Putting away my tiny compact mirror, I stepped inside the diner to start my work that day. I had my hair pulled up and modeled the familiar black button-up with khaki pants, nothing unusual. Although I do admit, I couldn't help but jump when an unfamiliar guy's voice screeched "I got it!"

I quickly turned around just in time to see a stack of dishes falling to their shattered fate behind the counter. I gasped in horror and rushed to see who caused the mess- and if they were alright.

Lying in the midst of the broken ceramics was a boy who looked to be 17 or 18, yet very young and childish at the same time. His head slowly rose, fear crowding his hazel eyes. He looked at me and froze, knowing someone had witnessed it all.

"Am... am I in trouble?" he gulped, practically shaking.

"Depends, who are you?" I asked, surprised at the calmness in my voice.

"I-I'm Liam. The new bus boy." he stuttered, finally getting up off the floor.

"Not a good way to start out, but you'll be fine. Go on and do your thing, I'll clean this up." I waved him away, and he immediately obeyed. I felt bad for the kid, but wondered at the same time why he hadn't known better. He can't be much younger than me, he should know what to do.

I grabbed the broom from the closet and sweeped all the shards into a corner, then into a pan, then into the dump. I decided I would keep my mouth shut, just because the kid was new, and keep on with my day. I was sad to find out Jen called in sick today, so I really would have to train this kid all by myself. I shook my head and got my notebook from my apron to take an order from table #7. I felt Liam's eyes follow me as I approched the table, took the order, and walked towards the kitched to wait on it. I could tell he was a shy kid, and no doubt nervous on his first day. I didn't even know we were hiring, and based on his experience, he must be an exception.

I grabbed the tray of food when it was finished, and took the time to pass him before dropping off the order.

"Kid, if you need any help, don't be afraid to ask. I promise I'm not as tough as the other ones." I gave him an encouraging smile, even though I could care less about his training. I delivered the food and continued this process for the next 5 hours.

I found out the kid was really sensitive, and took everything personally. I had to watch my patience around him and make sure he understood just how many plates to carry at once. I implied that balance was very important, and could be achieved through yoga if all else fails. He looked at me like I was trying to fool him, but I only shrugged in return. I'm a waitress, not a bus boy.

The day dragged on, but I finally got to escape the place 20 minutes early due to lack of service. I ran out to my car, checking my phone as I started the engine. I was surprised to see a message from Niall, asking if I was busy that night. I knew I wasn't so I told him just that, and found out he wanted to bring over some dinner he made. I greatefully accepted the idea and made sure to hurry home.

Just as I reached my door, Niall was opening his. We said our hellos and I unlocked the door into the small box of a home. He said he would get it all ready while I went to my room to get changed. I didn't dress up too much, as I wasn't going to leave my house, but I did make sure to use a tiny bit of makeup to fix any thing work had done to my face. When I felt presentable, I left the room and met Niall in my living room. It wasn't usual for him to come over without an excuse, so I raised an eyebrow at him and the somewhat elegantly set table.

"I can explain, just give me a moment." he chuckled at my expression, and I let him start off on his story while I joined him.

"So, I went to cook my dinner, right? You know I cook. Well, I habitually made two servings, for who would have been Elsie... and I realized it too late. I didn't want to waste it, so I cooked it anyway. I don't have weekly company like you do, so I had no idea what to do with such a wonderful meal. Then I remembered you lived right across the hall!" he exclaimed, eager to persuade me.

"Ok ok I get it. But couldn't you have just put it in the refridgerator for tomorrow night?"

"I could have, but what's the fun in two lonely nights of dinner when you can have one night of dinner with lovely company?"

"You aren't giving away a perfectly marinated chicken breast?" I suggested.

"Ok, you caught me. I just wanted to stop by for a reason other than receiving your mail." he grinned in defeat.

"That's all you had to say! Now why did you want to come over?"

"I enjoy your company, I guess." he admitted. We chatted for the next couple hours and until it was dark out. We had gotten into some deep conversations, but also learned more about each other, as we usually did. I forgot what it was we were laughing about, but it took him a while to get a breath of air before he could speak up again.

"You know, Em, I really never got to see just how amazing you are while Elsie was the #1 girl in my life. I feel like she was a barrier from getting to know people. I dedicated all my time to her, and she blinded me from seeing the great people who were already in my life. I'm quite glad she isn't around anymore."

