The Only One

Chapter Two

    As Isabo blew at the wisps of hair that had escaped her low bun, she walked over to the crusted counter that was cracked in some areas and set her black tray down. She then exchanged her coffee pot for a fresh, hot one, and stuffed her pad and pencil in the pocket of her half-apron that was secured around her waist. She made sure to turn on the coffee makers so as to be prepared for the five am breakfast rush, knowing there would be a steady flow of customers in the next three hours all wanting a caffeine jolt.

   Setting the newly brewed pot on the high counter, she leaned on the cabinets behind her, bracing her hands on the edge and took a quick breather, closing her eyes and stretching her sore neck this way and that. She opened them to find Jesse timidly waiting for her by the kitchen door with his hands nervously tapping on his side. She smiled at him, and he sent a weak one back in return. Isabo groaned internally, knowing what he was waiting for. She sighed, nodding her head once as if to clarify her tired thoughts. These past few years, all she seemed was tired. Isabo looked over at Jesse, watching him watch her nervously for a minute longer before rolling her eyes and saying "Everything is fine Jesse, Chicago likes the food you prepared for him. I told you everything would be alright."

    Isabo watched Jesse visibly relax, a real smile lighting up his face this time. "Good. I was getting nervous--"

   "Oh really? I couldn't tell." Isabo interrupted dryly, tilting her head slightly to the right.

    "Don't be so sarcastic Izzie, you know he makes me nervous. You have to admit, Chicago can be a bit intimidating and--and--daunting at times." Jesse said, dropping his head low as he quickly walked over to the stove top next to him so Isabo couldn't see the blush that tinted his cheeks, greasing a fresh pan as he did so.

    Isabo glared at the back of his head, before a smirk played on her lips. "First of all, you know not to call me 'Izzie'--"

    "Yes but don't you think 'Izzie' is more practical and fitting?" Jesse cut in with a slight smirk gracing his lips.

    "No, I do not. "She snipped back dryly. "'Isabo' is my name and that is what you will call me as such. Now...as I was saying.." She cleared her throat, "Chicago just likes to mess with you, he actually likes you and thinks your 'fine' apparently, so if you like him or find him remotely attractive, you're going to have to man up and get over his intimidating side. He's actually a sincere and goofy guy."

    "Ah. Well--wait. Chicago is GAY?!" Jesse spun around, his mouth hanging open in shock, a plate of raw bacon in his hand, ready to be put on the stove.

    Isabo rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, pinning Jesse with a look that said 'seriously?'. "Yes, he's gay. He's been flirting with you between visits to the diner, haven't you picked up on that? I mean, I know he can come off as threatening at times but he's just messing with you. The guy wants to take you out."

   "Damn." Jesse muttered, staring off into space with a goofy smile playing over his lips. "Well that certainly changes things."

    Isabo hummed her response and left Jesse to ponder over what she said. She grabbed the still hot pot of coffee off of the counter next to her and made her way out of the double kitchen doors, feeling the air tickle her skin as they shut behind her, slightly swaying back and forth. She managed to glance over her shoulder at the back booth where her boys were still eating and caught the glance of Chicago who was already looking at her, probably waiting for her to come out of the kitchen. She shot him a wink and a thumbs up, happy to see the shit-eating grin that came after. James noticed Chicago's overly-happy aura and elbowed Felix who in turn looked to stare at Chicago. They then both looked over at Isabo, who nodded her head at them, confirming their suspicions on her kitchen conversation with Jesse. The two look at each other and smiled, happy for their friends small success at a potential match up.