The Pastor's Daughter (closed for Serenity30822)

Mr_Positive

Returning veteran
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Aug 29, 2024
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The fog hung low over the harbor, thick and gray, blurring the world into soft edges as Nate Caldwell tightened his grip on the wheel. It was just past dawn, and the town still slept while he navigated his boat out of the dock. The gentle hum of the motor was the only sound, settling his mind into that early morning rhythm he’d come to crave.

This was his routine now—quiet, steady, the opposite of the life he’d once lived. Out here, he wasn’t thinking about who he’d been, or what he’d lost; the sea had a way of washing those thoughts clean, at least for a while. Nate glanced down at his hands, rough and scarred from years of reeling in lines and hauling gear, a stark contrast to the manicured fingers he used to press into glass conference tables.

He maneuvered the boat a little farther from shore, letting it drift as he took in the muted colors of the early morning sky. It was beautiful in its own way, this simple life he’d rebuilt for himself—a life that didn’t require anyone’s approval, just a bit of hard work and a respect for the tide. He ran his fingers through his salt-stiffened hair and let out a slow breath, feeling the familiar weight of solitude settling around him.

But lately, that solitude had started to feel different. Heavy. Something he couldn’t shrug off so easily. Maybe it was the way people looked at him in town, the curious glances of strangers who knew him only as the quiet guy running fishing charters. Or maybe it was because, despite himself, he’d noticed her—those glimpses of warmth and restlessness in her eyes, the way she smiled just a little too long when their paths crossed in town.

Nate rubbed a hand over his face, chuckling quietly to himself. Whatever it was, it was foolish. He wasn’t about to complicate things—not when he’d just finally started to understand this version of himself. He straightened, shook off the thought, and turned his attention back to the open water, letting it claim his focus once more.
 
Amy Roberts jolted awake with a start, her skin slick with a fine sheen of sweat and her face flushed. "Darnit..." she muttered to herself, sitting up for a moment to collect her thoughts. This was the third night this week she'd woken herself up this way, her dreams far too vivid to allow her to get a good nights sleep. It always started out the same. She'd be leaving church, heading home, and see a vehicle on the side of the road. She'd stop behind them, get out and walk around to the front of the vehicle just to find it was him. Nate Caldwell.

They'd never actually officially met, but she saw his gaze linger sometimes and there was just something about him that drew her to him, made her want to know him. She put thoughts of him aside when she was awake but the subconscious was far more difficult to reign in. She knew nothing would happen between them. After all, she was Amy Roberts. Only daughter of pastor Alan Roberts. She was the church pianist, straight A student, resident 'good girl' of the town. According to everyone else's sensibilities, Nate was too old for her, too closed off, too solitary, and any number of other reasons he wouldn't be a good match for her.

Heaving a sigh, Amy swung her legs off the bed and stood, stretching her aching muscles. A quick glance at her clock showed that it was barely 7am. She still had six hours before she really needed to log in for her school work. She was taking college courses online for social work, and was nearly finished with her degree, in her final term. She moved over to her closet, choosing a slimming pair of jeans and comfortable tank top for the day, making her way to the bathroom to get cleaned up.

She planned to take on the day by finding a job, something she could handle while she was still in school, but that would allow her to take on more hours once she graduated. She currently had her own small apartment in town, the bills along with her tuition paid for by her parents, but she had her sights set higher. And to move up in the world, you needed money.

Showered, dressed, and ready to go, Amy set off to put in applications. Just about everywhere she could think to do so. Her last stop was a diner on the edge of town, one she'd only been to twice before, both times with her parents. She filled out the application, and by this time it was nearly noon, so she ordered herself something to eat and started to daydream about her plans for her future.
 
Nate squinted against the midday sun as he stepped out of his truck, his body aching from hours on the water. The morning fog had burned off, leaving a bright but crisp day that brought most folks out, filling the diner parking lot as he walked across it. The smell of coffee and fried food met him as he opened the door, and he found himself almost instinctively relaxing in the familiar bustle of lunchtime chatter.

He slid onto a stool at the counter, nodding at the waitress who gave him a knowing smile, used to his usual order by now. "Coffee and the special, please," he said, his voice low but warm enough. Nate didn’t look around much; his habit was to keep his head down, to avoid the watchful eyes of the locals who always seemed to be piecing him together like a puzzle they couldn’t solve. Not that he blamed them—he knew how he must look to them. A newcomer with a past they didn’t know and a presence that didn’t quite fit their easygoing coastal town.

