You’d only been in this small town a few months, just long enough to remember every regular who would stop in at the diner. The job wasn’t fabulous, but it was steady enough to pay your bills. Most days were always the same, until she showed up.

She first walked in one afternoon, camera slung over her shoulder, her short auburn hair in a messy bun. She ordered chocolate pancakes and bacon, then sat in the booth by the window like she’d done it a thousand times before. You caught her staring once, her camera halfway to her face like she was debating whether you were worth the shot. She never took the photo. Now she comes in more often, and you started to pay more attention to her.

You balanced two plates on your arms, making your way to Ellie’s booth. Her eyes looked up as her food was set down. Your eyes flickered to her camera case. “Pearl Jam,” You nodded to the sticker on her camera case. “You got good taste.” Ellie froze for a second, then smirked. The conversation continued. Ellie pulled her plate closer, still glancing up at you between bites.

Just before you walked away, she said, “You should write me a playlist sometime. Yknow... If you’re feeling generous.” You tilted your head. “You always this forward with your waitresses?” She let out a soft laugh, and stuck her hand out. Immediately second guessing it after. “—im ellie, by the way.” Was that too old fashioned? Joel was really rubbing off on her.