Page 5 of Missing Marcus

She stopped at the counter. “May I help you?”

“I’m sorry. I just returned from out of the country and craved a patty melt. I didn’t see the sign until I came in. You really need to lock up the front if you’re by yourself,” he softly chastised her.

“Who says I’m alone? I stepped away to help Gus,” she responded as she inspected him closer. His massive chest stretched the material of his shirt. He wore military boots and everything about him screamed alpha male.

Marcus grinned as he cocked his head at the waitress. “I’ll go. Lock the door behind me,” he reminded her. He turned to let himself out. Instead of leaving, he waited until she walked over and tapped on the glass, demanding she click the lock.

Gabby laughed as she reopened it, noticing his exhausted dark green eyes.

“How about you come in and I’ll ask Gus to make you a patty melt while I fill the ketchup bottles?”

“And a side of fries?” he asked as his face lit up. Seeing his expression, she had no heart to turn him down. Gabby stepped aside while he entered, turning the lock mechanism.

“Hey Gus, we need a patty melt with a side of fries,” she called. “How do you want the burger?”

“Rare, please,” he answered while gazing at her comically.

Gabby turned toward the kitchen. “Pittsburgh rare,” she yelled.

When no reply came, she crinkled her nose. “I’ll check on him while you pick a seat. What can I get you to drink?”

“Water’s, fine.” Marcus slid onto the stool at the counter.

Gabby ran to the back, opened the fridge, pulled out the items needed and slapped a patty on the spotless grill. She’d have to clean it after the man left, deducting an extra hour from her study time.

“He’s got it on the grill. Here’s your water.” She placed the glass on the counter and collected the ketchup bottles. She disappeared toward the back, adding the fries into the basket and the hot grease. Flipping the burger, she sauteed the onions and grabbed a plate.

She smiled as she entered the diner. “He’ll have it ready in a jiffy. Can I talk you into the last piece of cherry pie? I planned on throwing it out.”

“I hope Gus didn’t feel slighted at fixing a meal when he must’ve cleaned the grill.” Marcus watched her. “How can I turn down cherry pie?”

“Nah, it takes a lot to rattle the man. I’ll help him.” Gabby rushed back and flipped the burger and toasted the bread. She added the meat and onions, pulled the fries and added a dill pickle.

She smiled as she placed the food before him. “Enjoy.”

Gabby worked on the rest of the ketchup bottles and replaced the salt shakers. When she finished, she refilled his water and locked everything else. Gabby plated the piece of pie and set it beside his plate while he finished the fries.

“This is the best meal I’ve eaten in months,” he complimented her. “Thank you.”

“I’ll let Gus know how much you enjoyed it.” She smiled. “You must be military. Did you return from a long deployment?”

“Yeah. Can I get this dessert to go?” he asked.

She reached behind the counter, pulled out a box, and stuck the treat inside. She pushed it toward him.

“May I have the check?” he asked.

“Don’t worry about it. Thanks for keeping me company while I filled up the bottles. Gus stays pretty quiet toward closing,” she informed him.

“Oh, yeah. I barely heard him back there.” He took out his wallet. Placing two bills on the counter, Marcus picked up his bag and the pie. “Follow me to the door and lock it. Tell Gus I appreciate his effort. It means a lot to me.”

He pushed open the door and waited until she turned the lock and stuck out her tongue at him, making him laugh.

How didthey go from the fun-loving couple to barely speaking? She wiped the tears from her face and placed a hand over the slight swell of her stomach. “Your daddy may not be with us, but I’ll love you enough for both of us,” she promised.

Standing, she picked up the last of her items and placed it on the counter. Taking a deep breath, Gabby attempted to remain optimistic. The baby didn’t need a crib right away. If she purchased a bassinet and a playpen, it might last her until she found a new place. Pulling out her folder, Gabby ran her hand over the white crib with an elephant painted on the side. The bedding contained other animals and she even found a footstool shaped like a tiger. It opened up for books. She bit her lip and scratched off the crib. If she found a decent one at a yard sale, and stuck to the basics of clothes, diapers and a good breast pump, she might build a nest egg in case the baby fell ill or she needed to take a day off.

The following morning, Gabby started her first day at the accounting office. She needed to eat dinner, take a shower, and prepare for the early commute. Opening the fridge, she removed half a turkey sandwich, grabbed an apple, and poured herself a glass of milk.

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