Footprints In The Sand - Michelle Horst Page 0,5

plates on my tray. “You’re doing good kid,” Ron smiles at me just before I turn to leave the counter.

I give him a huge smile, which stays on my face until I go to walk by Seth’s table. I’m not surprised when Hayden recognizes me, as I’m still wearing the same clothes from earlier. “Hey,” Hayden calls out just as I’m about to make it past their table. “You’re the chick from earlier. I have a score to settle with you.”

I feel all flustered again and can’t even bring myself to look in Seth’s direction. I keep walking as if Hayden didn’t just threaten me. I force a stiff smile to my lips and serve my table their burgers. When there’s nothing else they need I quickly scan over my other four tables, making sure they are all happy. Hayden is busy placing his order with Autumn, so I get to sneak past without any further comments from him.

~*~

Chapter Four

Seth~

She’s here! I notice her the second we walk into the diner. Standing with her back to the door, she glances over her shoulder and I quickly look away so she doesn’t catch me staring.

I’m not the only one who notices her. Hayden bumps his elbow against mine and throws a chin lift in her direction. “Check it out! It’s the bitch from this afternoon.”

I shove him back, only harder and he stumbles a bit. “Leave her be!” I warn him.

We all take a seat at our usual table and I hope she’s going to be our waitress. I drink in everything she does. I love the way she moves as she loads her tray. She quickly tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and then she turns in our direction with the loaded tray. There’s a beautiful smile on her face and it dazzles me. I lick my lips and wipe my sweaty palm on my jeans as she nears our table. She’s looking straight ahead and I silently hope that she’ll look at me.

“Hey,” Hayden calls out just as she passes our table. “You’re the chick from earlier. I have a score to settle with you.”

I growl at him and give him a hard kick under the table. “I said let her be!” I hiss at him. He frowns at me, not understanding why I don’t have his back with this girl. If I tell him I like her, he’ll spend the rest of the night yanking my chain.

Autumn comes to serve our table and I feel a pang of disappointment. Autumn has been working here since she finished school a couple of years ago. Her brother Leo is a year younger than me. She goes around the table and when it’s finally my turn, I lean a little closer to her. “What’s the new girl’s name?” I ask making sure the others don’t hear me.

She smiles widely. “That’s Sophia’s daughter, Lacey.”

My jaw drops at this little piece of news. “I didn’t know Sophia had a daughter.” Sophia is an awesome waitress and we normally get her if we come in before six. I didn’t even know she was married, and here I was thinking of setting her up with Dad.

Autumn glances at Lacey, a warm smile on her face. “Yeah, they’re a quiet family. They keep to themselves and never cause any trouble.” Autumn looks back to me. “Why do you want to know?”

I quickly look to my menu. “Just asking. I’ll have the Spiderman with cheesy fries and a coke,” I give my order in the hopes that Autumn will forget what we’re talking about.

We spend the rest of the night chilling and we all have another round of drinks. I’m constantly aware of where Lacey is, and what she’s doing. The diner is open twenty-four-seven so when I notice Lacey duck into the back at twelve and Mary comes out to take over her tables, I know her shift is over. I throw money on the table to cover my tab and get up. “I’ll see y’all tomorrow. I’m heading home.”

I get a whole round of chin-lifts and then I jog out the front to make sure I don’t miss Lacey when she comes out.

I go stand under the diner’s sign where I can keep an eye on both the front and back entrances.

~*~

Chapter Five

Lacey~

I fold my apron and shove it in my bag. I got two, so when one is in the wash I still have one to wear. I put my bag back