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ONE

Blake

I’m so sick of staring at my four apartment walls. I need to get out of here, I think as I slam my laptop closed and roll my chair away from my desk.

I can’t help but groan as I stretch my back and roll my shoulders. I’ve been working since five this morning. I’m ready to call it a day and grab a late lunch. I glance at the clock and sigh.

Make that an early dinner. It’s way past lunchtime.

I tuck my chair under the desk and gather my things. I’m too tired to cook, so that means I’m going out. Wolf Valley is a small town, and there aren’t many options for restaurants around here. I’m not hungry for tacos or pizza, so that means the Nosh Diner it is.

I’ve been living in Wolf Valley for the last few months. I moved here when my company allowed me to work remotely. I wanted to find a safe town with cheap rent so I could save some money. Things have been going well. My only complaint is that I haven’t been able to spend much time with my new friends. I spend all of my time inside, staring at my computer screen. I’m hoping to change that in the next few weeks, though. Now that I’m all settled in my apartment and have a good routine going, I should be able to get out more.

I grab my keys and head out of my place. I live above the barbershop in town, and I wave to Mr. Grainger as I pass his front window and cross the street to the diner.

I head in and search the place for my friend, Cameron. Her husband owns the diner, and she works here when he needs a hand. I don’t see her blonde hair, though. Instead, a curvy redhead comes out of the kitchen and tells me to sit wherever I like. I smile as I head over to an empty booth and slide in with my back to the wall so I can people-watch while I eat.

“Hey, can I get you something to drink?” the server asks.

“Just a water, please.”

“Sure thing. I’m Ruby. You’ve been in here before, right? I think I’ve seen you around.”

“Yeah, a few times. I live over there,” I tell her, pointing to my apartment.

“Cool. When did you move to town?”

“How do you know I’m not a local?”

Ruby grins. “Because I’ve been here for a year and a half, and I know everyone.”

I laugh. “I moved here a few months ago.”

Ruby leans against the side of the booth. “How are you liking it?”

“I love it here. It’s so quiet and peaceful. Everyone is friendly.”

“Good. We should hang out sometime. Get a coffee or whatever,” she suggests.

I nod eagerly. “That would be great!”

“I’ll give you my number.” She pulls out her notepad and scribbles her number on it.

“Thanks.”

“Of course. Let me know when you’re free. Now, I’ll get you that water.”

She turns and heads back to the kitchen. I grab a menu and scan it. The diner is pretty empty at this time—an older couple eating on the other side of the restaurant, and a trucker sitting at the counter.

I decide on the club sandwich with fries and set the menu aside. The door opens, and a man about my age walks in. He scans the restaurant. Between how he carries himself and his haircut, I’d bet money he’s in the military.

His eyes wander over me before landing on Ruby as she reappears with my drink.

“Sit wherever,” she tells him.

He nods, glancing at me again before sitting in the booth next to mine, facing me.

I bite my lip, blushing as I look away.