Page 10 of Madness

We fall into an easy conversation about the trials and tribulations of the service industry. Dakota's a good listener, asking thoughtful questions and sharing his experiences from his pre-fame days. But I can't help noticing the way his eyes occasionally dart to the exit, or how he can't seem to keep his hands still.

After discussing my job, I decide to shift the conversation. "So, what's it like being in Chaos Fuel? Must be pretty exciting."

He leans back, a flash of pride crossing his face. "It's... intense. Amazing, don't get me wrong, but it's a whole different world."

"I bet," I say, nodding as I try to imagine it. "Do you ever miss your old life? Before all the fame?"

Dakota's quiet for a moment as he thinks about his response. "Sometimes," he admits. "There's a simplicity to anonymity, you know? But I wouldn't trade this opportunity for anything."

I nod, trying to understand the complexity of his feelings. "What about your family? Do they get to see you much with all the touring and stuff?"

His face clouds over slightly. "I, uh... I don't really have much family left. It's mostly just me these days."

"Oh," I say softly, recognizing the pain in his voice. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

He shakes his head, offering a small smile. "It's okay. What about you? Besides Roman, I mean. Any family nearby?"

I feel my own walls going up slightly. "Not really. My parents are in Seattle, but we're not close. It's just me and Roman. And Shannon, my roommate. She's my cousin.” I pause, glancing at my watch. “Speaking of Roman, I hope he's not giving Shannon too much trouble tonight. He's been going through a phase where he refuses to sleep unless I sing his favorite lullaby."

Dakota leans in, looking genuinely interested. "What's the lullaby?"

I feel my cheeks warm slightly. "'You Are My Sunshine.' It's silly, I know, but?—"

"It's not silly," Dakota interrupts softly. "It's beautiful. It sounds like you're a good mom."

His words catch me off guard, and I feel a lump form in my throat. I swallow hard, pushing back the unexpected wave of emotion. "Thanks," I manage. "I'm trying to be."

"Sounds like we both know something about being on our own, too," Dakota says, his eyes meeting mine with a look of understanding.

For a moment, we're both quiet, the weight of our shared loneliness hanging between us. Then, surprising myself again, I break the silence. "It's not always easy, is it? Being the one holding everything together?"

Dakota's eyes widen slightly, as if surprised by my candor. "No," he says softly. "No, it's not."

At that moment, I feel a connection with him that goes beyond mere attraction or curiosity. It's a recognition of a kindred spirit, someone who understands the weight of responsibility and loneliness.

But before I can dwell on it too much, I glance at the clock, realizing suddenly how late it's gotten. "I should probably finish closing up," I say reluctantly. "Shannon's probably wondering where I am."

Dakota nods, looking relieved and disappointed at the same time. It’s an odd mix of emotions. "Of course. I'm sorry for keeping you."

As we stand, I find myself not wanting the night to end just yet. "Well, I'm working tomorrow night, too," I hear myself say, and I swallow hard. "If you wanted to stop by again, I mean. Maybe bring a notebook next time for those lyrics?"

A small smile touches Dakota's lips, even as his hands clench and unclench at his sides. "I might just do that," he says softly.

I walk him to the door, and we exchange a slightly awkward goodbye. As I watch him disappear into the night, I can't shake the feeling that there's so much more going on with Dakota than he's letting on. And despite my better judgment, I find myself wanting to know more.

I've been down this road before with musicians. With Miles. The charisma, the intensity, the hint of darkness just below the surface - it's all so familiar. But there's something different about Dakota. Maybe it's how his eyes soften when he talks about family, or how he seems genuinely interested in my life beyond flirting. Or maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see.

Last time, I dove in headfirst, blind to the red flags. This time, I tell myself, I'll be smarter. I'll be careful. But as I remember the warmth in Dakota's smile, and the understanding in his eyes when we talked about loneliness, I can't help but wonder if being careful is even possible anymore.

Turning back to the diner, I start my closing routine. Something catches my eye as I approach Dakota's table to clear it. Tucked partially under the empty coffee mug is a folded bill. My heart skips a beat as I pick it up and unfold it.

It's a hundred-dollar bill.

For a moment, I just stare at it, my mind racing. He paid for his dinner hours ago and tipped me then. A reasonable tip. This is way too much for a few cups of coffee and a slice of pie. I should run after him; tell him he made a mistake. But a small voice in my head reminds me of the pile of bills waiting at home, of Roman's upcoming doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. When I open them, I carefully fold the bill and slip it into my pocket. As I finish cleaning up, I can't help but smile to myself. It's been a long time since anyone's done something so unexpectedly kind for me.

As I lock up and head to my car, I realize that by inviting Dakota back tomorrow, I'm stepping onto a path I'm not sure I'm ready for. But for the first time in a long time, I'm curious to see where it might lead.

---