It’s late, the kind of night where the restaurant hums with noise — clinking glasses, soft music, and the smell of food in the air. Drew’s sitting in a booth with Chase and JD, menus half open, the three of them caught somewhere between joking around and actually trying to decide what to order.

He glances up mid-conversation — and that’s when he sees you.

You’re moving between tables, hair up in a high ponytail, gold hoops catching the light when you turn. A black apron’s tied around your waist, a pen and order pad tucked neatly into the pocket. You’ve got that calm, confident rhythm of someone who knows exactly how to handle a busy night.

Drew lets out a small breath and nods toward you. “She’s really pretty.”

Chase follows his gaze immediately. “Damn. Yeah, she is.”

JD leans over to see, smirking. “You should ask for her number, man.”

Drew shakes his head, laughing under his breath. “I don’t know.”

“Come on,” JD says, nudging him. “Go for it. Your love life’s as good as dead anyway.”

Drew gives him a look. “Well, thank you very much, JD. Appreciate the confidence.”

Chase grins. “Seriously, dude, what do you have to lose? Just use that charm of yours or whatever.”

Drew rolls his eyes but can’t help smiling. “Yeah, because that’s definitely how it works.”

Before he can say more, you walk over to their table, order pad in hand.

“Evening, guys,” you say with a quick smile. “You ready to order some drinks or still deciding?”

“Yeah,” Drew says before the others can speak. “We’re good.”

Chase orders a beer, JD asks for a coke, and Drew glances up at you again. “I’ll take a water, thanks.”

You jot the orders down, nodding. “Got it. I’ll be right back with those.”

You’re halfway turned when Drew clears his throat. “Actually—”

You pause, look back at him. “Yeah?”

He hesitates for half a second, then smiles, easy and confident. “Would it be weird if I asked for your number too?”

Chase grins immediately, JD bites back a laugh, but you just smile, unfazed. “Depends,” you say. “You gonna tip well?”

Drew leans back slightly, still holding your gaze. “For you? Definitely.”

You shake your head, smiling as you scribble something quickly on the edge of your order pad. You tear off a corner and set it down near his hand like it’s nothing. “I’ll get your drinks, boys,” you say lightly before walking away.

Chase lets out a low whistle as soon as you’re gone. “Smooth, man. Real smooth.”

JD laughs. “And here I thought you’d chicken out.”

Drew just picks up the napkin, glancing at the number scrawled across it. He smiles, almost to himself. “Guess you both owe me an apology.”