chapter 28

DIANNA'SPOV

"Debby, I'm off to work!" I yell, opening the door.

"Alright... Though I don't like that place." She replies, mumbling the last part even though I hear her.

Now, I don't like the place either but I'm a coward so I'm going to work and rub it in their (Thomas and Bailey)faces how strong I am.

A small smile creeps on my face, on hearing the bells chime when I walk into the restaurant. I head to Mr. Simeon's office first, bracing myself for his scolding since I wasn't here yesterday for my shift.

I knock on the door before I hear him say 'come in'.

"Good morning, sir. Um, I came to apologize for my absence yesterday. I'm really sorry I... " I start but he cuts me off with a faint smile, looking at me.

"I understand Dianna. Thomas already told me why you weren't able to stay till the end of your shift."

I smile hoping it isn't obvious how surprised I am... Thomas covered for me? My heart flutters a bit and I have to scold myself internally.

He doesn't feel anything. Nothing! Nada!!

"Thank you. I thought it'd be best if I came myself to make sure you understand." I say as he nods. I take that as my cue to leave which is exactly what I do.

On heading to the SR, I realize no matter how awkward things are, I have to thank Thomas for looking out for me. Great!

Speaking or thinking of the devil...

Once I enter the SR, Thomas looks at me but averts his gaze making the tension in the room even thicker.

Here it goes... Just say it Mel.

"Thanks for covering up for me yesterday." I say, looking at him which he just nods to.

With pursed lips, I rummage around for my apron and badge so I can get to work.

~~~~~~

I stop in my tracks as I spot Blake sitting at a far corner of the restaurant while looking at me. He mouths 'hey' which makes me smile mouthing a 'hey' back.

Such an unbelievable guy!

'But you love him that way.'

Love? That's too strong a word.

I continue walking towards him since I'm to serve him.

"Is this your favourite restaurant now or what?" I ask, getting out my notepad and pen.

"It's hard to resist when I know you work here." He states, looking straight into my eyes.

"Alright Mr Hotshot, what do you want?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"What do you suggest?" He folds his arms on the table, focusing on me.

"There's a special available this week. Why don't I get you that?" I suggest returning the notepad and pen.

"Sounds good to me." He replies as I start walking away. "Don't forget I'd like to be served by just you." He says which makes me shake my head thankful he couldn't see the full blown smile on my face right now.

~~~~~~~

Soon enough, my shift is over and I'm in the SR getting my things ready to leave. I hang my bag over my shoulde about to leave.

"Hey, Dianna." I hear Bailey call as I turn around waiting for her to continue. "Sorry that you got to hear Thomy and I discussing yesterday. You know Thomy always gives girls... " She starts though I don't want to listen.

"Yeah, I get it. You better put a leash on your dog so he doesn't go astray." I say with a slight sneer before leaving.

I've definitely met people like Bailey before- people who think they are always the boss and have everything anyone would want to have. It's really pathetic.

Instead of heading straight home, I make my way to the park to cool off and relax. On getting to one of the benches, I drop my bag on my legs and sigh, thinking of all the times Mia and I spent together- right from when we were kids.

'I miss Mia a lot'

While reminiscing, I remember him- how we spent most our times here marking some of the swing set for future reference. I chuckle sadly.

If only we knew!

I get up, my body moving on its own accord as I make my way to the swing sets and trace the outline of the carvings in deep thoughts. I smile sadly as memories I locked away come back with full force.

"Hey." Someone says beside me which breaks my train of thoughts. I follow the sound of the voice to find Blake beside me.

"Hi. Are you stalking me?" I ask lightly trying to shake off my previous mood, while he laughs.

"Would that be a good thing or a bad thing?" He asks with a smile.

"Slightly good but creepy." I reply with a smile while tilting my head.

"Well in that case maybe, maybe not. I wanted to pick you up after your shift but I was told you left already and I saw you coming here." He finishes looking at the swing set where the carvings are.

"Oh ok" I reply, retiring my attention to the carvings.

"Do you know them?" He asks after a moment of silence.

"Yeah." I sigh as he looks at me.

"What's wrong? You don't look happy." He asks again, studying me.

"Let's just say, I was the girl with a guy who turned out to be not so great after all and has never returned to work things out or apologize." I say not wanting to get into details.

"What if he comes back now to make things right?" I look at him, probably transparent.

"It'll be too late cause he's a d**k and I hate him now." I say venomously, before closing my eyes and calming down. "Sorry, i didn't mean to sound so crude." I apologize, opening my eyes once more.

"It's okay." He holds onto my hands, giving them a squeeze which makes me look down at our entwined hands. "Uh, this may not be the right time but I've been meaning to tell you something." He says sheepishly though looking me straight in the eyes.

"Dianna, I like you a lot and I mean I really, really like you... I don't know if you feel the same but I'm hoping that maybe you'll like for us to be a thing?" He asks unsure, his eyes filled with hope which makes me smile.

"On a scale of 1-10, how much do you like me?" I ask wanting to joke around.

"50." he replies with a cheeky grin while I bite my lip.

"Fine, then I'd love to go out with you." I purse my lips as he grins.

"Then you wouldn't mind me doing this."

"Wha... " I want to ask but I'm cut off by him smashing his lips on mine. Instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck while he wraps his arms around my waist.

I've thought of him kissing me a million times but I never expected it to be this amazing...

Oh yeah!!!! THAT has finally happened! Did Blake make the right choice doing that while knowing Dianna would hate his guts if she finds out he's Nich? Probably not but stay tuned to find out what happens next.