Knock Knock

Chapter 5

I've never seen anyone consume that amount of food in such a short space of time,' Ben said.

'Well get used to it hubby,' Rey said patting her stomach.

'Is that everything sweetie?' Amilyn asked.

Rey liked Amilyn. She owned the diner but she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty pitching in when they were down a waitress or two.

'Yes thank you, Ami, as always that was delicious.'

Ami smiled down at her, then turned to Ben.

'It's good to see you, Ben, and congratulations on bagging this one. She's an absolute treasure.'

Rey beamed up at her.

'I know, I wake up every morning thinking about how lucky I am. It's almost criminal ,' Ben replied. 

Rey kicked him under the table and Ben stifled a groan. Ami appeared oblivious. She turned to address Rey once more.

'Now you make sure you take a few of those muffins with you on the way out, on the house.'

'Sure will,' Rey replied.

Ami walked away and Rey looked at Ben smugly.

'Why does everyone keep giving you things for free?' Ben asked.

Rey shrugged.

'I can't help it if everyone thinks I'm adorable. Well everyone but you.'

Ben opened his mouth to respond but then seemed to think better of it and closed it again.

He put some money down on the table and left a generous tip. Rey was happy to see that, as a waitress she appreciated people who appreciated their waiting staff.

Rey grabbed her bag of muffins on the way out and smiled warmly at Ami.

'Why don't we go for a walk down Main Street?' Rey asked as they left.

It was a warm afternoon and Rey didn't feel like getting back in the car right away.

Ben hesitated. Rey rolled her eyes.

'It's a walk, Ben. Nothing sinister.'

'Alright,' he agreed at last.

They started down the street.

'This is a bit different from walking in the big city isn't it?' Rey said.

'You can say that again.'

'Which do you prefer?' Rey asked.

'The city.'

'Why?'

Ben shoved his hands into his pockets.

'It doesn't pretend to be something it's not. This place likes to make you think you can be happy, that you can have the American dream, but it's all bullshit. At least the city doesn't promise you anything more than a crappy ever after.'

'Wow, that's some giant chip you have on your shoulder.'

Ben shrugged in response.

'Well I like it here,' Rey said with a sigh. 'Just listen.'

'I don't hear anything.'

'Exactly. It's so peaceful. I don't know why you ever left.'

'To make something of myself? To better my situation?'

'Is that what you think your current situation is? Better?'

Ben was silent.

'That's what I thought,' Rey replied.