Page 43 of Monster Diner

Lizzy took the order to her table and worked through the rest of the rush without stopping for breaks. By the time the diner had cleared out, her feet were aching but she was feeling light. She loved chatting with people, loved the excitement of her work. She loved the diner.

All the tables were empty, and Vivianne was slumped at the counter, while Lizzy sat on the barstool next to her, rubbing her aching feet.

Victor came out of the kitchen, apron balled up in his hand.

“Now that it’s slowed, I’ll head home. Brayden needs me,” he muttered.

Lizzy stared at him, willing him to meet her gaze, but he wouldn’t look back at her. And instead, he walked out through the kitchen.

Lizzy slumped against her chair, defeated. Why she kept trying was a mystery.

“What are you two fighting about?” Vivianne asked. Lizzy felt the swirl of curiosity flowing off her.

“Who says we were fighting?” Lizzy said, keeping her tone neutral.

Vivianne tilted her head at Lizzy and rolled her eyes. “I’m not an idiot. He’s been moping around for a week, burning food, locking himself in the office, taking things apart. I know Victor. He’s upset.”

“It’s complicated.”

“And I’m not a toddler.”

Lizzy sighed and slid on her shoes once more. “I just broke up with my ex.”

“Are you still in love with him?”

“No.”

“Do you not like Victor back?”

“I do like him, a lot. But he can do better.”

She scoffed. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a catch.”

Lizzy shook her head. “I’m a mess.”

“As if Victor isn’t? I saw the guy remake a pancake three times in a row ’cause it wasn’t the right shade of golden-brown.”

Lizzy snorted. She could see Victor doing that. It was charming in its own way and also reminded her of what he’d said to her the day she’d ended things. That he wasn’t enough. She knew how much his perfect image meant to him. But she didn’t need perfection. She wasn’t sure what she needed at all.

“Why do you care?” Lizzy asked her.

Vivianne hesitated a moment and leaned back in her seat, holding onto the edge of the counter so she didn’t fall off the stool. “I love this place. Have since I was a kid. My grandma used to bring me here every Sunday for pancakes. Frank always made me feel special. I applied here thinking it would be a temporary thing, just while I got my degree online. But I’ve had my diploma for almost a year, and yet I stay. I tell myself it’s ’cause I’m getting my master’s, but really, I can’t let this place go. It’s got this magic pull, you know?”

Lizzy did know. She had been resisting its charm, but it was working its way under her skin, and the thought of leaving made her stomach churn.

“When I first got here, I felt pressured to keep up the family legacy,” Lizzy said. “And I stayed out of obligation.”

“But you’re not staying just for that anymore, are you?”

Lizzy exhaled. “No.”

“Is it for Victor?”

She hesitated to answer. She’d thought it was for him. But it wasn’t merely Victor. It wasn’t for her dad either. She wanted to see the diner thrive. She’d forgotten how much she loved this place until she’d come back. It held memories, both good and painful. She’d wanted to run away because she was afraid to confront the fact that she’d distanced herself from a father she’d thought didn’t love her. But in his way, he’d been reaching out to her. This diner had been his last attempt. Staying here wouldn’t be for his memory though, but for her. Something she could build; something she was good at and could be proud of.

“Not for him either,” Lizzy said.

“Then, what are you going to do?” Vivianne asked.