Chapter 2

Her shift started at ten and by midnight, the diner had grown quiet as it always does. She chose this shift specifically because she wasn't worried about money, couldn't sleep, but she still felt like she was a productive part of society. Marty, the short order cook, was starting inventory as Skie got a fresh pot of coffee going, the old one, nearly empty and a couple of hours old got dumped. She was wiping down the counter around the coffee makers when the tiny bell tinkled alerting her that someone came in. Turning she saw a man come in, snug heather gray t-shirt, blue jeans with a black belt around his lean waist. She could tell he keeps himself in shape by the ripples underneath his shirt. His hazelnut brown hair brushed over his shoulders and across his upper back. Taking one of the stools at the counter she adjusted her gaze and met his ice blue one. Though a small smile came upon his lips, she can see a sadness in those eyes.

"Hi there, and welcome." Skie greets the man as she lays down a menu before him. "May I get you something to drink while you look that over?"

"Sure, some coffee would be great thanks." The man responded with a Georgia drawl that she was getting used to hearing.

With a slight nod of her head she turns and grabs a clean coffee mug, pours the dark steaming liquid in leaving enough room in case he wants to add anything to it. Placing it on a saucer then turning and placing it before him. Turning back around once again, bending slightly to get the creamer from the mini fridge she places it next to the cup of coffee. Skie steps away to wipe down another section of the counter giving the man some space to look over the menu. Normally she focuses on her task, but that night, that man, she couldn't help but sneaking a few peeks at him. Her mind wandered for the first time in years to a place she didn't think she was capable of going to again.

"Excuse me miss, I'm ready to order." His voice soft with a hint of sadness. He would look over to her as he spoke the words and caught her slight startle and then a soft flush to her cheeks. He was guessing her thoughts were a million miles away.

"Sure thing." She replied as she moved back to stand before him. Again the soft smile graced her full lips as she spoke once more. "What can I get you?"

The stranger placed his order of a short stack of pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns and wheat toast. Giving the order to Micky, Skie was about to go back to wiping down the already clean counter when the customer spoke to her again.

"You're not from around here are you?" He asked, his drawl smooth and sweet. She shook her head no and her ponytail swished from side to side. There was a brief moment when their eyes locked and they studied each other openly. Finally, the stranger spoke, breaking the silence first. "You're not from here, not even from the south...are you? Sound like you are from the Midwest."

Her cheeks flushed slightly as he called her out on her accent, or lack of accent would probably be a better description. No matter where she's lived, she's never lost her Midwestern sound. "No, no I'm not. I'm originally from the Midwest, Chicago area to be exact." Skie politely explained. She continued on, "You definitely sound like a native from around here."

"For most of my life, yes ma'am." He drawled and smiled at her then gave a soft chuckle. "Couldn't imagine home bein anywhere else. So why did you come down here?"

His inquiry caused her to pause, she wasn't used to anyone wanting to know her better. Even Marty never asked, just accepted that she was one of the new graveyard shift waitresses. "Cost of living is good, not a lot of stress like in and around a big city, and mostly for a fresh start."

The man paused and studied her face a moment, nodding as though he understood. In truth to some degree he did. He saw a flash of sadness when she said fresh start and he seemed to feel a slight connection because of that. "Yeah, sometimes a fresh start is needed. By the way my name is AJ."

He watched her closely and realized there was absolutely no recognition in her eyes when he said his name. It was unusual, and refreshing. AJ smiled when she responded and returned the pleasantry. "Nice to meet you AJ, I'm Skie."

It was at that moment that the order bell rang and Marty announced the order was up and ready. When he finished, AJ paid the bill and left not only Skie a generous tip, but Marty as well. Along with a note about the great service good food. Marty was thrilled. But Skie lingered on AJ's parting words, "I think I may have to become a regular here." With a smile and a small wink, AJ strode out into the night and all Skie could think was that she hoped he did come back.

