Jase started to massage her leg muscles, and much to her disgust, Grant attempted the same thing. She hated his touch. If she was honest, she hated both of their touches.
That was just Wednesday morning.
By Wednesday lunchtime, Grant also had a job working at the diner. Beatrice didn’t even know how it happened, but he worked around back with Carl, so at least she didn’t see him.
Within the space of twenty-four hours, Grant had somehow become part of her life, and she didn’t like it.
By Thursday morning, Jase had already called to let her know the run wasn’t on that day. During festive events, he had family to go and see, and they didn’t appreciate his need to keep a strict structure. The gym was closed that day, but she didn’t mind as she already had plans to spend her day at the diner.
Stepping into the bathroom, she looked up and caught sight of Grant naked in the shower, on the verge of getting out.
Maddie screamed and slapped her hands over her eyes. “What the hell? Why didn’t you lock the door?”
“Why would I do that? We’re roomies.”
“Grant, you’re sleeping on my sofa. This place isn’t big enough for the two of us.”
“Sure, it is. Come on, aren’t you having a little fun with me?”
She had come to know this apartment by heart. Spinning on her heel, she found her way out of the door and headed straight toward her bedroom. Her hair didn’t need to be tied back today.
Beatrice had said it was a more relaxed style, to give the customers the at-home feeling. She recommended coming in her own clothes, and to use an apron for the risk of spillages.
Without waiting for Grant, she grabbed her keys and headed out. She had no choice but to make a set for Grant as well.
How had he become part of her life in a short time?
She wanted to kick the dumpster on the way past, but she didn’t.
Instead, she walked into the diner, and already it was a sight to behold. Quite a few customers were there for the morning of special pumpkin pancakes, waffles, and special syrup. Carl took great pride in telling her he added fall spices to the syrup to give it that special taste.
Carl liked to tell her all his foodie secrets, and she did get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing him work. Not that she got a whole lot of time. In the diner, there was never any spare time to linger too long.
Beatrice waved for her to head into the back. Carl was at his large chopping board, working on something. The scent of turkey was heavy in the air. She’d watched him brine at least six of the massive birds.
“Morning, Carl,” she said.
“Morning, sweetheart. How was your run today?”
“Canceled. Jase is spending it with family.”
“Do we know a lot about this Jase person?” he asked.
She smiled. “Probably not as much as you’d like to know.”
“Right, I need you to try this.” He had two waffles on a plate with syrup.
“I don’t think I can.”
“You promised me you weren’t on a diet.”
“It’s not a diet, just a lifestyle change,” she said.
“I don’t get it. You’re perfect the way you are.” He tutted to himself. “It’s the holidays. I’ll go running with you if you need it.”
She chuckled and took the plate from him. She didn’t get the chance to have breakfast. Her alarm didn’t go off, and she woke up way too close to the time she needed to work.
The waffles were so soft, she didn’t even need to use a knife to cut them. The fork slid through them, and they were properly cooked. With the spiced syrup, they looked so good, and she took a bite. She closed her eyes, as it was just the right amount of sweetness, and the subtle spice made her mouth water.
“Oh, wow, these are so good,” she said.
“Well worth a run for?”
She laughed. “Yes.”
Carl wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she tensed up, not ready for such contact. He seemed to know what he’d done because he quickly backed off.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“Not, it’s fine. You were just giving me a hug.” Maddie finished the waffles and put the plate into the sink just as Grant came in.
“What did I miss?” he asked.
She rolled her eyes. “The best waffles in the world. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Maddie, I’m sorry if that crossed a line,” Carl said.
“Carl, don’t worry about it.”
“What did I miss?”
Maddie shook her head and left the room. The dining room was filling up. Soft music played, and she got into the swing of things, asking what people wanted.
Beatrice pulled her to one side and told her they had a booked breakfast crowd, and it extended through to dinner.
“Are you sure you’re okay with being here?” Beatrice asked.