Dreamcatcher

Chapter 3 - Wednesday

There was a small part of me that couldn't deny it—I was excited to see Dean again. Every time the bell above the door dinged, my heart would skip a beat, and I'd look up, hoping to see those piercing green eyes. But each time, it was just another regular customer. After a while, I was starting to give up hope, thinking maybe he wouldn't show up today.

Then, just as I was about to mentally clock out, he walked in.

My pulse quickened, an unexpected rush of adrenaline coursing through me. He hadn't seen me yet, but he casually made his way to a table in my section, his usual easy confidence in his stride. It was strange how something so simple—him walking in, taking a seat—sent a flurry of butterflies through my stomach.

I glanced at the clock. My shift was almost over, just a few minutes left. Casey, one of the other waitresses whose shift had just started, sidled up to me with a knowing look. "Hey, want me to take that table? You're about to clock out, right?"

Before I could respond, I caught Paige smirking at me from the corner of my eye. She was enjoying this way too much.

I smiled, shaking my head slightly. "No, that's okay. I'll take this one."

Paige raised an eyebrow, barely holding back her grin, but thankfully, she didn't say a word.

I walk over to Dean's table, gripping the coffee pot a little tighter than usual, trying to steady my nerves. This is ridiculous, I think to myself, but there's no denying the flutter of excitement building in my chest. I don't dare bring pie just yet—better let him decide what he wants this time. As I approach, I flash him a smile, pouring coffee into his cup.

"Good afternoon, Dean," I say, my voice coming out a little softer than I intended. "I was worried I wouldn't see you before my shift ended."

He looks up at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You were worried, huh?" he teases, his voice low, the warmth in his gaze sending an unexpected rush through me.

His eyes—those green eyes—are practically laughing, and for a second, my knees feel like they might give out. What is it about him? I feel the heat rise to my cheeks, but I quickly recover, trying to keep the moment light.

"Well, I wouldn't want you to miss out on the pie of the day," I say with a grin, hoping my voice doesn't betray just how flustered I feel.

"Peach, right? I wouldn't miss it for the world," Dean says, his smile lingering as I turn to get his pie.

I can feel his eyes on me, following every step I take, and it sends a small thrill through me, even though I know I shouldn't let it. As I slip behind the counter, I catch Paige out of the corner of my eye. She turns to face me, her back to Dean, a knowing grin plastered across her face.

"Girl, you have got it bad," she whispers, trying to suppress a giggle. "The way you two are looking at each other—seriously, it's like something out of a movie." She gives me a pointed look before her expression softens, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "What are you going to do about Daniel?"

And just like that, the bubble bursts. For a moment, I'd completely forgotten about Daniel—sweet, reliable Daniel, the one I've built my safe little life with. The one I love. Or, at least... the one I thought I loved. But now, standing here, with Dean's eyes lingering in the back of my mind, a pang of guilt washes over me.

I glance back at Dean, who's waiting patiently, his face calm and unreadable, and then I feel a sudden wave of confusion. What am I going to do about Daniel?

"Nothing," I whisper to Paige, trying to convince myself as much as her. "I still love Daniel."

She frowns, clearly unimpressed by my answer, but I can't let her get into my head. I'm not going to throw away what I have with Daniel over a little schoolgirl crush. That's all this is, right? I don't even know Dean, except that he likes pie and has a killer smile. I push the thought aside, give Paige a small shrug, and sidestep past her, determined to shake off the confusing emotions.