Chapter 6 – Andy
Chapter Six
ANDY
Niki watches me as I move around the diner while working.
I’m not really sure how to feel about it.
I know Bobby isn’t a fan. He’s not one to hide what he’s thinking.
It plays out across his face, almost comically.
Not that Niki finds it funny. I’ve seen him shoot Bobby a couple of side glances, but he hasn’t said anything beyond that.
“How much longer do you have?” Niki asks.
He finished his pie long ago and now has a coffee that he hasn’t touched.
I think he ordered it so he’d have it in front of him and not appear to be lingering for no reason beyond watching me.
I still don’t understand what he’s doing here.
His vague answer before didn’t help me solve the mystery either.
“It depends.” I reach under the counter to pull my phone off the charger. The battery is shit, so it doesn't hold a charge for long. I check the time. “Pam should be getting here soon, but you never know with her.” I can’t leave until she comes.
Niki holds his hand out. I glance down at it. "You want a low five or something?" I smack it with mine. A half smile tugs at the corner of his lips. My eyes go there. I can’t help it. Niki does have nice, full lips. Where the hell did that thought come from? Who thinks about a man's lips?
"I want your phone."
"Ah," I laugh. "You're used to holding your hand out and people just handing things over.” He shrugs one of his thick shoulders. I bet lots of people give him whatever he wants, especially women.
"I want to put my number in it." His words surprise me. That was the absolute last thing I thought he was going to say.
"You think I need your number?" I lean up against the counter.
"Yeah, I do." I stare at him for a long moment. He's not being cocky or condescending. I still don’t understand why he wants me to have it. None of this makes sense to me.
"All right," I agree, handing it over to him.
He might be right. What if someone else shows up on me again?
They might not be as nice as he's been. Especially the part where he wiped the debt for me. Still not sure why he did that or if he’ll accept me saving him earlier for it.
I might be crazy, but I don't think he's being a creep.
In fact, I'm getting the opposite impression.
"Code."
"My birthday," I say before rambling off the numbers.
"That's soon."
"I suppose." Birthdays don't mean anything anymore.
They did when I was little, but I can't recall the last time I celebrated.
My countdown isn't for me turning eighteen. That’s the number when the government claims you're an adult.
I've been an adult since I was thirteen and got my first job and started to help with rent.
I'm counting down to being out of high school and hopefully on to the next part of my life. One that gets me the hell out of here. Away from everything and with a fresh start on my own.
Niki pulls up my text messages right as one pops up from my mom. “Don't,” I tell him when his thumb hovers over it. I can’t see what it says from here, but I know it’s my mom because of the emoji next to her name.
“She’s checking on you,” he tells me, clicking the top corner to start a new text to himself.
“I thought I was getting your number, not you getting mine.” Niki only grunts a response. I grab the pot of coffee off the burner when an older gentleman at the end of the counter motions to his cup.
When I get back, he's still fiddling with my phone. "There isn't anything interesting in there," I tell him, holding my hand out. I don’t really have a social life. School, work, and survival are already enough.
"You need a new phone." He hands it back, his fingers grazing mine in the process, making a warmth bloom deep in my stomach. I suck in a breath, pulling my hand back. My reaction to his touch startles me, it's so powerful.
"I know." I check the text from my mom, wondering why she is checking on me. Usually, the situation is reversed. She's asking when I'll be getting home. I'm not sure why, but I text her back before pulling up the text Niki sent to himself.
"You need shoes too."
"I need a lot of things." I shake my head.
The bell over the door rings, Pam rushing into the diner. “Sorry,” she says, her normal greeting when she gets here.
“You’re fine,” I tell her. I know Pam is likely late because of her little brother. She takes care of him. I’ve even watched him a few times for her. I never mind covering for her.
“How are the tips tonight?” she asks, her gaze flicking over to Niki, noticing him for the first time. Not that you can miss him.
“They’re shit.”
“Yay,” Pam sighs, tying her apron on, her eyes flicking from me to Niki.
"This is Niki," I tell her. He gives her a chin nod. "He's super chatty," I tease. Pam’s brows lift, neither of them finding me amusing. I was only trying to break the sudden awkwardness.
"Hey, can you help me in the back? I'm supposed to change out the ice bin."
"Sure." I have no clue what she is talking about. Pam disappears through the swinging door into the kitchen.
"She's going to warn you about me," Niki says before I can follow her.
"Do I need to be warned?"
"Probably." He stands, pulling out his wallet. I don’t want him to leave, and a pang of disappointment fills me. “I’ll wait out front and walk you home.” It’s not a question.
He drops money down onto the counter before heading out front. I grab the hundred, still not sure what to make of this man or the things he’s making me feel.