Page 140 of Chasing Infinity

When Charlie and Eli reach the front counter where I’m posted, I notice a third person accompanying them. I gasp out loud. “Oh my god, Wyatt?”

The blond standing next to Charlie lets out a deep laugh at my reaction and nods his head. “Good to see you again too, Addison.”

I glance at Charlie quickly to notice he’s grinning from ear to ear. “When did you get back into town?”

“Just the other night. I’m all graduated and certified as a financial advisor now,” Wyatt Bradford tells me. “After so many years gone, I was missing home.”

He and Charlie share a brief tender look, and suddenly I realize thathomemight have more than one meaning for Wyatt. My chest aches as I watch Charlie’s eyes soften as he gazes at Wyatt. Honestly, I feel nothing but joy for my friend. Charlie deserves everything in the world, but my heart pangs slightly, realizing that I may have had that kind of love too, and I’d give anything to go back in time.

Wyatt and Charlie sit down at the counter, Eli shortly following suit. They each pay me a round of compliments as I get them some coffee and chocolate chip cookies. I give them a grateful smile before leaving them to their breakfast and returning to work to ensure everything is running smoothly.

“You look stressed,” Eli says lowly to me the next time I stop by the counter. I’m in the middle of reaching around him to take his empty plate away. I notice that Charlie and Wyatt have already taken off. Charlie must have needed to get back to the station, Wyatt going with him. Eli, it seems, chose to stay behind.

I look up at my friend and huff out a laugh, hoping I don’t sound too frazzled as my first lunchtime rush is dwindling. “Is it that obvious? We were supposed to have at least one more staff member here today, but she didn’t show up for her interview last week, and I couldn’t find anyone else in time.”

“What do you need me to do?” he asks. I raise my eyebrows at him, but he doesn’t give me a chance to protest. “Come on, Addie put me to work. I’ve got the rest of the afternoon off, and you need the help.”

I debate it for a second, gazing into those baby blue eyes imploring me to take him up on his offer. I wonder if this is really a good idea, but the need for assistance wins out. “Okay, here,” I tell him, handing over the big tray of dishes I was carrying around on my hip. “Take these to the back for Sadie to wash and start doing more rounds, making sure everything is stocked and dirty dishes are picked up.”

Eli nods, shooting me a wink before accepting the tray and disappearing into the back of the diner. I sigh with relief from not having that burden to carry around. I do a quick once-over of the dining area, deciding that there are waters that need to be refilled.

My eyes stop short on two men sitting at one of the booths by the window. I narrow my eyes, wondering if I’m seeing things incorrectly, but nope. Sitting here, in my diner, are Caleb Lauder and Jordan Coldwell—Noah’s two best friends growing up. My mouth goes dry as I realize they came up here fully knowing that this ismydiner.

It hasn’t really been a secret that Sunny Side Up is mine, given the tons of advertising I’ve done around town over the last few months—we’re talking radio ads, short TV spots, and flyers on every doorstep. I dolled out a lot of advertising, but I was hopeful that it would pay off for me in the long run.

I’m not sure how they slipped in without me noticing them. I’m usually acutely aware of anyone having to do with my life before Noah left. I walk over to the booth where the two men are sitting. They watch me warily as I get closer, carrying the water pitcher. My mouth feels dry. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken to either of them—years, probably. My skin starts to crawl with the weight of their eyes on me, and a part of me wonders what they’re thinking. Do they feel sorry for me? Knowing that their buddy left me behind without looking back? Could they possibly be checking in, planning to report back to home base after finding out that I’m doing okay on my own? The intrusive thoughts are endless, thinking up all the possibilities of why they could be here.

“How are you guys today?” I ask the pair as soon as I’m at their table, trying not to make our encounter too awkward but likely failing miserably.

“Good, good. Nice place you got here,” Jordan tells me, his eyes darting around my diner before settling back on me.

“Thank you, is there anything I can get either of you?” I ask. I notice that they have two well-picked over plates on the table. There’s still a handful of lingering fries, but no evidence of the hamburgers I suspect inhabited the plates before.

“No, I think we’re okay. We’ve got everything we need,” Caleb tells me. He glances at Jordan for a brief moment, something passing between them wordlessly, and then stands up. I take a step back, worried I’m in his way. “I’m just gonna run to the restroom.”

I point him in the right direction, and then it’s just me and Jordan. I don’t know much about Jordan Coldwell other than that he is—was?—Noah’s best friend. As far as I know, Noah hasn’t been in touch with anyone other than Charlie since he left—and even that seems to have reduced to nothing—but I could be wrong. Maybe it’s justme, who Noah hasn’t wanted to be in touch with.

Offering Jordan a tight smile, I step closer to the table to refill their water glasses. “So…how have you been?” I ask him, hoping that the awkwardness that I’m feeling inside doesn’t lace over into my tone.

Jordan watches silently until he whispers athank youas soon as I finish pouring his water. “Fine. Uh—and you?”

“Yep, good.”

He stares at me with his warm brown eyes, studying my face. Finally, he exhales and glances over his shoulder to see if Caleb is lingering around. “I probably shouldn’t be saying anything, but he’s okay, you know?”

A thick lump forms in my throat, and I can’t manage to get words out. With wide eyes, I nod my head once, twice, letting Jordan know that I know who he’s talking about. Jordan reaches for his water, bringing it closer and taking a sip from the straw.

I stand there, gaping like a fish at him, just long enough for the moment to feel uncomfortable. Then I shake it off and hesitantly ask, “Do you—”

Jordan cuts me off. “No. I don’t know anything other than that he’s doing okay.”

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry, Addison.”

I nod my head again a little. “It’s okay. You won’t…tell him that you talked to me, will you?”

“Not if you don’t want me to,” he says, watching me thoughtfully.

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