Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 36. Reconciliation

"Good morning . . . Brian." I returned his smile. I didn't feel nervous after knowing it was just Brian. I'd be more worried if it were someone I'm close with because then, I'd have to lie to them, and that's more difficult.

Brian wore an orange, long-sleeved shirt, and by the looks of it, he didn't get much sleep last night because of the bags under his eyes and his unusually pale skin. His eyes turned to Dylan, who's also looking back at him with a quizzical look. Brian's smile faltered, "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there." He casually said to Dylan, "You new around here?"

I could sense Dylan's unease as he gave Brian a shaky nod after being asked the similar question, "I'm just passing through this town."

The smile returned to Brian's face, "Cool. So . . . you two know each other?"

"Oh, not really." I hurriedly butted in as I shook my head, "We were just talking, b-but this is the first time I met him."

"Yeah." Dylan is quick to agree, "I was just asking for directions."

"Alright, well, I don't want to disturb anything," Brian took a few steps back before turning to a table, "I'll be over here." He grinned before taking a seat.

"Okay." I forced another smile as I nodded before turning back to a confused Dylan. Doesn't Brian have a class? Maybe he just finished early or he's on a break, I guess . . . I'm definitely not going to ask with Dylan here with me. Dylan would laugh at me for acting like a teacher. He'd mock me.

"Who's that?" He whispered, but not before he turned his head to the other side to make it seem that we weren't interacting with each other. Smart move, my once-stupid brother.

I followed his actions and propped my elbow on the bar table and leaned my head on a hand to prevent Brian from seeing my mouth move as I talk, "He's just a student from the college, don't mind him."

"You look pretty close."

"He's just like that." I said in a quiet tone, "I find it weird too, but he's okay, I guess."

"Whatever. So . . ." He mumbled as he tapped on the wooden bar, "I'm Dylan Foster and I'm just here temporarily. What else?"

I prevented myself from letting out even the slightest giggle, "Since we're at it, you can be a businessman doing sales and shit so you had to travel, but you couldn't book a plane ticket so you decided to drive instead and here you are."

"That's awfully detailed." I could see him roll his eyes even at this angle, "Why would a businessman have problems booking a ticket?"

"I don't know－"

"Do I look like a businessman to you?" He said, gesturing at the gray shirt and casual black pants that he wore.

"Okay, forget it." I wanted to raise my voice, but I can't, not with Brian and Martha in the same building as us, "But think of an alibi." I warned.

Before Dylan could answer, the kitchen doors opened as Martha came through, she had freshly cooked meals on the tray she held. She swiftly placed it in front of us as the savory smell of our orders wafted through the air. As expected from Martha, this diner never fails to satisfy me.

"Enjoy." She placed the glasses of water beside our plates then went ahead to Brian.

"You eat here everyday, right?" Dylan asked as he eyed the food.

"Yeah, I love it here." I couldn't help but grin. I only just realized how hungry I am, "It's not just the wide amount of food you can order, this place is also relaxing."

"Hm . . ." He muttered as he picked up a fork and pushed the pasta on his plate around with an unsure look.

"This diner becomes a bar at night, it's really fun." I grinned wider, "Maybe a day before you leave, we can go since we don't have to worry about you getting hurt since you'll leave the next day." I added.