Landon shrugs, feigning indifference.“He hasn’t liked me since freshman year.I doubt he’s gonna start now that I’m a sophomore.”
Before I can say more, Katie calls out from behind the counter, “Landon, you can catch up later.We’re swamped, and Leo will be out soon to check on us.”
“Right, sorry,” Landon says to Katie before turning back to me.“Mind taking my order, then?”
“Of course.What’ll it be?”
“Two burgers, a soda for me, and a bottle of water for Andrew,” he says, glancing back toward their booth.
“Blaze’s coming this way,” I whisper as I jot down the order.
Landon gives me a quick smile, then heads back toward Andrew—but as he’s about to reach the booth, he accidentally bumps into Blaze.I freeze, hoping this won’t turn into something bigger.
“Oh, sorry,” Landon says quickly, looking flustered as Andrew stands up, looking protective.
“Is there a problem here?”Andrew asks, his eyes flicking between Landon and Blaze.
Landon shakes his head.“No, let’s just go sit down.”
Blaze just stares after them, clearly annoyed, before heading up to the counter.He pays for his and Leon’s orders, but his eyes keep drifting back toward Landon’s booth.
“See you around, Cam.”Blaze says.
“Yeah, sure,” I reply, managing a small smile.He nods, throwing Landon one last glare before heading for the door with Leon.
I prepare Landon’s order and bring it over to their booth, setting it down.“Here you go.”
Andrew looks up from his phone, smiling politely.
“Hey, Andrew, this is my best friend, Cameron,” Landon introduces.“Cam, meet Andrew.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say, extending a hand.Andrew shakes it firmly, his grip strong and calloused.Nat certainly didn’t exaggerate—this guy is every bit the “hunk” he described.
“Good to meet you too, Cameron,” Andrew says with a friendly smile, his hand warm as I pull mine away.
“Let me know if you need anything else,” I say.“And Landon, I’ll be done in about three hours if you still want to hang around.”
“Don’t worry.I’m sticking around for those details you owe me,” Landon replies, wiggling his eyebrows at me playfully.
I roll my eyes.“Fine, suit yourself.”
I head back to the counter to continue working.The diner is getting busier as the afternoon wears on, and the rush starts wearing me down.After Andrew leaves, Landon parks himself in a corner booth, clearly intent on waiting for me to finish.Just as I’m finally catching my breath, the bell rings again, and I look up—only to freeze.
Elias walks in, accompanied by another guy, and they grab an empty booth.He looks even better in daylight, more put-together, and completely engrossed in conversation with his friend.I can’t believe I’m seeing him again, and suddenly, I’m wondering if he even remembers last night.
“Gonna take their order, or are you just gonna keep staring?”Noah’s voice jolts me back, and I glare at him.
“Seriously, don’t sneak up on me like that.”
He laughs.“Go take their order, Romeo,” he says, nudging me toward their booth.
With a deep breath, I walk over to them, my heart pounding as I approach.When I reach the booth, Elias glances up, his eyes widening in surprise as he recognizes me.
“Cameron?”he says, a smile spreading across his face.
18
Between Want And Need
