Shores of Truth

Ch. 5, Fate with Some Luck

Nyx

Clouds had built up in the afternoon sky as Nyxeria glide into Patty's Diner, the unofficial gathering spot of the town. It was between lunch and dinner so the restaurant was close to empty. Sliding into a booth she waved at John bustling around in the kitchen. Although he complained constantly at the amount of work he put up with, John loved the diner and was an excellent cook. Becky, the waitress on duty, was the opposite. Becky loved working at Patty's, if chatting to customers all day was working, but was a terrible waitress.

"Doesn't the sky make you feel sad?" Becky mentioned as she slid across from Nyxeria in the booth. With Becky's hands resting underneath her chin, she dramatically sighed. "I'm not sure I want it to rain or snow."

"Rain could melt the last of the snow, but it will still be cold," Nyxeria told to her attention seeking friend then added, "I'd rather have snow if it is still going to be chilly. And on that note I'd love a cup of coffee."

"Did you notice Mr. Hot bod at the bar?" Becky asked her. Nyxeria had to smile. Sure enough Becky was changing the subject to something more of an interest to her.

Nyxeria regarded the man facing away from them. "I'm pretty sure that is my new neighbor."

"Lucky, I'd let him borrow a cup of sugar any day,” Becky said running her eyes up and down him.

"Becky, he's probably able to hear us," Nyxeria giggled at Becky's blatant sexual reference. Not that Nyxeria was a prude, but eye banging random dudes was not her past time. Becky on the other hand was downright vulgar at times. Not that Nyxeria could blame her. Becky was used to being hit on, in fact she thrived on it. She thought nothing about doing the same to others. Growing up Nyxeria was in awe at her confidence. Nyxeria never thought of herself as a looker or even charming, she had brains and ambition. Such things far out-weight the menial such as looks.

"So what is he like?" Becky questioned twirling her hair between her fingertips.

Nyxeria thought for a few minutes before settling on a word: "British."

"Exotic. Meow, momma wants already."

"To you someone from Detroit is exotic."

"Stop being a stuck-up bitch," Becky had a startling revelation then added, "You have a thing for him!"

"Nonsense. I hardly know him."

"Fine then I call dibs."

"Becky, you’re being immature."

"Say you like him and I'll take it back." Several more annoying seconds of this followed with it finally ending in a stare down between the two. Nyxeria had never felt more like a middle school-er.

Keeping her voice down Nyxeria admitted, "Yes I do find the man attractive, but I also found him incredibly stand-offish."

"As you said before, British. Yet but aren't you a Jane Austin fan, I mean in those stories..."

Nyxeria cut her off, "This is the real world Becky. People aren't fantasies. They are who they are no matter how intriguing the package."

"So do what I do and just deal with the package."

Nyxeria rolled her eyes, shooing her from the table, "Becky! Go do your job and get me some coffee!"

Travis

Travis was busy enjoying the football game on the television. The burger and crisps were surprisingly good. He rather thought it was due to lack of decent meals the past few weeks which made his food so good, but Travis also suspected that it was simply good food. Yet even distracted Travis caught tidbits of the waitress and Nyx's conversation. Even though he never got used to it in the way it didn’t bother him, he was more accustomed to people talking about him. What intrigued Travis was the idea that Nyxeria might be interested on keeping interactions physical rather than dealing with the emotional complications. He couldn't believe he was actually considering it himself. He thought himself better than that sort of interaction. He respected women, but if she was up for it then he would as well. Perhaps he was over complicated relationships. He was a man; she was a woman. It could be that simple.

Nyxeria looked up from her coffee to see her Travis make his way towards her. "I came over to apologize for my earlier behavior. I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," Travis gave her a weak smile, "Do you mind?" He said gesturing to the unoccupied booth.

"It's a free country," She replied. He smiled but didn’t move. Nyxeria sighed as he waited for a better answer, "Sure go ahead."

"You're Nyx, if I remember correctly? I don't believe I got around to introducing myself. I'm Travis."

"Pleasure," Nyx replied curtly. There was a good chance she was being far more defensive than she needed to be. Travis was feeling uncomfortable thinking he read her signals wrong and ready to leave. She ended up changing her mind and took a welcomed warmer approach, “So how are you liking the great lake state?"

"It is very nice. I wish it was warmer though," Travis replied. It was clear neither of them was confidant flirting with the opposite gender. Wasn't Travis renown for being charming? Maybe that was just because he was flirted at so much.

"How's the house coming along?"

"Fine. Fine." Damn it Travis make a move. Let her know he is interested. "Would you like to get a drink sometime?"

"You need to be drunk to talk to me?" Nyxeria laughed at him, but regained composure, "How about I pick up at seven and show you around?"

"That sounds great,” he said with a breath of relief, “Sorry, I have to get going. See you tonight." As Travis left both of them were grinning ear to ear. There were many things rolling around in Travis' mind. He was looking forward to getting to know Nyx. She was pretty and confident. And Travis felt nervous and awkward. His tongue seemed to swell whenever he talked to her, while she seemed interesting and exciting. What was really worrying him was answering the basic questions such as what do you do for a living, who are your friends, etcetera. This was the moment Travis decided not to tell her. He didn't want to be connected to that world. At least he didn't when he was with her. He could really like this girl. Could she possibly like him? It didn’t matter. Whatever happens can only happen for a short while.