I'm thankfully feeling much better by Monday and manage to get through my first shift without issues. Of course, Emmett, Jasper, and Carlisle stop in, but Edward does too. I serve him one of the pumpkin spice muffins I made, and he takes a bite right away, telling me that it's perfect. We're busy, so I don't have time to fawn over him this time, and he leaves quickly, but I still appreciate the short visit.

"You're a pro at this still, Bella," Ms. Sue says as I hang up my apron and grab my purse. "And those muffins! We'll keep them on the menu all season, so I'll have you prepare the batter for me to make on your days off, if that's okay."

I smile and nod, thankful I didn't blow it. "Thank you so much for this, Ms. Sue. You don't know how much it means to me."

"Oh please, I'm thrilled to have some help in the mornings! I just wish I could have you more, but I understand you need to take it easy. Just always know this job will be here for you—no matter how much time you need off. I want you to have a good day, okay?"

"Will do," I promise, grinning as I leave the shop and get into Emmett's Jeep.

I'm not all that tired, despite waking up at twenty-'til four in the morning, so I head to the diner to grab some lunch and figure I'll read some and relax while I'm there.

Again, this is a memory with my parents. Since my mom wasn't the best at regular cooking, we'd have dinner here a lot. I've grown up from the chicken nuggets and fries I used to have but not by much. Now, it's chicken tenders and fries. Much more adult-like.

"It's good to see you again, Bella," Bonnie says, putting my plate down. "You've grown up so much!"

I laugh softly and nod. "Yeah, a little bit. Thank you. This looks wonderful."

The older woman grins. "I make the batter myself, sweetheart. I hope you enjoy them."

I absolutely do as I dip them in honey mustard and delve into my book. I'm so engrossed it takes a clearing of his throat to get my attention.

"Edward!" I mumble-shout as I close my book. I quickly smile as he chuckles. "What-uh … what are you doing here?"

"I'm off now for the rest of the day and decided to come in for lunch before heading home. Your muffin was delicious but not the most filling."

I suddenly realize I'm not exactly supposed to eat fried food and wish my last tender away, but it doesn't happen. He doesn't comment though. When Bonnie comes by, he orders a burger and tells her to put mine on his tab.

"Oh, no," I say, shaking my head. "That isn't necessary."

He smirks. "Well, it's not like I treated you to coffee like intended, so this can be a make-up lunch. How are you doing today?"

"Good. I feel much better than I did Saturday night."

"And how was your first day?"

"Wonderful," I say enthusiastically, grinning probably a mile wide. "Is it weird the thing I liked most was just feeling normal? I mean, the last two months have been anything but, so it's nice to just kinda have a job—a routine that doesn't just involve when to take my meds."

He nods. "No, I get it. Your life's been shaken up more than words can express, so a little bit of normalcy is a good thing. You look happy."

"Thanks. So, how was your day?"

His smile brightens the diner. "Really good actually. I didn't have to give any bad news, which doesn't happen often. Plus, I only had two appointments—hence the early day—so now I can go home and just relax. My partner is on call, so I might even have a beer later."

I miss alcohol suddenly—not that I drank a ton, but a wine cooler or rum and Coke every now and then was relaxing. "Lucky bastard," I tease. "I'd join you, but this jerk of a doctor won't let me."

"Guy sounds like an asshole."

I nod. "Totally. He kind of cares about my health and whatnot."

"Too bad he can't let you live a little. I'd have loved to have a drink with you."

I'm blushing again because, apparently, that's all I can do around him. What I wouldn't give to be in another life, having a drink with him in a quiet bar.

I lift my glass of Coke. "I guess this is as close as we can get. Cheers."

He lifts his water, tapping my glass with a smirk. "To your good health. Cheers, sweetheart."

Fuck me, I love hearing him call me that.


Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.