Love ~A Series of Short Stories~

Can I Join You?

EMELIE

"It was slow today," Taro said with a laugh as he locked up the front doors of Stars diner.

"Yeah," I smiled, wiping down some of the tables that he hadn't touched.

I wasn't surprised that we had less customers today than we usually did. It was the day before Canadian Thanksgiving. Everyone else that works here had gone somewhere out of Toronto to visit their families. Not that Taro and I didn't have family. But, his didn't celebrate Thanksgiving every year, and mine was in the U.S, so we wouldn't be celebrating until next month.

We were the only ones that had shown up to work today.

And part of me was so happy about that. Even though we're friends, I've liked him for a while now. I feel like we have some sort of connection. He's five years older than me, at 23, but what does that change?

"So..." He started, putting the dishes and utensils into the kitchen.

"So?" I teased.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Well, I bought some tofu, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and things for pie."

"Oh right, vegetarian," He said, nodding.

I nodded in response, "I also have a small turkey. My roommate bought it for us to have a nice little feast, but she forgot she already had plans with her family in Waterloo. What about you?"

"I don't have plans... No one's joining you?" He asked.

"Nope," I responded, popping the 'p'. We were now behind the register, just chatting. It was dark out now. But, it being Toronto, the downtown streets were lit up by the streetlights.

Sighing, I looked out one of the windows and imagined. I imagined that maybe he would lean in and grab my hand with one of his, the other touching my cheek. And then he'd say, "can I kiss you?"

I must've sighed again, because I heard him chuckle softly beside me, "you okay, Em?"

"I'm good."

"Do you mind if I join you tomorrow? For Thanksgiving?"

I looked at him, surprised. I didn't expect him to ask, since I was usually the one to invite people over. A smile crept onto my face, "yeah, I'd love that."

He looked into my eyes, and I could've sworn his pupils dilated. I felt shivers as his hand went on top of mine.

Oh my God! Is this really happening?

"So would I." He whispered, leaning into me. My breath hitched as my eyes drifted back and forth between his eyes and his lips.

Brrrrrr!!

I rolled my eyes and groaned, reaching into my pocket for my phone. I looked down at it and laughed.

"Who's that?" Taro asked.

I smiled up at him, "my alarm."

******