The Replacements- 18

Jason's car squealed through back roads as we made our way to Jill's Diner. I had a bad feeling that Princess wouldn't even be there, and we'd be wasting our time.

When we walked into the diner, I found out I was right. Jill waved at me from the bar, and motioned us past the waiting dinner guests, to the bar.

"Hey, guys! Good to see you again!" She called out to us. "Come and sit down at the bar, and you can eat right away." She wiped the counter with a rag and set menus and silverware in front of us.

Her face lit up as she leaned in toward me and teased, "So, what brings you here? Anyone I know?" She winked.

"You've got it all wrong, Jill." I replied. "Princess and I are just friends. We just worked together briefly, that's all."

She winked at Jason. "Hey, hot stuff, long time, no see…"

"The pleasure's all yours," Jason teased back, and mockingly kissed the back of Jill's hand.

She giggled, and then turned her attention to Tiny. "And who's the big brute over here? Tiny? You're not so tiny any more. You've certainly grown up!"

Tiny blushed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Hey, Jill, where's Princess?"

"She's off today." Jill replied as she gazed over at me. "She had plans."

"Plans? Some guy snatched her up, huh?" Jason sneered. "Too bad. We really needed to talk to her."

"Well, if you hang out long enough, you may run into her." Jill's gaze slid over to Jason. "But she might not be alone."

"Jill, is this guy an ok guy? I mean…she just started out on her own, and I…we…just want to make sure she's making the right decisions…" I stammered. I couldn't help it. I just had to know.

"Don't worry, Mark. I've taken her under wing. She'll be fine." Jill winked as she poured our drinks and wrote down our order. "I've known him for quite a while. His name is Koji. She met him here, and he's a stunt bike racer. Nice looking, too." Then she grinned as she grabbed our menus. "But I want to know why you three are here looking for her. I thought she made it clear she didn't want to be on the team."

My attention was inadvertently drawn to two shadows by the front door, standing in a loving embrace. My insides churned as I thought I recognized one of the silhouettes.

"Mark? Are you ok?" Jill asked.

I turned back quickly, trying to act as though nothing had happened, as the bell on the entrance jingled lightly.

As I opened my mouth to reply, Tiny interrupted me.

"Princess! How are you?" The big lug hopped off of the bar stool and hugged her as she walked in.

"Tiny?" She smiled apprehensively. Then her eyebrows knit together as she noticed Jason and me sitting at the bar. She must've sensed an intervention.

"Come sit with us at the bar, Prin, we came to see you!" Tiny grinned.

I suddenly felt ridiculous, like a stupid whimpering puppy begging forgiveness. My pride ached.

Princess fingers cupped the side of her face. "I don't know, Tiny, I'm really tired…" I could feel her stare boring into my back. I didn't dare turn around.

Jason came to the rescue. "No harm in getting a bite to eat with some old friends, is there?" He smiled.

Princess shook her head. "No, I guess not." I could tell she was forcing herself to join us, probably out of sheer curiosity.

Our food came, and we struggled through Tiny's meaningless babble about training and space burgers. Luckily, the disco music started in the back room, and the blaring backbeat drowned Tiny out.

As we finished, Jason made a suggestion. "Hey, listen. It's too loud to talk in here. Let's go outside and get some fresh air, ok?"

"Why don't you three come up to my apartment? It will be more comfortable and a lot quieter." Princess suggested. At least she was being polite.