Four months later, and AJ true to his word did become a regular. Once a week he came came in, always around midnight. And only if Skie was working. They found they had a lot in common, from points of view, to past times, and to some small degree (on her end) gaming. She did know he has children from a previous marriage and that his stopping at the diner was on his way back from visiting them. She never asked him what happened or anything as she didn't believe it was polite or honestly any of her business. He learned she was widowed, but again didn't delve into that, for the same reasons. Skie learned he travelled a lot for his job, and sometimes internationally. AJ enjoyed sharing some of the stories from the road and a comfortable friendship had formed.

On this night AJ came in and ordered his usual. The conversation was light and fun, and Skie was laughing at some of stories he was telling from that past week on the road. As she moved around behind the counter doing various parts of her job, she would glance up towards him and caught not just looking, but almost staring, but not quite. The look she thought might have been a bit different, but she shrugged it off, he never hinted or seemed to have flirted with her in the past. He finished his meal, and had another cup of coffee as he had been recently doing. When it was time for him to go, he paid in cash, which was normal, but he then handed her Marty's tip (which he always did when Marty was cooking) and hers. However, this time hers was wrapped in a folded piece of paper. His fingers lingered on hers for a quick moment longer than normal as their eyes met, his hand slowly pulled away. A soft smile played on her lips and his turned upward returning the smile. With a nod he said goodnight and AJ was gone.

It has been eight months since that little piece of paper was wrapped around Skie's tip. The paper that came from AJ had read: "I'm giving you my number, text me if you decide you would like to talk more." and a phone number beneath that. She grabbed her phone from her apron pocket and quickly texted to the number, 'Hi, this is Skie, now you have my number too'. AJ hadn't even pulled out of the parking spot.

Since then they have talked nearly every day, either via text or actual phone call. They always seemed to find something to talk about, random silly things, tidbits of their lives, eventually opening up about their relationships. AJ learned about Skie's husband being killed in action, and she learned that his wife divorced him because of his job and how often he was on the road. They were still friends, but she needed more and refused to let him give up his career. The more they talked the more they connected, a close friendship bloomed.

A little more than a year after their first encounter, AJ made his usual stop in the diner. About the only thing he didn't tell her was what exactly he did for a living. He told her it did have to do with entertainment, and was very physical, but never went into specifics, and she never asked. By the time he walked in and sat at the counter, his coffee was there, mixed just the way he liked it, and steaming hot. AJ ordered his usual, chatted briefly with Marty (whom does know who AJ is, but agreed to not tell Skie) while she cashed out a trucker that was heading back to his 18 wheeler to bed down in the sleeper part of the cab. When she was done she wiped down the counters moving towards him until she was finally standing before her friend.

"I have some news for you." She started off, her eyes trained on his face to take in his reaction.

"Oh? And what's your news?" AJ asked, curiosity heavily lacing his words.

"I won't be here for the next two weeks after tonight." She explained.

Before she could say anything more, AJ spoke up, "Taking some vacation time?" He inquired, and when she nodded he continued. "Do you have any plans?"

"You mean besides just mostly being at home with soap operas and bon bons?" She joked, he already knew she couldn't stand soap operas. "No, no plans."

AJ nodded, and at that point his food was ready. He sat there eating, an idea forming in his mind. As he ate and figured out some details, Skie took to mopping the diner, knowing that the floor would be dry by the time he was ready to go. She wondered what it would be like to not see him for two weeks. Sure they will probably text and call each other, but she enjoyed his smile and just seeing him. It was the highlight of her week. After putting the mop and bucket away, she went back to the counter. AJ had finished his meal and she put the dishes in the bin for when she washed them usually right after he left.

"I was thinking..." AJ started and he waited until he had her full attention before continuing. With a nod from her, he went on, "What do you say about coming with me? You can see what I do, travel, and we can hang out too."

Skie stared at him for a moment as his words sunk in, her expression was one of complete surprise. She would love to go with him, but she also didn't want to get him in trouble or anything. "AJ, won't your boss be upset with you having someone tag along?"

"About that, to answer your question, no, I won't get in trouble." He started, pausing a moment, then continued on. "But I should tell you what I do before you decide." AJ was nervous about telling her. Usually people either love what he does or hates it. The haters were usually pretty clueless about it. She gave a slight nod encouraging him to continue but remained quiet. Finally AJ spoke again. "I'm a wrestler, sports entertainer. I work for the WWE."