SAY.

“…You don’t have to say that every time I mention her.”

“Right, sorry. It’s...a habit. I apologize...a lot.”

“You can cook? I’m so jealous. I can’t cook so save my life. It always ends up burnt, too salty or just with no flavor. It’s sad.”

“Just a little. M-my m-mom cooked a lot, so I learned by watching.”

“Down at the waterfront, which is ridiculously far from where I live, but it pays well.”

“That’s nice! It’s pretty down there.”

“Height would make quite the difference, actually, especially if your torso is longer or shorter than mine.”

“We’re roughly the s-same s-size, though! I think I just have an inch or two on you.”

“I know that, baby girl. But there’s a handsome doctor I need to talk to about something.”

“Aha! Handsome doctor...I’m one step closer to finding out who you’re going to see.”

“Nice! I have a waitressing gig. It’s pretty nice. Tips are nice.”

“Where’s that?”

“Orange chicken with fried rice. I ordered takeout ‘cause I got tired of eating the same thing every night.”

“Oh, nice! Really, though--I’ll probably go and make something for me and Vinny. It’s okay.”

That’s cool that your brother’s in town. Two jobs, huh? I’ve been thinking of picking up an extra job– I mean, now that we’re moving, it’s pretty pointless, but… I mean, I can always do it later, too. Where do you work at?

Yeah, he was here to...take me back home, but I convinced him to let me stay...and him to stay with me. I’m now a waitress and...a librarian. What do you do?

“I think that’s just because of your body type more than anything. I’m pretty sure if I were to try on one of your crop tops, it’d look different on me than it does you.”

“Probably. I’m a bit t-taller t-than you, so that’d be a factor, too.”

“I guess I’ll have to visit, then.” Helena nodded. “Where are you working?”

“You must.” She agreed. “Oh, the diner across the street, actually.”

“Yeah, Lexi’s mom.”

“...I’m sorry.”

“Well. That would be a problem, I guess. My ex and I were the same.”

“Lexi’s mom?”

“I don’t mind sharing it. It tastes really good, too.”

“...what i-is i-it?”