Off the Rails

Chapter Two

Dakota
Monday began as a sunny yet chilly day. Crunchy leaves laid on the ground, set aglow by sunshine.

A half hour before I planned to meet Drake at the diner, I crawled out of bed and put on ripped denim jeans and a tight grey sweater. I threw a red flannel over my shoulders to keep warm.

After keeping my shoulder length blonde hair styled in lose waves, I threw on light makeup and went downstairs.

"Mom," I called as I went down the stairs. "I'm gonna ride my bike to the diner to meet Drake."

"You sure, sweetie? It could get cold later," my mom said.

"Yeah. I'll be fine." I said. I threw my backpack over my shoulder and kissed my mother on the cheek. "Love you."

"Have a fantastic day. Love you, too."

The ride onto Main Street was chilly but definitely refreshing. I always loved cold mornings. As I pedaled up the diner, I saw a beautiful, old Pontiac car out front painted a sky blue.

There were bike racks along the sidewalk that I chained my rusty red bicycle to. Then I entered Sommers' Diner.

A bell rung in the silent room. I looked around and saw Drake wiping down the counter. He was wearing faded jeans and a maroon long sleeve shirt. When he heard me enter, he looked up.

"Brooks," he grinned. "Mornin'. You can set your bag down and sit just about anywhere."

"Morning," I replied as I threw my bag on the ground and sat across from him at the counter.

He leaned on the counter with his elbows so his face was only a few inches from mine.

For some reason, I wasn't nervous to be around this almost stranger, or even to avoid any awkwardness. There was something about Drake that seemed to put anyone in his presence at ease.

It was silent for a moment as we stared at each other, our breathes filling any awkward silence. In this proximity, I could see faint, sun-kissed freckles that dotted his cheeks. They made his breathtaking good looks slightly more adorable.

"So, you want coffee?" he finally asked, looking down at the counter.

"Yes, please," I said.

He turned around to a coffee machine and poured two mugs full before coming to the other side of the counter and sitting next to me. He handed me the mug and a few packets of creamer.

Ignoring the creamer, I took a sip of the black coffee.

"Ah, so you think you're a tough girl," Drake chuckled, his brilliant blue eyes locking with mine.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I raised my eyebrows, a smile tugging on my lips.

"Black coffee," he nodded towards my cup.

"What? I like how it tastes."

"Impressive, though. Not many people can appreciate the bitterness. Just means you truly appreciate the art." Drake took a sip of his own black coffee.

"The art?" I chuckled, raising my eyebrows.

"Well, it takes some level of skill to brew coffee this good. And after years in this diner, I'd like to think I have it down pat. It's so delicious that spoiling it with cream and sugar is such a waste." He said, over dramatically.