I started running again and made it to the cafe just on time when my shift started.
"Mer. I'm sorry for last night." "No it's ok Cason you could predict if there was a shark attack. I just freaked out." But in the news no sharks were reported. It was broadcasted that nothing was found and the 'sea was safe'. He put a soft hand on my elbow.
"Listen I'm still sorry. Can we get a do-over? Tonight at Wesley's diner?" I shook him off and even if the strange man didn't tell me to stay away I would have become freaked out. "Come on please?" I realized he started to back me into a corner and haven't ever been so relieved by the customer bell.
"I'm sorry, can I get some service here?" A voice said from behind Cason. Cason backed up and of course the man from this morning came into view. "Y-Ya sure." I said scooching past Cason.
"Ice coffee please." He said with a big smile. Cason walked to the back and I whispered "Thanks." He just winked. "What are you even doing here?" "Cleaning up outside and saw you being attacked by that baboon." I snorted and passed him the coffee.
"On the house." I said smiling. "You sure? You look like you are new here and I wouldn't want to risk getting you fired." "They are not paying me." I whispered behind my hand jokingly. "Well that sucks." "Well i get a place to stay so unfair trade on their side." He raised the coffee walking out.
"Hope your day gets better. And if he gets near you, you know where to hit." He gestured to his genitals with the coffee and I died of laughter. I realized I haven't laughed for a while. He was out of view when Cason came back through the door with a donut. He held it out to me.
"I was pushy. I'm sorry." He held a weak smile so I took it. The pink icing was welcoming and the rainbow sprinkled made me give in and take a bite just to be nice. But that doesn't change my view on him. Not even a perfect donut.
"Are you always this pushy with girls?" It just came out without her wanting to say it. He blushed. "Well i guess only with girls i really like." "Cason I'm not here looking for a relationship. But I'm a little short on friends." He nodded and smiled. The rest of the shift was the most awkward thing and my stomach hurt from only eating the donut. I left without saying goodby and went straight to the diner nearby. I ordered takeout, making sure to get something special for Cal, and waited near the door. I couldn't help but notice the custodian guy a little less than a block away and his eyes met mine through the glass. He grinned and started to walk over. I grabbed the take out box with my Chicken and mozzarella sticks and of course Cal's cheesecake.
I met him out side of the diner and he had his hands in his pockets, broom to the side. "Well Mer i'm going to start to think you are following me if we keep meeting like this." He gestured to the box with his head. "What's that?" "Food." He grinned.
"For me." I added. "Come on let's relax. There's a nice bench over there." So of course I gave into his charms even though I knew my normal-ness facade would fade soon. I took out my food and he stole a mozzarella stick before I could object.
"Where are you from?" I asked because I couldn't ignore his slightly british accent. "Cali born and raised." "Then where's the accent from?" "Hey? I watched a lot of british tv shows as a kid." I smiled and took a bite of my food.
"No offence, but why a custodian?" "I got into some trouble. Believe me this-" He gestured to the plain navy uniform. "Wasn't my choice."
"I realized i don't even know your name." He grinned. "That's the fun mystery isn't it?" I just squinted and crossed my arms. "Raiden." He smiled and snatched the chicken tender from my hand.
"Mozzarella and chicken tenders?" "I have a strange taste. Don't judge." He took the bag before she could snatch it and opened to see the cheesecake. "Oh yes." "Stop it! That's not for you! Or for me." "Then who is it for?" "My little brother." "Oh so she has siblings? Do tell." "His name is Cal and is 10. Pretty shy but super smart." He grinned and put the cake back into the bag.
"But enough about me. Do you have any siblings?" He looked down at his hands and his facial expression darkened.
"Ya a younger brother. He...passed away."
"I'm sorry i shouldn't-"
"No its fine." He stood up and I knew I spooked him. He then snatched my phone from my hand and started typing something. "What are you doing?" "Giving you my number of course." He handed it back to me and I shoved it into my pocket. "Thanks for the food."
"I'm glad i met you Raiden." I said smiling. "And i'm glad I met you Mercury." He said grinning and walked away. But right as he left my smile faded. Because I never told him my full name.