As Mark introduced himself to Tammy and offered his hand for a handshake, he noticed Tammy seemed a bit absent-minded, her eyes lingering on him.
It wasn't long before Tammy's eyes flickered back to life, and she smiled, finally accepting the handshake. "So, what's your story, handsome? You seem a bit new to this place."
Mark chuckled, feeling slightly bashful under her gaze. "Just visiting, really. Trying to see what all this donut craze is about."
"Smart man," Tammy replied with a wink. "You'll have to try one of Beth's specials. Just avoid the veggie ones at all costs."
Beth, who was busy packing donuts behind the counter, feigned outrage. "Tammy! You're ruining my reputation!"
Mark laughed, enjoying the playful banter. "I'll take that advice to heart. I think I'll stick to the classics for now."
Tammy nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Nothing beats a classic donut."
Mark noticed the handshake was lasting longer than expected, and he felt too embarrassed to pull away, thinking it might seem rude. Thankfully, Beth stepped in with her usual sharpness.
As Beth finished packing Diane's order, she set the colorful box of donuts on the counter with a flourish. "Voila! Your morning fuel. And Tammy, didn't I tell you to keep your claws off him? Let the poor man go already."
Tammy, caught off guard, quickly released Mark's hand. "Ahem... I was just checking his grip, you know. Damn, you've got a strong one," she said with a short laugh, trying to mask her embarrassment. But as she turned slightly, a sly grin crossed her face. Her mind wandered for a moment, His hand is bigger than Larry's... and you know what they say about big hands. Bigger hands, bigger... well, other things too, she thought to herself with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Beth gave Tammy a side-eye. "I knew it—you definitely had ill intentions. You better stop while Diane's right here; she's already got dibs."
Diane, in the middle of paying for the donuts, blushed furiously at Beth's teasing. "W-What? Mark isn't my boyfriend or anything, Beth!"
Beth smirked playfully. "Not yet."
Tammy pouted, her playful attitude momentarily replaced with a hint of genuine wistfulness. She knew Diane hadn't had a boyfriend, not even in high school. Unlike herself, who had married Larry because of an unexpected pregnancy, Diane had always been single.
"Alright, alright," Tammy sighed dramatically. "I'll back off... for now. I'll give Diane a shot since she's never even kissed a guy."
Beth's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well, if Diane doesn't fall for this guy, maybe she's a lesbian—or whatever these kids are calling it nowadays."
Tammy chuckled. "If she doesn't, then maybe I'll swoop in and claim him for myself."
Beth scoffed, crossing her arms. "You? With Mark? You're married to that washed-up wannabe rockstar, Tammy. Don't tell me you're serious."
Tammy rolled her eyes with a grin. "Oh, come on. I'm just joking around. Besides, Larry's... well, Larry." Her voice trailed off, reflecting her unspoken frustrations with her husband. Sometimes she wondered what her life would've been like if she hadn't settled down with him so early, especially given his narcissism and delusions of grandeur from his high school rock band days.
Beth gave Tammy a skeptical look. "You might want to make sure those jokes stay just that—jokes. I know how you get when you're bored."
Meanwhile, Diane's face was still burning from embarrassment. She glanced at Mark, who was standing beside her, laughing along at their teasing. I only met him today, and now we're already being paired together? Isn't this a bit too fast? Diane thought nervously, though there was a part of her that didn't mind the idea.
Before anyone could comment further, a sudden commotion erupted outside. A group of teenagers ran past the window, their laughter and shouts filling the air with youthful energy. Mark glanced out the window and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him—memories of carefree days spent with friends, laughing and enjoying life without a care in the world.
"Ah, to be young again," Diane mused with a wistful smile as she watched the teens.
"Right?" Mark replied, his tone reflective. "Those were the days."
Tammy, noticing the sentimental exchange, chimed in. "Don't you have friends around here to hang out with?"
Mark shrugged, his smile fading slightly. "Not really. Just trying to figure out life one donut at a time."
Beth, packing up the last of Diane's order, suddenly became serious. "Well, you know, donuts do have a way of bringing people together."
Mark chuckled, glancing around the cozy donut shop. "Seems like this place is all about community."
"That's the idea," Beth said, smiling warmly at the customers seated around the shop, chatting and laughing. "Food is connection, after all."
Mark nodded thoughtfully. "You've definitely nailed that here."
Diane, now holding the box of donuts, laughed as she picked one up and offered it to Mark, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Care to join the donut club?"
Mark grinned and took the offered treat. "I'd be honored."
As they shared a moment of laughter, Mark felt a surprising sense of belonging—a feeling that had been elusive since he'd arrived in this strange new world.
"Okay, but you owe me a veggie donut next time," Beth said, crossing her arms and pretending to be serious.
Mark raised his hands in mock surrender. "I think I'll take my chances with the classics, thanks."
With the lighthearted conversation wrapping up, Mark and Diane said their goodbyes to Beth and Tammy. As they stepped outside to where Diane's truck was parked, the lively atmosphere of the donut shop lingered in the air behind them—blending laughter, warmth, and the aroma of freshly baked treats into the morning.