Page 11 of Drew
“Let’s hit that diner down off Franklin Street. There’s a full menu, so you can pick anything you’d like.” The thought alone makes my stomach rumble… again, earning me a smirk from Abby.
“You sure you can make it?” Abby teases.
“You’d better step on it, to make sure,” I quickly respond, earning a beautiful laugh. “I’m wasting away over here. I was running late this morning and only had time for a protein shake before my workout.”
“Oh.” Abby visibly cringes as she sneaks a peek in my direction. Concern fills her features. “I didn’t make you late by staying out celebrating, did I?”
I shake my head, but since her eyes are on the road, I follow it with, “Nope. I just let myself sleep in a bit longer than usual. I was there on time, no worries.”
Within a few minutes, we pull into the diner. Thankfully, there’s not a line, and we’re told to take an open booth of our choice. I lead Abby to the closest booth and hand her a menu that’s permanently held on a stand at the back of the table.
Vanessa, one of the regular waitresses, walks up and introduces herself to Abby. “Hi! I’m Vanessa. Can I get you some coffee, tea, or anything to drink while you decide? Drew, would you like your regular coffee?”
I nod in appreciation as Abby eyes me suspiciously, then shakes her head and says, “I’ll have an orange juice.”
“Coming right up.” Vanessa smiles and leaves to get our drinks.
Abby cocks her head to the side and juts out her chin. “So… you come here often?”
I shrug. There’s no point in denying it. “Yeah. College kids usually hang out closer to campus, and this is a great place to study, so no one pays me any attention. The food’s amazing and can’t be beat with the prices. I… uh… usually come once or twice a week.”
“Does Vanessa attend CRU?” Abby’s eyes follow Vanessa around the restaurant as she asks.
“Yeah. She’s a senior, I think. She’s been working here since I found the place, freshman year. I needed a break from the dorms and ventured out one morning after practice. It’s a hidden gem, as far as I’m concerned. This place keeps pretty steady with customers but over the years, we’ve made small talk, but I can’t say I’ve seen her much outside these walls, aside from randomly bumping into her on campus now and again.” I’m not sure why I add that last bit into my explanation. I guess I don’t want Abby to think there’s anything going on with Vanessa. She’s pretty, don’t get me wrong, but neither of us have shown an interest beyond casual friendship. Very casual at that.
“Oh,” Abby states quietly as she focuses intently on the menu before her. I wish she’d look up, so I could read her hidden expression. I’m not sure why, but for some reason, I don’t want her to get the wrong impression about me.
When she sets her menu down, I attempt to break her silence. “Decide what you want?”
“Yep.” Abby grins with delight. “The bacon and Tillamook cheese omelet has my name written all over it.”
“I’m going with the grilled chicken, mushroom, and asparagus egg-white omelet.”
Abby’s mouth drops wide. “That’s a mouth full.” Then her eyes narrow. “Wait, are you a health nut?”
What the hell does that mean? “I… uh… eat healthy. But I’m not a nut by any means. You saw me drink soda last night.” I can’t help but roll my eyes and shake my head at her assumption, before adding, “Obviously, I eat a variety of foods.”
“I guess I’m just feeling a bit self-conscious,” Abby shyly admits. “You’ve already risen before the crack of dawn, worked out, showered, and are choosing the egg-white option for breakfast. Whereas, I’ve barely hauled my butt out of bed. Sure, I showered last night, but I’ve done nothing but drive to the restaurant to eat. I’m such a slacker in comparison.”
The way she scrunches up her nose at the end has me shaking my head in laughter. “You’re not a slacker. Trust me. If it wasn’t basketball season, I probably would’ve done the same thing and waited to work out this afternoon. But I don’t exactly get to choose my schedule most days, so I’m stuck with what I’ve got. Those are the breaks for being a Division-One athlete and trying to graduate on time. It’s all about time management.” When Abby cocks an eyebrow and opens her mouth to say something, I cut her off, “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining about my circumstances. I’m just sayin’ that in the off season, my schedule’s a bit different.”
Before Abby can respond, Vanessa comes to take our order. By the time she’s gone, Abby changes the subject. “I work tonight at the library until eight. Will you be able to work on our project after that? I can come to your place or reserve a private study room for us to avoid distractions. Doesn’t matter either way.”
Since she’s already on campus that late, I offer, “Let’s meet on campus. Text me. If you can’t get a study room, I’ll just meet you at your place. Since I hijacked your plans last night, no need to put you out any further.”
Abby’s face fills with humor. “You definitely made my birthday memorable, but I wouldn’t say it was hijacked.”
“Well…” I take in a deep breath and try to make light of things. “I was an ass in assuming your plans weren’t important. I’ll try not to do that again. But next time, just be straight with me, okay?”
“I think I can handle that,” she says with a hint of sarcasm, which makes me smile. “Do you have practice again later?”
I typically get asked a lot of questions, but the way Abby seems genuinely interested in my schedule is endearing. Instead of being guarded, I easily explain how we usually condition on our own in the morning, then have full practices in the early afternoons and evenings.
“When do you find time to study?” she asks in disbelief when I tell her we play multiple games a week during the season. She had no idea how crazy my schedule is when it comes to traveling.
“I studya loton the bus,” I admit. “I’m shit for being a regular study partner with set times and dates, but I promise… I’ll pull my weight in this class. I can’t afford anything less than an A, so you shouldn’t worry. We can even video conference if need be,” I offer as a solution to any potential problems we may encounter.
“Okay…” I hear the doubt loud and clear.