As he waited for his coffee, Nate’s eyes drifted out of habit, scanning the room until they stopped, lingering just a second longer on the girl at the corner table. He recognized her right away—Amy Roberts. The pastor’s daughter. She was looking down at something on her phone, her face relaxed, not noticing him, and he found himself quickly looking away, like he’d done every other time he’d caught her eye.

“Here you go, Nate.” The waitress set his coffee down in front of him, and he muttered his thanks, taking a sip, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Amy.

She didn’t belong in this place, he thought, or maybe it was just that she stood out in it. There was a softness to her that felt out of place here, her eyes bright with a kind of hope he hadn’t felt in years. Nate had seen her enough times to know she was different from most of the people in town, but he knew better than to start wondering about her, especially knowing who she was. Her father was a good man but the type who wouldn’t hesitate to protect his daughter from someone like him. And Amy was… well, she was everything he wasn’t.

But still, he couldn't shake the feeling that lingered when he saw her. An unfamiliar urge to talk to her, to find out if there was something more than what he could see from a distance. He’d spent so long keeping people at arm's length that the impulse surprised him. She was too young for him, he reminded himself. Too sheltered. And his life wasn’t one he’d wish on anyone, least of all someone like Amy Roberts.

He sighed, setting his mug down, his gaze still pulled in her direction, almost without his consent. "Get a grip, Caldwell," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He reminded himself that his days of getting involved with people—especially people who could complicate his life—were over.

But as the waitress set his plate down and he took the first bite of his lunch, he found that, despite his best efforts, his gaze still kept drifting back to her.
 
Thoroughly engrossed in her daydream, Amy hadn't taken a bite of her food, noticed the waitress coming to check on her, or even when Nate had come in. She was completely lost in thought. Until someone in the kitchen dropped something and the loud noise startled her out of her dream. Her head snapped up and she spun quickly, looking for the source of the jolt, only to spot him. And not just him, but him looking at her!

Amy quickly dropped her gaze to her untouched plate, knowing her cheeks were bright red. She picked up her fork and shoveled in a big bite of eggs in an attempt to hide her embarrassment at her reaction, the noise completely forgotten. She fought the urge to peek over there and see if he had looked away too, but found that she couldn't quite stop herself, glancing up just enough to catch a quick peek.
 
Nate watched her reaction out of the corner of his eye, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. She’d been lost in her own world, clearly startled by the clatter from the kitchen, and now she was doing everything she could to hide the flush in her cheeks. He leaned back slightly on his stool, sipping his coffee as he let the moment play out.

He didn’t look away this time. Not immediately, anyway. She’d glanced his way—just for a split second—and though she tried to mask it with her attention to her plate, Nate caught it. He’d been on the receiving end of enough looks over the years to know when someone was curious. Her quick, shy glance only confirmed what he’d already started to suspect.

It was a strange thing, that flicker of attention between them. Nate wasn’t sure what to make of it, but he didn’t mind it, either. There was something innocent about it, something that made him feel like he wasn’t entirely invisible, despite how hard he tried to keep it that way.

He cleared his throat, more to himself than anyone else, and looked back down at his plate. Picking up his fork, he focused on his food, cutting into a piece of his omelet with slow, deliberate movements. He wasn’t going to make this any more awkward than it already was—for her or for himself.

Still, a thought nagged at the back of his mind as he ate. What did she see, exactly, when she looked at him? A curiosity? A puzzle? Or maybe just another face in a small town where everyone knew everyone else’s business? Whatever it was, he decided it didn’t matter.

But when the waitress came by to refill his coffee, Nate broke his silence just enough to say, “Thanks, Mae.” He spoke low, his tone casual, but he didn’t miss how Amy’s shoulders straightened ever so slightly at the sound of his voice.

He allowed himself a small smile as he wrapped his hands around the warm mug. Quietly confident was how he’d lived his life since coming here—no need for complications, no need for drama. And yet, as he sat there in the diner, with Amy Roberts stealing glances his way, he couldn’t deny the faint tug of curiosity pulling at him, too.
 
Amy had tried to put him out of her mind, but it was much more difficult to accomplish when he was in the same room. And when she heard his voice, barely there with the din of idle chatter from the other patrons, her whole body stiffened for a moment. It was the sort of voice a writer would describe as smoky and smooth like an expensive whiskey, not that she really understood that sentiment. She'd tried some alcohols before but hadn't really enjoyed any of them. No, if she were a writer, she would describe his voice as sultry and mysterious, like he had a sordid past he never told anyone about.

