Trial and Error

Rosie

The above picture is what I imagine the diner to look like. 

"I'll be right back with your order, Paul," I smiled, walking off to the counter. I walked to the computer and typed in the order, pressing the "enter" button and sending the order to the kitchen. I looked around the diner, scanning the customers quickly to see if there was anyone that looked like they were in need of assistance before turning around. 

"Rosie," Julia, one of my coworkers called. I looked over at her. 

Julia was the person that helped me find this job. She's forty-eight years old and has no children, so she's basically taken it upon herself to act as my mother because my real one is not in this city. I don't mind at all; she's been a large help. She had kind brown eyes and brown hair that she always wore either in a ponytail, or just down. She was only a bit taller than me, coming to about five foot seven.

"Yes?" I asked, walking over to where she stood by the cash register. She nodded to the front of the store, towards the windows.

"That boy's been standing out there for a while," she whispered, "do you know him by any chance?"

I furrowed my eyebrows and followed her gaze to find someone standing outside, a dark jacket on with a hood over their head. They were facing the diner, leaning against a light pole silently as the countless busy citizens rushed past him. I couldn't see if he was looking directly at us, since his hood was covering his face, but I felt a shiver run down my back when I thought I saw what appeared to be a smirk. I frowned.

"Did you just see him smile?" I asked, looking at Julia who shook her head.

"No," she replied, "do you know that man?"

"No," I said, "I don't think I do."

She frowned at me and we both watched the mysterious man lurking outside our diner. Even in the midst of all of the other busy New Yorkers, the way he stood silently and mysteriously enabled us to single him out from the busy crowd. There was something in the way he held himself that made me feel a bit uneasy too. I didn't think he was here for anyone here, and I knew he couldn't be here for me. Nonetheless, it was weird having him stand there, hands in his pockets, hood up so I can't even see his face. 

"Give me a second," I mumbled, moving around her to walk to the front of the store. I ignored her calls for me and made my way to the entrance. I walked outside of the store, wrapping my arms around myself as a small breeze hit my skin. I shuddered and looked at the man, who had now noticed my presence and had leaned away from the light pole. He pulled his hood down farther and quickly walked away from the diner, weaving his way through the crowd seamlessly. 

I frowned as I watched him go, his tall figure disappearing around a corner. 

What the hell was that about?

I was about to turn back and go inside when I jumped at the sound of my name being called. 

"Rosie."

I shrieked slightly and turned around to find Harry standing in front of me, eyebrow raised and gym bag slung around his shoulder. He had a beanie on and was wearing a hoodie with some shorts and gym shoes. I looked him up and down quickly before I smiled softly.

"Hello," I said, quickly glancing back at the direction the man had gone, "what are you doing here?"

"Just, passing by," he said, glancing behind me, "are you okay? You seem uneasy."

"Huh?" I blinked and nodded, "oh...yeah. I'm fine. Just a customer, forgot his wallet. That's all."

I shook my head and waved my hand to brush off the topic and we made our way back inside. I led him to the counter and he sat down on one of the bar stools as I made my way behind the counter. The entire time, however, I couldn't stop thinking about whoever it was that was standing outside the diner, and why he basically ran once I came out to confront him. I noticed Harry watching me the entire time I was walking, probably sensing something that was off about my behaviour.