𝐒𝐲𝐧 ┃𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

149. 𝑰𝒏 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏, 𝑨𝒔 𝑰𝒕 𝑰𝒔 𝑶𝒏 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉

Syn

She pulled me into the door of the diner and I smiled as the familiar bell rang. This place hadn't changed a bit. It was as colorful and empty as I remembered it. I looked at one of the booths and I saw me and Queen laughing together. Then a few rows past it, I saw Queen hiding behind a menu while I stood right here in this spot. I laughed a bit. It was a strong effort on her part, I could see that now, but we were destined to meet no matter what. No matter the circumstances.

"I'm sorry, we're packed," the owner- the same old woman from before joked, a bright smile on her face.

Queen smiled at her as she approached the counter, her hand still in mine. "How have you been?"

"Good. Just working." She beamed at us. "It's good to see the both of you back here together again."

"Hm." I hummed. "You mean you miss our tips."

"That too," she admitted and Queen laughed a bit.

"Thought so."

"But your presence has been missed as well," she said. "Feels like I've watched the two of y'all grow up from behind this counter."

"Feels like I've watched you grow older too, Mabel," I joked with her and she threw her towel at me. She was one human that I didn't entirely dislike. She has never bothered me and she was the best cook I had ever met. If she wasn't so attached to this place I would've hired her at the palace.

"Y'all go sit down anywhere and I'll be there to take your orders," she said. "Apple pie tonight?"

"Of course," I told her and she smiled at us before disappearing to the back. A few people were sitting on the right side of the dinner, and a couple of people were seated at the bar. But the left side was empty. That was one of the best things about this place. It was hardly ever packed. It was still a hidden gem in this big city.

Queen grabbed two menus and looked up at me. "Where do you want to sit?"

I put my hand on the small of her back and led her to the empty side of the dinner. I headed to the booth in the farthest corner, closest to the window and she laughed before sliding in. "Did you choose this one for any reason in particular?" She asked.

"Just feels poetic." I sat opposite her and relaxed in the booth. "At least I remember you this time, mm?"

She frowned. "That will never be funny."

I smiled at her. "I'm sorry."

"Mhmm." She lifted her menu, covering her face and I tapped my fingers along the wooden table.

"Why did you want to bring me here of all places?" I asked her.

"Well, I was hungry." She peered up at me above the lashes. "And I happen to know that this is your favorite place to eat. I thought you'd be more comfortable here than at that restaurant."

"Hm." I nodded slowly and she looked back down at the menu. I leaned forward, resting my arms on the table. With two fingers, I pushed her menu down and she looked at me. "We need to talk."

A crease formed between her brows and she frowned. "I don't like those words from you. I don't think I want to." She lifted the menu again and I plucked them from her fingers. She moved her elbow to the table and rested her chin on her palm, then she added a smile. "What would you like to talk about?"

I smiled back at her, letting out a huff as I set the menu down. Then I looked at her seriously. "Back there, why did you accept his terms, Queen? You don't want a wedding and I thought you said you were going to think about the bonding."