Page 22 of Kipp

According to Marshall, Kipp was busy at the timber yard all morning picking up the wood for his new barn project. But Dale hadn’t used this as an excuse to cut any corners. In fact, Dale had worked even harder in Kipp’s absence – and this was reflected in the overflowing tip jar at the end of his shift too.

Dale wasn’t used to being so well rewarded for his work. Although perhaps closer to the truth was that he didn’t have much of a track record at working so hard. Dale had always had a lot of energy, but this was maybe the first time that he had used so much of it in the workplace – and willingly too.

In fact, Dale and Marshall had developed into quite the team behind the counter. One of the regular customers even started calling them The Deadly Duo as they moved around the place, took orders, and generally kicked all kinds of butt.

Dale and Marshall went back a long way and it felt great to be working together. Dale had plenty of memories hanging out with Marshall in their youth, and this was like a refresher. Although this time it was even better as they were getting paid!

That being said, Dale was ready to put his feet up by the time his shift drew to its conclusion. And with Marshall only on for another half hour, the pair of them would soon be getting on with their lives outside of work.

Marshall had already made plans with his mom and pop, which meant that Dale was looking at an evening of rest and relaxation at his apartment. He had never been much of a cook, and always relied on takeout. But seeing as his primary objective in that moment was to save money, Dale was going to keep things simple and dine off tortillas and hummus. He knew that it was hardly the meal of the century, but it would hit the spot and keep him going until breakfast the following morning.

‘Catch you later,’ Marshall said, handing Dale a glass of freshly squeezed OJ to drink outside at the end of his shift. ‘I’ll message. Or you message me. Whatever, let’s stay in touch!’

‘You got it,’ Dale giggled. ‘And I’m looking forward to sitting outside and drinking this bad boy more than you can imagine. My feet are on fire!’

‘Hey, that’s diner life for you,’ Marshall said, smiling to himself as he waved goodbye and set about clearing up the booth over by the window.

Dale left the diner and walked over to the small bench out front and happily allowed himself to sit his butt down and take a satisfying sip of his OJ.

‘Damn, this is what I needed,’ Dale said, letting out a long and satisfied sigh as the evening sun hit his face.

Dale took a moment to taste the OJ.

It was a long time since Dale could remember working in such a fun place. The bars and cafes that he worked at in the city were all super-busy and the customers were either rude or totally indifferent to him. But The Hot Plate was different. It felt like a community.

Eagle Ridge isn’t so bad.

The people are nice, the OJ is on point.

What’s not to love?

Dale smiled and shut his eyes. As the sun beat down on his exhausted body, he remembered how his mom and pop had always told him that there would be a welcome back for him in Eagle Ridge if he ever decided to come home. At the time, Dale didn’t really believe what they were telling him. But they were right. Suddenly Dale was beginning to wonder whether Eagle Ridge was the place to be…

‘Nope. Nope. Nope,’ Dale muttered. ‘Keep your mind on the prize. I’m here to save some money ready for my next adventure, and that’s it.’

Dale opened his eyes and saw a very welcome sight.

Kipp was walking toward him and he had a big brown bag under one arm and his dog happily pacing on the other side.

‘Hey, I was on time today,’ Dale said.

‘I know. Well done,’ Kipp said. ‘But don’t expect bonus just yet.’

‘As if!’ Dale giggled.

Kipp was looking his usual handsome self in a fitted white t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of black boots. And the fact he was accompanied by such a handsome dog only added to the heat factor.

‘So… a good day?’ Kipp asked, taking a seat next to Dale.

‘Yeah. And…’ Dale said, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious.

‘Go on, you can speak your mind,’ Kipp said, a reassuring tone to his voice. ‘I’m not always the big, bad boss you know.’

‘I liked it,’ Dale said. ‘It felt good to give good service and see all the smiles on people’s faces. I don’t know, you don’t get much of that in the city.’

Kipp nodded in approval.

‘Well that makes me happy to hear,’ Kipp said. ‘Any plans for dinner?’

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