Finding Haven

Chapter 4

Kendra

 Joe was not kidding when he said he was short-staffed. Thankfully, I showed up early. I got there well before the diner opened for the morning. Ryan was watching the others at the motel. Once I had a schedule, we could form a better plan. I was reluctant to have them out of sight for any longer than necessary.

 When I walked through the door, Joe took one look at me before throwing me an apron and a blank nametag. His only advice was to get ready. No training, not that I needed it, fortunately. I jotted my name and did as he said. I wiped down the tables, organized menus, anything I could see that needed to be done.

 Once the doors opened, customers streamed in. I'd never been more thankful for my experience waitressing than I was then. We were well into the morning rush, and it hadn't overwhelmed me yet. I could feel Joe watching me off and on, but he said nothing, so I kept doing what I was doing. If he didn't like something, I hoped he would tell me. He seemed like a direct person.

 I had a rather large group, so I grabbed a platter and piled their food on. Bracing myself, I lifted the tray. I took a moment to make sure it was stable and then headed for the door. Pushing with my back, I opened the door. I turned to head out from behind the bar and into the diner, but I didn't make it even a foot.

 My tray tipped and slammed into the body on the other side of the door. In horror, I watched as the various foods flew at a man I had never seen before. His suit, I assumed, was nice before eggs and syrup drenched it. The sound of dishes shattering and the tray hitting the floor echoed around us as the diner plunged into silence.

 My mouth dropped open as I wracked my brain, trying to figure out what to say to save my job. Joe was no doubt going to fire me. I currently didn't have a car to get to another town. I needed to keep this job, at least for now. Looking up, I met the eyes of the man that I had crashed into, and every thought I had flew out of my mind.

 Startling silver eyes stared back at me, but not in anger or disgust. He looked surprised but intrigued by me. I don't know how long I stared back. Those molten irises held me captive. The entire world faded around us. There was just something about this man, something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

I didn't know how much time had passed when I managed to tear my gaze away from his. His onyx hair was short and styled to perfection. It was the only thing on him untouched by the cascade of food. Reality came crashing back down. I crouched down and reached for the discarded tray.

 "I-I'm s-so sorry," I stuttered out, piling the broken dishes onto the tray in a haste. A stinging pain in my palm made me gasp. Surveying my hand, I found a minor cut from one of the broken dishes. Bright red drops shone against my pale skin.

 "Stop," a firm voice commanded. I froze and looked up at the mysterious man. He sighed, bending down in front of me. "Don't hurt yourself."

 His voice was soft and sent shivers down my spine. He took my hands in a gentle grip and pulled me to my feet. My cheeks flamed as I realized everyone was still staring at the spectacle I had caused. Cradling my injured hand, he guided me into the kitchen.

I heard the sounds of the diner start up again as the kitchen door swung shut. Joe rushed up to us as we entered. I winced, expecting a harsh lecture followed by a quick firing. He didn't look at me, though. His eyes were on the man still holding my hands.

"Al-Andreas," He said. My confusion rose dramatically. Joe appeared intimidated by the man, but Joe was bigger in build and few years older in age at least.

"Your first aid kit," Andreas ordered. I wanted to say something, but held my tongue.

Andreas led me over to the counter. His hands finally let go of mine, almost reluctantly, before settling on my hips. Before I could protest, he lifted me onto the counter as if I weighed nothing.