Page 32 of Hawk

I laughed as I looked down at her. She had the same pale green eyes, but her brown hair was lighter. They both look strikingly like their father.

“I know you’re both big kids now, but I brought some crayons over to you. I moved and couldn’t bring our other pictures with me. Maybe you can draw me some new ones?”

Nova’s face lit up as she pulled the paper out of her backpack. “I got new pencils I can use! I’ll draw you the most beautiful picture.”

Maddox rolled his eyes but grabbed the crayons and a notebook from his backpack. I winked at Moose before walking back to the kitchen to put in their order.

They always got the same thing, so I never needed to ask; burgers, fries, and chocolate milk.

I loved having them as regulars and watching the kids grow. They were both wonderful and so polite. I also knew it meant a lot that Moose introduced me to them. That meant he trusted me.

I put their order in, then brought out three chocolate milks to their table. Moose grabbed my arm before I walked away.

“If you ever need anything, just let me know, okay?”

I nodded. “Of course, Moose.”

“And, Sav? You’re looking good today.”

I blushed and walked back to the kitchen to grab the other customers' food. The lunch rush went by quickly, and that’s when Moose and his kids left.

Maddox and Nova both hugged me, then gave me piles of new drawings. They both brought tears to my eyes as they walked out the door.

Moose gave me a big hug before he left as well. I headed into the office out back to take a quick break before the dinner rush started. We had our early bird special for all the older folks in town, around five.

I quickly wolfed down a granola bar before heading back out to clean and prep tables. The other waitress, Gracie, came in and threw her purse behind the counter.

“Sav. I went on the worst fucking date in the entire world last night.”

I laughed as I moved around her and she sat leaned on the counter.

“First of all, he didn’t even have a car. It was rented! Then he claimed he lost his wallet, and I ended up paying for dinner! Thank god I picked somewhere kind of cheap.”

“Damn, girl. Stop meeting men online and this wouldn’t happen.”

Gracie rolled her eyes. “Savannah. Online dating is super common now. Move with the times, girlfriend.” She playfully bumped me as I passed by. “Sounds like you need to get back into the dating world. Heard you left that asshole finally.”

I sighed and turned to her. “I did, but I’m not ready to date. I’ve got a lot of... damage I need to work through first. Then you can set me up on one of your silly sites.”

Gracie threw her hands up in the air and pretended to cheer. “You’re a fucking knockout. The guys will be all over you.”

I slapped her leg and laughed. “When I’m ready. Now get down and help me get ready for the old folks. They should be coming in soon.”

Just as I finished my sentence, the bell chimed and our first couple came in. They made their way to the corner booth and sat down.

Within the next few minutes, the diner was filled with our elderly patrons. Gracie and I scurried about, filling orders and making sure everything ran smoothly. As the early bird special died down and our old folks left, the diner filled up with families, couples, and singles coming in for dinner.

We were in a great groove when the front door flew open, making a few people jump. I turned to see Hawk stumbling into the diner. Still upset from before, I ignored him as he headed over to sit in the only empty seat in Gracie’s section.

Gracie eyed him and put on a coy smile. It made me a little jealous, but I shook that feeling off. Hawk was not mine, and I never planned to make him mine, despite my heart saying to try...

I stood behind the counter filling salt shakers and overheard Hawk and Gracie’s conversation.

“Welcome to Table Forty-Eight. I’m Gracie and I’ll be your waitress tonight. What can I get you started with, sweetheart?”

Hawk looked up at Gracie, then back at me.

“Nothing. I want her.”

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