You would have thought Ethic was offering a five-star meal, the way Dolce’s face lit up. What he wanted hadn’t changed, but he surmised that he didn’t have to be so cold towards her. He didn’t mean to take advantage of her feelings. The least he could do was consider her a friend. He would figure out how to tell her that over a meal. Maybe then, his leaving wouldn’t feel so abrupt.

Dolce dressed, quickly, and then hopped into his truck, smiling ear to ear.

The diner was empty. It was past midnight and Alani sat on the barstool, with three, giant books in front of her, as she took notes in a journal. She had gone back to school to pursue writing and filled her days with classes, while waitressing filled her nights. She wasn’t sleeping anyway, so she found it best when she didn’t give herself time to think. Staying busy was the only way for her to stay alive. If she sat still for even a moment, she was sure to slit her wrists. She was so backed up with emotion and grief that she felt like death would be better than living without her child. Exactly 46 days had passed since the funerals, and Alani just couldn’t crawl out of the funk she was in. Her shift was almost over, and she couldn’t wait to get home, so she could soak her tired bones in a warm bath. It would be a long night of studying for her. She had a test the next day that she couldn’t miss. The bell above the door rang and she groaned and closed her book. Somebody always wanna walk in 10 minutes before I clock out, she thought. She knew she wouldn’t be able to leave now, until the table was cleared. She went to the bin where the silverware and menus were stored, grabbed two place settings and then made her way to the table.

“Hi, my name is Lenika, I’ll be your server this evening,” she said. She smiled at the gorgeous woman who was facing her and handed her a menu. When she turned to the man the woman was with, Alani froze. She hesitated, and her falter caused him to look up from his phone.

“Hi,” she whispered.

Ethic made her wait for a greeting, as he took her in. He noted the uniform and her sunken, sad eyes. She had dropped at least 20 pounds. “You work here?” he asked.

“You know her?” Dolce cut in.

Ethic ignored Dolce, as he stared at Alani who shifted uncomfortably.

“Yeah, for about two weeks now,” she responded. “I’ll give you guys a little time with the menu.” She tried to rush off, only for Dolce to stop her.

“Umm… can you at least take our drink orders?” Dolce asked.

Alani turned. “Oh. Yeah! Of course. What can I get you?”