"Well good for you. You shouldn't feel tied down to someone after the relationship ends. Now you can see what you were missing. Enjoy the single life, if you will." I suggested.

"Do you like it?" he suddenly questioned.

"What's that?"

"The single life. Do you mind it? Or have you finally gotten together with that lad from school?"

"No no, I'm still single. And I guess it's alright, I mean it get's old when you've lived it for 18 straight years, but then again I can't really compare the two, now can I?"

"I can, and you seem to be making the best of it. How do you do that?"

"I don't know what I'm missing, I guess. I'm not trying to make the best of anything. I just go along with it."

"Who was that lad dropping you off last night, then? I was about to run up to the store, but saw you two huggin' all alone, so I figured I'd let you have your privacy."

"Oh, him? Just a friend of mine from school. We aren't interested in each other at all."

"Good. He looked a bit like a doofus, if you ask me."

"He is a bit of a doofus. But he has good intentions."

"If you don't mind me being a bit nosy, then who is it that you're dreaming of?" he wondered out loud.

"Not at all, as long as you don't rat on me to my grandfather. But he's in my grade, and to sum it up, he's great-looking, smart, nice, funny, and based on last-night's dinner he's a little distant... but he's still a good guy."

"You went out with him?"

"It was a group friend thing."

"Double date, then?"

"No, I was the only girl with three guys."

"And none of them were gay?"

"No, not openly anyhow." I giggled at that.

"You should be safe. I don't wanna sound like an old dad, but to the rest of the world, one girl with a group of guys looks like a lot of different things."

"Oh yes yes I understand. But we are just having a good time. Nice, clean fun."

"Sure you were. Just know you can gimme a call if you're ever stuck in a situation like that. I know your grandparents aren't always over, and I feel like I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't protect you like I should. So don't be afraid to call me up sometime." he looked serious, as if I was going to be in danger anytime soon.

"Well thank you, but I think I'll be ok. Only know of one lad who may or may not be interested in me, but he doesn't seem like my type."

"According to your grandfather, there really is only one type for you." he chuckled heartily at the reference to himself and I didn't hesitate to join. My grandfather was really something.

"I will say, though, that he has a great taste in men." he joked.

"Agreed."

His head shot up at this, and looked at me questionably.

"And what'd you mean by that, dear?"

"Well, I- uh..." I felt burn on top of burn rush up to my face, and I looked away in pure embarrassment.

"Do you... fancy me, Em?" a grin appeared on his face, quickly spreading to either side.

"I wouldn't say fancy, exactly..." I tried to defend myself, but only made it worse.

"It's alright, you can tell me. Honest, I won't tease." he looked at me with curiosity creeping out of his gaze. I felt almost ashamed to admit that the man sitting across from me was indeed handsome, smart, kind, and friendly towards me unlike any other guy had been. I couldn't tell him that, could I?

"Well, you're different. And I like that." I mumbled, again horrified to hear the words come out in such a bold manner.

"I like you too, Em. It's okay."

The words registered as quick as lightning, and I didn't know how to reply to that. I didn't honestly like him, sure he was a great guy and would make a great husband or boyfriend, but I had eyes for someone else. I just found Niall a wonderful person.

"What-"

"I didn't want to tell you now, but that one just kinda of slipped out." he shrugged.

"Niall... I don't think you understand."

"I get it if you're not ready for a relationship. And you said you had eyes for someone else, that's cool. But remember, I'm still an option. Age shouldn't matter."

"Erm... ok. I think you should get going now, I have school tomorrow, and, yeah." I couldn't think of any other excuse to get him to leave.

"Of course."

I walked him over to the door and found myself staring daggers into the floor so I didn't have to face him. I don't think I could speak normally if I had to look into those pleading eyes one more time.

"Em, look at me."

My eyes reluctantly met his, and I was shocked to see how close he was to me. I just waited for him to say something, because I knew I wouldn't be speaking anytime soon.

"Think about it, honey. I can wait." he placed a kiss on my forehead, which no doubt made me melt into the floor, but I waited for him to shut the door behind him before I took on that action. What was I going to tell him? Do I even know what I think about this? Is this all just some kind of joke?

I shook the confusing thoughts out of my head before turning in for the night, ready to get some much-needed rest.