A/N: Much thanks to 'roguewriter04', Angel-luvr', bamagurl1988 (Katie), and Rea Josette for your reviews. They are greatly appreciated. I apologize for the delay in updates. The writing is way ahead, but the editing is very slow. So you'll be happy to know there is a lot more to come. For now, I hope you enjoy this current chapter.

CHAPTER 3: FRENCH FRIES

Before Alex knew it, the next week came and went; one day pretty much the same as the last. Busy during the rush times and small moments during the lulls to check things out. And there was one area of the diner in particular that drew her attention; the far right wall of the diner, as you're coming in from the outside. Direct-lit from overhead, the wall was section off into one-foot wide, floor-to-ceiling panels of dark, soft-wood. Each panel carrying its own share of etchings and carvings, some deeper than others. Nancy – you are my life – Tom'; 'M & C – we will always be together'; 'Pete & Vanessa 4ever'; obvious romantics declaring their love for one another. There was even a marriage proposal – 'Annie marry me, Bill'. Alex was making her way through each panel, attempting to read as many of the carvings as she could. She came to one that simply read 'Kelly loves Sam' just as the current lull ended. She would have to come back to the panels another time.

She hurried to wipe down several tables and the one empty booth, the second one from the door in the front window. She checked her watch, a big-faced watch with a much worn wide leather wristband that her oldest brother used to own before giving it to her; when he was finally able to buy his first dress watch. She noticed the empty booth had remained that way a little longer than it usually did. She was making her way across the diner when the booth's regular occupant finally showed up. They nearly ran into each other. He was able to angle around her before that could happen and pass by her without even seeing her it seemed. As he went by, Alex turned her head and called to his back, "You're late". She smiled to herself. Her attempt to get any kind of acknowledgement from him failed again. She tried everyday with no luck and today was no different.

The mystery-guy was still a mystery. No, that wasn't exactly true. He was even more of a mystery now. She couldn't help but notice how he continued coming into Mabel's every day, sitting alone in the same booth. He never talked to anyone and no one ever talked to him. Never did he order anything. Did he ever eat? Alex wondered. He looked good and strong. He had to eat sometimes. And there was one other thing that added to the mystery surrounding this guy. No one seemed to think his behavior was strange. Or at least no one made mention of it.

"Who was this guy and what was his story?" Alex said to herself. Her curiosity was piqued, and it was getting the better of her. She must know and tonight was as good a night as any to find out. It worked out perfectly, because as it happened, Jenny had asked her if she would help lock up tonight and balance the register.

After the last customer was served and sent on their way, Jenny closed and locked the front door of the diner. She then flipped the "Open" sign to "Closed" and went about getting what she needed together to close out the day.

"What's the deal with that guy?" Alex plunged in; calling from behind the counter.

"What guy?" Jenny asked. Whether Jenny was playing dumb or not, Alex wasn't sure.

"Oh, come on. You know – the mystery guy. Tall, dark, handsome, brooding. Him. Who is he? Why does he keep coming in here everyday?" Alex pushed on. "You can't tell me it's for the food. He never orders anything."

"You mean Jasper?"

"So that's his name. Hmmm", Alex said with a raise of an eyebrow. She put down the wet towel she was using to wipe down the counter and joined Jenny at the table where she was counting the day's receipts.

Jenny showed no sign of supplying any further information about Jasper. Alex had to resort to a little encouragement. Jenny gave up her silence and sighed. She stopped counting, folded her hands on the table, and began to tell Alex a little bit about Jasper. If there was anything else she wanted to know about him she would have to ask him herself. I dare her, Jenny thought.

"Okay", Jenny started as if she were rattling off a shopping list. "His name is Jasper Arnold. He's a… friend of the family. His family owns a farm about half a mile from here. His mom gives piano lessons. His father has his own construction company and he sometimes works with his dad. He's even responsible for this place, in more ways than one". She smiled absently. It wasn't a happy smile though. A slight frown crossed Alex's face. "After the fire, the diner had to be rebuilt", Jenny went on to explain briefly. "He's a pretty good guy and…", she hesitated for the second time. "He used to date my sister". Jenny stopped after that and offered nothing more.

Alex sat silent for several long moments, waiting. Then, "Is that it? I mean, that still doesn't explain why he shows up here everyday. And…."

Jenny stopped her, "You'll have to go to Jasper directly if you want to know any more. But, I doubt he'll tell you anything." And that was it. Jenny returned to counting and batching the day's receipts, finishing each batch, and scooting it across the table to Alex; who would then input the totals into the calculator and run a tape for the bank deposit. With no further discussion, a couple of hours later the two were finished and everything was ready for Jenny to stop by the bank in the morning.

