Page 61 of Fighter
Was I overreacting?
For the tenth time, I set it aside in my mind. Benjamin had had a bad day, that was all. The fact that he hadn't texted me today was normal, except now it felt like a sign of doom. Ben had never been a big texter. Now, his communication while with his family seemed miraculous. Besides, I couldn't overthink my way into something that wasn't even real. He tended to do that enough for the both of us.
Dagny distracted me from my own mind when she frowned as she peered through the swinging doors.
“What's wrong?” I asked.
“N-nothing. J-just . . . Jayson is back.”
“Hernandez?” I asked. So few people called him Jayson, it seemed strange to hear his real name from her.
She nodded and pressed her lips together.
“You don't want to serve him?”
“No.”
She stated it simply, which wasn't unusual. Dagny had a rotating list of people she'd rather not serve, but I hadn't realized Hernandez made the cut.
“But . . . why? He's so sweet.”
She scoffed, then grabbed two menus and slipped out. I watched her go in bemusement. Dagny had always been painfully shy, but I'd never met anyone so shy they didn't want to speak to Hernandez.
With a sigh, I sent my Mom a text.
Serafina:Sorry, Mom, didn't get over to T's last night. I'll try after work today.
Mom:No worries. Still no word from him. Do you have Amber's number?
The sight of Amber's name on my phone made me physically nauseous. Definitely didn't have her number, but realized too late maybe I should have had a way to run her down if I needed to.
Because, you know. Why not have your brother's dealer on speed dial?
Just in case.
Serafina:No, I never got her number.
Mom:Me either.
Serafina:I'm sure that's no accident.
Mom:Last I heard from him was a text a few days ago. He said everything is fine.
Serafina:I'll report back soon.
Dagny returned and hooked a thumb to the Diner. “J-jayson wants to t-talk to you.”
I peeked around her shoulder. Hernandez stood not far away, this time in his full deputy uniform. Instead of sitting at the counter, he stood not far away.
Here on official business?
My heart turned into a ball of ice as I followed her out. Only two patrons were in the Diner as I stepped out, Dagny a step behind me. She peeled away, but stayed close.
Jayson gave me a gentle half smile. “Hey Serafina, everything is fine. I'm not here to tell you about Talmage's death or anything.”
Relief nearly swept me away. “Thank you,” I said with a breathy sigh. “Can I get you something?”
“Coffee to go?”
