Walter smiled, eagerly etching in the letters with his pencil. He sat for a while, running his eyes down the columns, attempting to figure out the answers to the phrases. He chuckled to himself a bit, thinking about how he knew chemistry so well, yet couldn't figure out a five letter word for Clearing in a Forest.
He didn't care very much, though. He finally had the guts to approach this young blonde, even if it was a dumb tactic. He would continue this and he hoped it lead him down the right path.
Week by week, Walter would go to the Red Moon Diner. He sat at the counter, ordering his sandwich and pulled out the crossword. After a time of asking for a lifeline, Skyler finally slid down and propped herself only a foot away, working behind the counter on her own crossword. They shared light conversation, and mainly traded answers, yet there was something more there than a few puzzled words.
Skyler found herself giddy to go to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays knowing that Walter would stop in. Walter, as she now knew his name, was smart, kind and quite handsome. She found herself throwing on a little extra perfume, or freshening up in the bathroom before lunch hour. It excited her, even if she didn't believe it would go anywhere.
One Thursday, Walter didn't stop in. Skyler felt her heart fall a little, wondering where he could be. She quickly snapped herself out of this thought, reminding herself that this was all just a little bit silly. There was no need to overreact and get invested. He simply just needed a break from work.
The diner was just an hour from close and Skyler was exhausted. She was ready to leave, ready to put her feet up, drink her tea and let this long, exhausting day drive itself into the ground. Removing the scrunchy on her wrist, Skyler threw her hair up into a ponytail and began cleaning the counters for the end of the day. The bells of the door clang, and she barely bothered to look up as another hostess jumped for the door.
"Oh, I'm just here to see someone. Thank you, though."
A deep, enchanting voice drew Skyler's eyes up to meet the pair staring back at hers as Walt approached the counter. "Hello" he said softly, smiling as he straightened and felt her face grow hot.
"No grilled cheese for lunch?" She laughed, teasing and flirting a bit to distract him from the redness spreading on her cheeks. He grinned, reddening himself.
"No, not today. But I did miss it. Peanut butter and jelly is just not the same". He remarked, leaning a bit onto the counter. Walter eyed Skyler lightly, taking a breath in as he prepared himself. "What are you doing tonight?" he questioned, biting down on the back of his jaw. Skyler felt her stomach flip-flop as she felt herself hold back too quick of a reply.
"Well, I'm working just another hour and then... I planned on just going home for the night". She didn't want to be too eager, although it was difficult with his eyes piercing directly into hers. Walter shifted his weight a bit, inquiring if she would be interested in grabbing something to eat. "That sounds great." She replied, a huge smile leaping onto her face. Walter sat at the counter, conversing with her until the shift ended.
As the diner lights faded, Skyler and Walter left, walking to his car parked outside. He gently opened the door for her, and then retreated to his side to warm up the car. Skyler looked around, a hazmat mask laying on the back seat, plenty of textbooks and a pair of gym shoes. "Sorry about the mess" Walter mumbled, "it's a lot of busy days". Skyler just smiled, expressing no care of the few scattered things. Walt revved up the car, and they were on their way.
The two engaged in small talk; where Walter worked, what Skyler studied. Walter felt a bit odd when he learned Skyler was only 22, but found she was far more mature than her age led to believe. After a bit of tossing around restaurants to go, they decided on Denny's for a late night meal that was casual enough for the two to feel comfortable.
The two sat in the booths for hours, eating bacon and eggs with plenty of replenished cups of coffee. Walter was charming, a bit quiet, but dry humor and a smile that made Sky blush at an instant. He felt the same about hers, feeling a bit nervous but relaxed around this crossword aficionado. Soon, both allowed yawns to escape their lips and Walter flipped his wrist to find that his watch glowed a bright 2:30 am.
"Wow, it's getting late. I'm sorry I kept you this long. I'm sure chemistry and bad jokes only can go on for so long". Skyler laughed and reached across the table to pat his freckled arm.
"Don't be sorry. I've had a great time". Walt beamed back at her, as the waitress approached the table and he asked politely for the check. The two then left, preparing for the ride home.
Skyler lived close to the diner, so Walter made his way back, taking his time as they continued on in conversation. He wondered if his being ten years older made her uncomfortable, and as they neared to her apartment, he decided he would ask.
"I had a really nice time with you" Walter said, parking the car and turning the key. Skyler gazed back at him, smiling. "But, I have to ask, if this makes you feel uneasy. I mean the whole age thing… because…"
Skyler stopped him, lightly touching his arm again. "Walt, you are one of the brightest and kindest men I've ever met. I wouldn't care if you were twenty years older than me." Walter stared back at Skyler, smiling softly and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
As she got out of the car, she kissed him once more and walked away from the car, closing the door behind her. Skyler made her way to her complex, her heart skipping beats as she reached for her key. She turned to the silver car in the driveway and waved a goodbye as Walter called out "I'll be seeing you!" and pulled out of the driveway.
END CHAPTER TWO