Page 4 of My Grumpy Valentine

Now that they have been taken care of, I have to run back to keep up the act. The way my clothes stick to my skin despite this cool weather, it doesn’t take much movement to tucker me out.

Many people think the business shouldn’t be running during the winter months, and I wholeheartedly agree. Unfortunately, the owners aren’t the ones gliding across the ice out here. A bruised hip is worth making a few extra dollars to pay for their vacation home down south.

Seeing as this is my third winter working here, I’ve yet to be scared off by the winter conditions. Like the years prior, I’ll focus on getting through one day at a time.

At least the pastel-colored coats they provide are comfy and cute.

Once I’m back inside, I stare at that Jeep and wait for what feels like an eternity before its lights flash back on.

My life is one of constant motion; I’m always busy, always running. Unfortunately, with these slow days, there’s only so much I can do to help pass the time. From taking every order I can, to making myself look useful even when there isn’t a car in sight, I can’t afford to lose my mind to boredom and leave. I need this job.

“You want this next one?” Angela asks as she tilts her chin up at the sight of a rustic-looking truck. “They are talking about sending me home early. Might as well give you my share before they give me the boot.”

I follow her gaze to avoid seeing the way her face scrunches up at the topic of losing hours. We are all fighting to survive here. As terrible as it is, I believe I overheard some cooks talking about taking on part-time jobs until the warmer weather comes back.

During the summer, there’s usually at least five of them scheduled back there, working together to keep everyone happy. Now, the best we get is one or two to shoulder all the weight. The lack of labor and the overworking of scheduled employees make this a bad time across the board.

If I didn’t love this job as much as I do, I’d probably search for something more solid as well. Something with insurance, too. However, this little joint is all I really have. The same goes for all the employees here. We all feel like one small family in an odd sense, with nothing to cling to but each other.

“I appreciate it.” Thanking her while on the move, I make my way back outside. A biting gust of cold wind cuts through my coat, and I jog a little faster to keep my body warm. Fighting against the weather, we’re only a few degrees away from risking snow from falling from the sky.

“Welcome to Tee’s Drive-In! Have you been here before?” Saying the same line again, I notice this guy do a double-take before I realize there’s something familiar about him.

For a moment, his name rests on the tip of my tongue, and it’s an outright shame that I don’t recognize him immediately.

Asher Thompson. The guy who was all silly smiles and super casual about everything in life. He was a bit of a flirt to those he considered pretty and never was the type to settle down, if I remember right.

He was a close friend and someone important in my life. Of course, that was before he suddenly disappeared, what,fiveyears ago?

At first, I almost didn’t recognize him. The beard is new, and so is the frown on his lips. There is no denying the color of his eyes, reminiscent of liquid honey. They are truly one of a kind, and I used to compliment him on them all the time.

Right now, there is a layer of shock on his face. I get it. I didn’t think I’d see this guy again, either.

A part of me, deep down, truly believed he was dead. That’s what happens when you just leave everything behind without telling anyone. No texts or calls, no nothing.

He’s not dead at all. He’s in a truck that looks like it’s gone through hell and back. Fingers covered in dark grime, I can only assume he was doing something car-related before getting a craving for something greasy.

One thing hasn’t changed. He’s still as handsome as ever. If he wanted to pull any woman in this town, I’m sure he wouldn’t have an issue. Married or not, they’d swoon for him. Is he still the lady-killer I remember him to be?

“Um, hey there.” Why do I sound shy? Even my fingers tremble as I give a quick wave. It’sAsher. The guy who used to tease me about every little thing. “When did you get back to town?”

Hope Peak is small. I’d notice him sooner if it’s been a while. Everyone knows everyone, that’s just how it is.1

Going off script, the tension in my shoulders melts away as I relax. As much as I can without shivering, thanks to another gracious gust of wind. It’s definitely going to snow.

“A few weeks now.” His voice sounds deeper, calmer. Like the years have aged him more than the few that had passed. His thumbs rub along his steering wheel, giving small littletap tap taps.”On my break. Starving.”

Realizing what he’s implying, I curse under my breath and fumble to get a menu out. My skin feels oddly warm as I hear a chuckle rumble out of him. Apparently, I missed his laugh. My heart reminds me, fluttering in my chest.

“I can give you a few minutes and–”

“Get me something you recommend. I’m sure you know what’s best. Though I’ll have to take it to go.” There’s a small twitch to his mouth, and beneath that thick beard, I can almost see the man who used to whisper jokes under his breath to make me snort like a piglet.

Oh, how I missed those days. They were good ones. Back then, it was all good memories. Back when everything ran smoothly, and I didn’t have to worry about anything going wrong.

Having been told the same thing by many customers before, I don’t let his compliment get to me. Even though I feel a small tingle in my stomach, I write it off as nothing but excitement at seeing an old friend.

Scribbling down something I’d want to eat, I leave the menu with him for his next visit. I’m sure once he gets a taste of the food, he’ll become a regular. Almost forgetting to tuck a ticket beneath his wiper, I rush off before I find myself slipping in other ways.

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