And that was a thought she would never give voice to. Just thinking it had her blushing all over again, embarrassment at what could only be described as pining for a man she'd never even really met. Finishing her eggs, Amy stood and grabbed her things, picking up the check she didn't remember the waitress dropping off, and heading to the pay counter, deliberately avoiding looking at him.

The register wasn't far at all from where he sat, only a couple of currently empty seats down, so she kept her eyes straight ahead, afraid that even a glance would give away the silly musings in her mind. Amy waited for one of the waitresses to have time to come close out her check, pulling out her phone to feign being busy so she wouldn't be so tempted to turn toward him and start a conversation.
 
Nate heard the soft scrape of her chair against the floor, a sound that cut through the white noise of the diner’s lunchtime hum. Without lifting his head, he tracked her movement in his periphery as she stood and made her way to the register. She passed close enough that he caught a faint whiff of something subtle and sweet, like lavender or vanilla—something simple, nothing overdone. It fit her, he thought, understated but noticeable in a way you couldn’t quite ignore.

His gaze lingered for a moment longer than he intended, catching details he hadn’t allowed himself to dwell on before. She had a way of carrying herself that was both determined and hesitant, like she wanted to be bold but wasn’t entirely sure how. Her jeans fit just right, hugging her curves without being showy, and the casual tank top showed a hint of soft, sun-kissed skin at her shoulders. She was young, sure—maybe too young for someone like him—but there was a maturity in her posture, an awareness of the space she occupied that he couldn’t help but notice.

Nate took a slow sip of his coffee, setting the mug down with deliberate care. He leaned back slightly, his arm resting on the counter as his eyes flicked toward her again. She was pretending to be engrossed in her phone, her fingers scrolling just a little too quickly for someone who was actually reading. It amused him, the little games people played when they were trying not to be noticed.

"Morning's still young," he said aloud, his voice low and easy, as if to no one in particular. The words hung in the air between them, close enough for her to hear but casual enough to let her decide if she wanted to respond. He wasn’t about to force anything—he never did—but there was something entertaining about seeing how she’d react.

Nate’s lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile as he shifted his attention back to his plate. He wasn’t trying to fluster her, not really, but he couldn’t deny he enjoyed the quiet exchange. There was a spark in her, a nervous energy that made her interesting to watch.

She’d probably be gone in another minute, her bill paid and her phone tucked away, but for now, Nate was content to let the moment stretch. He wasn’t in a hurry, and he suspected she was trying harder not to look at him than she’d care to admit.
 
It took every ounce of self control Amy had not to jump when Nate spoke again. And considering there was no one around the two of them, it had to have been intended for her, surely he wasn't just speaking to himself. She absolutely couldn't stand rudeness, to or from her, so she kind of had to respond to him.

Reluctantly, she lifted her head and tucked away her phone, trying to put on her best fake smile as she turned to look at him. "I suppose it is, isn't it? How are you?" She said, trying for the typical polite greetings when addressing a stranger. She did her best to keep her face neutral, to not betray any of the thoughts below the surface.

She found herself studying him, now that she was close enough to do so, while trying not to be obvious about it. She noticed his sun worn and scarred hands and wondered how they'd feel against her own skin. Amy's eyes widened briefly and she looked away slightly, not wanting him to see her embarrassment and wonder why she was starting to blush.
 
Nate glanced up from his coffee, meeting her gaze for the first time. Her polite smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but he could see she was making an effort. That, in itself, was interesting. Most people didn’t bother much with pleasantries around him, especially if they weren’t looking for anything. But she was different.

“I’m doing alright,” he said simply, his voice carrying that calm, smoky undertone that seemed to linger even after the words were spoken. “How about you? Out running errands?” He gestured lightly toward the check in her hand, his tone casual, like they’d had this kind of conversation before.

He watched her for a moment, noting the subtle shift in her expression as she looked at him. There was curiosity there, almost like she was trying to figure him out but wasn’t sure how to go about it. It wasn’t the first time he’d noticed it—he’d caught her glancing his way before, in the pews at church, when she thought no one was paying attention.

The memory brought a faint smile to his lips, though he kept it restrained. He didn’t go to church often—maybe once every month or two—but when he did, he always saw her. The pastor’s daughter, poised behind the organ, hands moving with practiced grace as she played the hymns. It had struck him then, the quiet composure she carried, the way she seemed almost untouchable in her own space. Seeing her here, close enough to talk to, was a different thing entirely.

“You’re Pastor Roberts’ daughter, aren’t you?” Nate asked, though he already knew the answer. His tone was easy, unassuming, like he was just connecting the dots. “I think I’ve seen you at the church a few times.”

