. "Morning, Fiona," I smile, opening my locker.

"Morning, Cassie," Fiona chirps back, not missing a beat in her makeup routine. "How was your weekend?"

"Uh... It was interesting," I shrug, trying to sound indifferent. 

"Interesting how?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.

"Well, I have a, uh, a guest staying with me," I admit, hoping my voice doesn't betray my nerves.

Her brows furrow in confusion. "A guest?"

"Yeah, um... This guy was passing through town when his car broke down near my house," I improvise, praying she buys the story.

Her brows raise, eyes widening. "And you're letting him stay with you?"

"Well, his car is in pretty bad shape, so he's stuck for a while," I explain, my voice wavering slightly.

"Well, well, well," she teases playfully, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You've got yourself quite the mysterious guest. Lucky you."

I chuckle nervously. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Is he at least attractive?" she presses, a sly smile playing on her lips.

My eyes widen in mock outrage. "Fiona!"

She laughs, the sound infectious. "What? I'm just curious."

"Yes, he is attractive, very attractive, but that doesn't mean anything will happen while he's staying with me," I shake my head, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

"Cassie, I mean this in the nicest way possible... you need to get laid," she states bluntly, her tone half-serious and half-joking.

I scoff, trying to brush off the comment. "I'm fine."

"Listen, as a woman who hadn't slept with anyone in a while until Saturday night, I know how it feels, and it's okay to admit. We all have needs," she shrugs, her matter-of-fact tone making me laugh despite myself.

"I mean, it has been a while," I murmur, feeling a pang of vulnerability. "But that doesn't mean I'm gonna jump the bones of the first guy who shows up at my doorstep."

"That's fair, but you should still keep an open mind," she suggests, her tone softening.

My lips tug back into a small smile. "I appreciate the concern, and I will keep an open mind."