Page 5 of Fragile Heart

I take a quick look at my friends before heading over to the table of hotness.

I look at Vaughn first. “Welcome to The Eatery on Main.” I give him my biggest smile before turning to Hudson. “Hello again.”

Hudson sighs. “Are you the only server here?”

Ouch.

I let out an awkward laugh and hope that my cheeks aren’t turning as pink as they feel. “Well, this is my job, so I’m here a lot. This happens to be my section, but if you’d prefer another server, y’all are welcome to switch tables.”

Vaughn clears his throat. “This table is just fine, honey. You’ll have to excuse my friend. He’s woken up on the wrong side of the bed every day for his entire life.” He flashes me his award-winning smile, making my knees a little weak. I completely understand why so many women are in love with him.

I take their drink orders, and as I turn to leave, I hear Vaughn whisper, “What the fuck, man?” I’m glad to know that it’s not just me Hudson is cold with. It sounds like it’s an issue for him, which is honestly really disappointing. I had built up such a fantasy of him in my mind, and it sucks that it was completely wrong. I guess it’s true that you should never meet your idols.

“You good?” Holly asks when I get to the counter.

“Yeah, at least one of them is nice.”

I bring the men their drinks and take their orders. Vaughn thanks me, and Hudson, true to form, doesn’t say anything beyond his order. I keep myself busy with all my other tables, so I don’t have time to worry about them. The dinner rush is just getting started, but I love when it gets busy. It makes the day go by faster.

Besides dropping off their meals, I don’t get back to Vaughn and Hudson’s table until they’re finished.

“How was everything, guys?”

“It was absolutely wonderful, Quinn. Thank you,” Vaughn says. Hearing my name on his lips makes my cheeks heat. I don’t remember telling him my name, but it’s stitched onto my uniform.

“Of course. Is there anything else I can get you?”

“No, I think we’re good.” He looks at Hudson and then back at me. “Did you know we’re in town filming a new movie?” He hasn’t introduced himself, but he must know that we all recognize him.

“I’ve heard something about that.” I play it off like it’s not what everyone has been talking about. Half of the diner is subtly trying to check out the two stars. Thankfully, no one has taken out a camera to try to get a picture of them.

Vaughn smiles like he knows exactly how much I’ve heard about it. “Well, we’re filming a scene right out there on Friday.” He points to Main Street out the window. “You should stop by and watch. They usually have an area blocked off for people to watch.”

He’s inviting me to come watch them film? “Oh, uh, yeah, that sounds fun. I’ll try to stop by.” I tell him this, knowing I have to work that day, but maybe I can convince Holly to stop by with me before we have to clock in.

“Good. It’d be nice to see a friendly face.” He winks at me, and for a slight second, I think he might be flirting with me. But then I remember who he is and who I am. He’s just being friendly. Which is totally fine. Friendly is way better than whatever vibe Hudson gives off.

Speaking of the devil, I turn to look at him, and his eyes are boring into me. It takes me off guard, and I don’t know how to react. I do the only thing I can think of and smile, which makes him look away.

“Well, here’s your check. No rush or anything.” I put the piece of paper in the middle of their table before heading to the counter. They’re walking out the door by the time I turn back around. Vaughn waves at me, but Hudson walks out without even a glance over his shoulder.

I wonder what makes him so angry all the time. It seems like a lot of energy to wake up every morning and decide to be in a bad mood. I haven’t seen a smile cross his lips even once, while Vaughn practically had one painted on his face.

After they leave, I notice the cash sitting on their table. Great. Does this mean Hudson paid again and left another bad tip? My shoulders deflate a little as I walk over to get the bill.

I count it quickly, expecting to see a few dollars for me, but I’m pleasantly surprised that they left me over fifty percent. I wish I could say that Hudson did this, but my gut tells me that Vaughn must have paid. It makes my stomach sink.

I guess I feel a little disappointed by my childhood crush, who literally didn’t even know I existed until yesterday. I need to grow up. I was in love with a fictional character, but Hudson is a real person. A person I clearly know absolutely nothing about.

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