He leaned back slightly, resting his forearm on the counter. There was no rush in his manner, no need to fill the silence as he let the words settle. She was blushing now, faintly but noticeably, and he wondered what thought had passed through her mind to bring that color to her cheeks. It wasn’t his place to ask, but it made her seem less polished, less like the untouchable girl behind the organ and more like a real person.

He took a sip of his coffee, letting the moment stretch just enough to keep things interesting. “Nice to finally put a name to the face,” he said, a hint of a smile playing at the edge of his mouth. “I’m Nate, by the way.”
 
Amy found herself nodding when he asked his questions, nervous about something she couldn't quite put her finger on. She watched his mouth as he spoke, noting the slight curl at the edges when he nearly smiled.

"I'm out looking for a job, actually, and decided to stop for lunch. And yes, I'm Amy. It's nice to meet you, Nate." she finally responded, a little bit of an actual smile on her face at the end of that sentence, for reasons she wouldn't admit even to herself.

Luckily, the waitress had finally come to take care of her ticket, drawing her attention away. She paid her tab, left a tip, and turned toward Nate once more. "Hope you have a good rest of your day, Nate." She said with a smile as she made her way to the door to leave.

Once out in the parking lot, Amy hurried into her car, cranking up the A/C and just sitting there, staring down at the steering wheel for a minute. She groaned inwardly, exclaiming more at herself than anything, "Why are you so awkward!" as she leaned forward and pressed her forehead to the steering wheel, getting lost in her thoughts.

She'd wanted very much to reach out and offer to shake his hand, her curiosity at the texture of her skin driving that thought, but she couldn't bring herself to do it, or to have a full on conversation with him at that. She was so used to being the quiet 'good girl' who never did anything wrong, or stepped out of line, or talked to strangers.

Amy was beginning to work on that part of herself, but she couldn't do much while still living in this town. She had no choice really but to remain under her father's thumb.
 
Nate watched her go, his eyes following her to the door as she offered him that parting smile. He nodded in return, the barest inclination of his head, but he didn’t say anything. Words felt unnecessary in the moment, and he wasn’t the type to fill silences with chatter. Besides, something about the way her lips curved upward, just a little, said more than anything else could. It was unpolished, maybe even hesitant, but it was real.

“Have a good one, Amy,” he murmured softly after she was already gone, the words meant more for himself than for anyone else.

He turned back to his coffee, letting the ceramic warmth seep into his hands as his thoughts lingered on her. A job, she’d said. He couldn’t help but smirk a little at the thought. It wasn’t hard to imagine how Alan Roberts might react to his daughter working somewhere like this diner, surrounded by the casual hum of gossip and the occasional sharp edge of the world outside the church walls.

Nate admired that, though. The effort she was making to step outside of whatever mold had been cast for her. It reminded him of the girl he’d noticed in church, fingers moving with practiced precision across the keys, a picture of composure on the outside. Now, though, he could see the edges of something else beneath that surface—something restless, curious, maybe even bold, though she might not have realized it herself.

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head slightly. “Amy,” he said softly, testing the name out loud. It suited her, simple but with a quiet strength he hadn’t expected.

The waitress came by, refilling his mug without a word, and he nodded his thanks, though his mind wasn’t on the coffee. For some reason, he could still see her there, standing close enough that he’d caught the faint scent of her shampoo, the light flush on her cheeks when she looked at him. He hadn’t missed the way her eyes lingered, either, flitting between his face and his hands like she was trying to piece something together.

Nate’s smile deepened for a moment before he let it fade. He wasn’t blind to the unspoken tension between them, the tentative curiosity in her words and actions. But he also knew the complications that came with it. She was the pastor’s daughter, young and still figuring out her place in the world. And him? He was a man who’d seen too much, lived too long in the gray spaces. Their lives didn’t fit together, not in any way that made sense.

Still, as he drained the last of his coffee and set the mug down with a quiet clink, Nate couldn’t deny the flicker of something unexpected stirring inside him. Maybe it was her awkward charm, or maybe it was just the way she’d looked at him like he wasn’t just another face in the crowd. Whatever it was, it had left its mark.

He settled his tab and stepped outside, the midday sun warming his face as he walked to his truck. He didn’t look around the lot for her car, didn’t let himself search for another glimpse of her. But as he climbed in and started the engine, he found himself wondering if this would really be the last time they crossed paths.

Somehow, he doubted it.
 
