Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

11.

"Here's that fried chicken and mashed potatoes for you," I say, placing the plate in front of the mid-thirties man with a smile.

"Thank you, darling," he replies warmly.

"Not a problem. Let me know if you need anything else," I nod before stepping back to survey the bustling diner.

I weave through the dining room, checking on my other tables. I grab checks, refills, and various sauces, all while maneuvering around the other waitresses with practiced ease.

The door jingles just as I'm wiping down an empty table. "Welcome in. Have a seat anywhere, and a waitress will be with you shortly," I call out automatically, my focus still on the table.

"I'm in no hurry."

I freeze, the familiarity of the voice sending a shiver down my spine. Slowly, I glance up to see Officer Miller standing at the door, his presence casting a shadow over the room.

Great.

I force a tight-lipped smile. "Afternoon, Officer."

"You all are busy, aren't you?" he comments, his eyes scanning the crowded diner with a look that feels invasive.

"Dinner rush," I nod, my voice steady despite the unease curling in my stomach.

He strides through the dining room and takes a seat at the counter, his gaze lingering on me longer than necessary. I turn away, rolling my eyes as I finish wiping down the table.

Grabbing the cleaner, I head to the counter. "What can I get you to drink?" I ask, keeping my tone neutral and professional.

"Coke will be fine."

"Gotcha." I fill a clean glass with Coke before I bring it to him, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "You need a menu, or are you getting your usual?"

His eyes drift down, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'll get the usual, doll." 

"Coming right up." I jot his order down and hang the ticket up in the kitchen, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.

"Your boyfriend around?" he asks, his tone casual but laced with something that makes my skin crawl.

My brows furrow as I glance back at him, my confusion evident. "What boyfriend?"

He exhales deeply. "You know, the oddball you were with the other day."

"First, he's not my boyfriend. Second, he's at home," I state firmly.

"Home?" he repeats, his voice laced with skepticism.

I don't respond as I grab the hot plates off the windowsill and walk them out to the customers. "Here's your pancakes and bacon," I say to Taylor, a little blonde-haired girl. "And your barbecue sandwich and fries," I place the second plate in front of Grace, her mom.

"Thank you so much, Cassie," Grace smiles warmly. "Say thank you, Taylor."

Taylor gives me a toothy smile. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," I smile back. "You guys let me know if you need anything else."

Returning to the counter, I find Officer Miller's gaze fixed on me, his expression unreadable. "Is there something you would like to say, Officer?"

"No, I'm just... concerned about your well-being," he admits, his tone dripping with false worry.

I scoff lightly. "Well, you don't need to be."

"I do if there's a strange man, who I know nothing about, living in my town," he states, his expression hardening.

"Last time I checked, you don't own this town, so you don't get to dictate who passes through or lives here," I retort, my patience wearing thin.