Maybe, probably.

Chapter 5: Quinn

This boy...

It's 10:30 p.m, finally the end of my shift, and as I'm locking the front door, that boy comes up from behind me, nearly sending my soul soaring outside my body.

A breath brushes the back of my head, tickling my nape. "Hi there."

"gAh!" I jump back into a steady chest, pine and snow scent enveloping me as my heart is threatening to beat out of my chest.

"Woah!" He laughs and grabs my shoulders, steadying me. Though, I realize, I'm still against his chest.

I pull back, spinning to meet his blue eyes, hitting the door behind me. "Don't do that!" I breathe, still shaken, and put my hand on my heart, trying to calm the beating. 

He's smirking at me, arms crossed on his chest. "Sorry, princess. Didn't mean to scare you. Gram wants you in kitchen." 

Although everyone calls my grandmother 'Gram', hearing it from  his mouth makes me cringe. "Ok, well, you can leave now. Your shift has been over for, like, 30 minutes now. You should have left with the rest of the staff." 

He uncrossed his arms and let them drop to his side. "Well maybe I wanted to stick around with you for a while." 

His face remained neutral, even with what he had just said. While my steady, cold nerves shattered and I squirmed on my feet. "Uh...I'll go see Gram then..."

I scampered off to the kitchen, double doors creaking and swinging as I pushed past them. I really needed to talk to Gram about him working here...

But I forgot everything I was going to say as I spotted Gram leaning against the counter.

She was rubbing her wrinkled temples, pen tucked behind her ear, grey hair pulled up into a loose bun at the back of her neck. She was staring down at a notepad, brows scrunched together, stress lacing every crinkle. 

She must be paying bills...

I leaned against the doorframe, smiling sadly. "What's-his-face said you needed me." 

She jumped a bit, quickly wiping away the concern from her face with a smile, though I knew she was worried. With the cost of both the Diner, our house, Kayla's house right down the street, we were a little tight on cash. On top of that, Gram was determined that Kayla and I would have enough money saved to go to college...though I don't think Kayla really cared. She didn't even show up for her shift today at 5. She must have forgotten. 

Yeah. She just forgot that's all. We're good. It's all good.

"Oh! Quinn sweetheart! Yes, I call for you." She smiled softly.

I walked over to her and hopped onto the counter. "I'm listening."

She untucked the pen from her ear, and tapped it against the notepad. "What do you think of the boy?" 

My face instantly dropped, and I remembered what I needed to say about the boy. "Gram why in the world would you hire him of all people! I don't even know his name! Do you...?" I narrowed my eyes are her.

She was smirking. "Have you asked?" 

I inhaled to speak, but shut my mouth.

She snorted. "That's what I thought. We are leaving in 5 minutes. Your mother is on the way back home in a couple of days in time for your birthday. We need to clean the house." She untied her apron and started to head to the break room, probably to grab them other aprons left inside. 

"Wait, Gram, really? Moms coming back?" I called after her.

She looked over her shoulder at me and smiled. "Did you really think she'd miss your birthday?"

                                                                           .                 .               .

I peaked out the double doors through that small round hole.

Have you asked?

As usual, Gram was right. I shouldn't really judge him so quickly. I don't even know the guy, or his name. 

I can see him sitting on the round chairs, tying his sneakers.

Deep breath. Why are you so nervous?! He's just a boy...

A very handsome, pretty boy...

I push open the doors and walk over to him.

"Hey." I give a weak smile and wring my hands behind my back as I lean against the counter.

He gives me a wide grin in return and my heart skips a beat.

Stop that, Quinn!

I steele myself and say, "Look, I'm sorry I've been cold to you. I've kinda been taught to think the worst of people..." I trail off.

Watch it Quinn. You don't need to spill your life story to him.

I sigh and sit next to him, his blue eyes watching me closely. "Anyway, I hope we can be friends of a sort...? I mean, you're gonna be working here from now on so I might as well get used to you being here. But I can't exactly do that without knowing your name, Shady boy." 

He throws his head back, and releases a wonderful laugh that makes myself smile.

"'Shady boy'?" He wipes the tears of joy from his eyes.

I blush a bit from embarrassment but snarl, "Just tell me your name!"

"It's Asher."

Asher...

"Ok. See? Now we both know each other's name, so we can start being friends, right?" I ask.

He smiles softly. "Yes, we can." 

 A lock of hair falls to my face, blocking my eye a smidge. 

He stares at it, then lifts a hand, as to brush it away, but Gram comes flying into the diner.

I jump, but Asher just drops his hand slowly, still looking at me. 

She's on the phone, eyes brimming and spilling with tears.

"Gram! What's wrong?!" I stand from my seat and so does Asher.

She gives me a terrified look and whispers:

"Kayla never came home today."

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Omgggg Thanks for the views guys! I know it's not a lot but I still appreciate it! I hope you've enjoyed my writing somewhat, and TRUST ME ik its not perfect but I'm learning. :)

Imma write another chapter tm I think lolll

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WriterGirl❤️