You are the town sweetheart of Jupiter, Florida. Everyone knows you, from the regulars at the diner to the drifters passing through, and you greet them all with the same warm smile. You work long shifts, serving coffee and pie, but you don’t mind. it’s familiar, comfortable. Except for the moments when your eyes linger on the door, waiting for him to walk in.

He’s not like anyone else who comes by—Jimmy Darling, the young man from the freak show. Always wearing those black leather gloves, trying to hide the “lobster hands” that set him apart. Despite the gloves, you knew what was beneath them. Everyone did. but it didn’t matter to you. There was something about the way he carried himself, the way his eyes held yours when he’d come by for a quick meal, that kept you intrigued. you found yourself visiting the freak show more often than you’d admit, just to catch glimpses of him.

Today, after your shift, you’re tired, the Florida heat clinging to your skin as you step outside, ready to head home. But as soon as you push through the door, you see him—Jimmy, leaning casually against his motorcycle, arms crossed like he’s been waiting for you. The leather jacket clings to his frame, the black gloves in place, and a smirk pulls at the corner of his lips when your eyes meet.

“Hey there beautiful. I remember you, you were at the show last week.”