Alex contemplated the little Jenny told her about Jasper as she made her way back up to her room. What was the more she wasn't telling. And from Jenny's behavior, the more must be a lot more. "I wonder", Alex muttered to herself.

XXX

Alex tuned away from the order window behind the counter when she heard the little bell over the diner door jingle as it opened and closed. Her next customer was up, until she saw who it was. It was Jasper, showing up like clockwork. She watched him as he moved through the diner and the other customers. He possessed such an ease about him, a fluidity. He reached his usual seat in the booth that always seemed to be waiting for him. Oblivious to everything and everyone else in the diner, Jasper did what he did everyday when he came in. He sat and stared out of the front windows, at who knows what.

When Alex saw that Jasper was settled in, she reached for the plate of French fries that was just put up on the order window counter. She grabbed a bottle of catsup from beneath the counter. With both the catsup and French fries in hand, she headed towards Jasper's booth.

"Hey Alex! Those are my fries."

"I know Ted, I'm sorry. But a new batch is coming right up."

Her sudden actions drew wide spread notice from many of the patrons throughout the diner. They were watching when she slid into the booth across from Jasper; sitting the plate of fries and catsup down on the table in front of him. None of them wanted to stare, but each at some point or another couldn't help but steal a glance.

Alex didn't expect Jasper to speak, so it startled her when he pulled his attention away from the view out of the window to tell her, "I didn't order those."

His voice came to her ears deep, rich, and rumbling, sounding as if it were traveling up from the bottom of his feet. It sent a shiver through her, causing her mind to drift for a moment; conjuring up imagines of a rich, deep, flowing river of chocolate and what it would sound like if it had a voice. She imagined it sounding like him. She caught herself quickly, realizing her little distraction left her staring into his face.

"I know you didn't Jasper", she recovered. The surprise at the use of his name, showed briefly in his eyes. She leaned in towards him and turned her head to look over her shoulder, as if checking to make sure no one was listening to them. Turning back with a sly smile on her face, she whispered, "Don't worry, it's on the house." She then got up and left, just as suddenly as she'd sat down. This time he was left wondering. And for the first time, Alex noticed him showing any sign of interest in his surroundings.

Jasper watched her as she left him and he caught her scent. It was a subtle scent. A mixture of fruit and flowers, and a hint of something else; something decidedly spicy. He thought it curious that her scent would come to him only after she left him, when she had just been sitting across from him a few seconds earlier. He watched her move about the diner while he absentmindedly picked at the plate of French fries she put in front of him. He watched her take full command of the place; juggling several tables, along with several booths and taking care of the counter as well.

This new girl, Alex if he remembered correctly, is reminiscent of her. In no way comparable to the statuesque form of Samantha, who could be imposing when she wanted to be, this girl is no less commanding. Though petite, she is impressive. She wove her way throughout the diner with total confidence. She chatted casually with each of the customers she encountered, flashing a beautifully genuine smile. She wore her black, shiny hair straight and loose, and hanging down her back all the way to her waist. Although her face-to-face distraction of him was brief, it was plenty enough time for Jasper to notice several other things about her.

Her pale olive skin was smooth, clear and sun-blushed. She wore very little make-up; only a hint of color and shine to her lips, and a wisp of smokiness beneath her eyebrows. Jasper subconsciously liked this, because for her to wear any more make-up would over-power her silverish grey eyes and her slight dimples. Any more would definitely cover up the sprinkling of freckles that ran across the bridge of her nose and along each of her cheekbones. Her shift would end a couple of hours later and not only would Jasper finish off the plate of French fries, but he would keep his eyes on her the entire time.

Alex left the diner, at the end of her shift, weary and still wondering. She glanced back at Mabel's before crossing the street, and she saw Jasper return to his thousand-mile stare out of the front window. Where was he? What was he seeing?

When she got to her room, she unpacked her camera equipment, which she hadn't touched since arriving in town. She switched the regular lens on her favorite camera to a telephoto lens and aimed it out of her room's window. From there she could see Mabel's and the front windows where Jasper always sat; and where he continued to sit. She found him with her telephoto camera lens and fired off an entire roll of film; capturing full on close-ups of his face.

She could almost predict how the photos would turn out. She usually could when she was on her game or when she came across a great subject. And considering this subject, how could the shots not develop out beautifully. The problem now would be finding access to facilities to develop them herself. That was always a problem whenever she was on the road. She wasn't about to trust these pictures to anyone else. So unfortunately her prediction would have to wait.

{END OF CHAPTER #3}