The sound of a truck starting up jerked Amy out of her thoughts, and without looking for the source of the sound, she checked her mirrors and pulled out of the parking lot, heading towards her apartment without a second thought. She had wasted enough time daydreaming and lost in thought, she really needed to get back and log in for school.

She let her mind wander as much as she dared while driving through town, replaying the exchange between herself and Nate in her head. Pulling into her parking space safely a few minutes later, she hurried upstairs and set her laptop up, putting her things away while it loaded everything for school.

During her classes she found that she was having some trouble focusing, her mind drifting back to the diner while she absently doodled on a bit of paper she'd been taking notes on. When her professor clapped his hands and said they were finished for the day, she realized she'd barely heard a word. Amy groaned inwardly, making a mental note to get someone else's notes for the days lecture so she wasn't completely in the dark.

When she closed the browser and lifted her arm to close her laptop screen, she paused, staring at the doodle she'd scribbled haphazardly on the note paper. She'd always been fairly talented, at most anything she chose to pursue, but drawing was something she'd always had to really focus on and try really hard to be good at. But here, somehow, barely paying any attention at all, she'd drawn something near perfect, without any effort.

Amy quickly tore the page out of her notebook and stuffed it into her purse, finishing cleaning up fairly quickly. As she sat down to relax, she got a call from the diner informing her that they'd love to have her join the team. She resisted doing a happy dance, got the information on when she would start, and what to wear, and hung up. It had been a pretty awesome day, despite her distractions.
 
A few days later, he was back in the diner for his usual lunch time. Nate leaned back in the corner booth of the diner, his arms resting on the worn vinyl seat. He glanced at his watch, the rhythmic tick of its second hand a steady companion to the chatter and clatter of the lunch rush. It had been a slow morning out on the water—too choppy to take any charters, so he’d decided to come into town to grab a bite.

The door jingled behind him as another customer entered, but he didn’t bother turning around. He’d claimed this booth partly because of its view of the harbor through the window and partly because it let him sit with his back to the wall, something he preferred. Old habits, he supposed.

He skimmed the laminated menu, though he didn’t need to. He’d been coming here for years, knew the offerings by heart. Still, something about going through the motions made the experience feel normal, grounding.

“Coffee to start,” he told the waitress when she swung by, not looking up as he handed her the menu.

His thoughts wandered as he waited, the hum of the diner a backdrop to the memories that seemed to surface more often than he liked. It wasn’t just the monotony of the water or the solitude of the job. It was the moments like this—sitting in a crowded space, surrounded by people, and feeling completely removed from all of it. Detached. It was easier that way, he supposed. Safer.

And then he saw her.

She walked out from behind the counter, wearing the uniform of the diner staff, and it took him a moment to place her. The polished composure he’d always associated with her was gone, replaced with a kind of nervous energy as she moved between tables. Amy. The pastor’s daughter. The same girl who’d been here just a few days ago, stumbling through small talk like it was a foreign language.

Nate watched her for a moment, quietly amused. She didn’t notice him at first, too focused on the order she was taking. When she turned and caught his eye, though, her steps faltered for just a second—just long enough for him to notice.

He allowed a faint smile, tilting his head slightly in greeting but keeping his distance. She looked younger here somehow, out of place yet determined, like she was trying to prove something. To herself, maybe. To someone else.

When she finally made her way to his booth, her notepad poised and ready, Nate met her gaze with his usual quiet confidence, the trace of a smile still lingering at the corners of his mouth.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, his tone low and even, as though this was the most natural thing in the world. “Guess you got the job, huh?”

He watched her reaction carefully, taking in the faint flush that crept up her cheeks. She was trying to seem professional, he could tell, but there was an underlying tension, a nervousness that made her seem more real than the polished image he’d always seen from a distance.

“Guess I’ll have to be on my best behavior,” he added, his voice carrying just enough of a teasing edge to soften the words. He leaned back slightly, the picture of ease, though his curiosity about her simmered just below the surface. There was something about her—something he couldn’t quite put his finger on yet—but for now, he’d keep it simple.

“Coffee’s fine for now,” Nate said with a slight nod, his gaze steady. “And maybe a burger. Medium rare.”

As she jotted down the order and turned to go, he let his eyes linger for a moment, thoughtful. The polished, untouchable girl from church was still there, but there was more to her now. Layers he hadn’t expected. Layers he wouldn’t mind unraveling—slowly, carefully.

But for now, he’d let things play out. There was no rush. After all, the best things, he’d learned, came in their own time.​
 
Amy was mid way through her second shift and frankly struggling, though it wasn't obvious. Years of maintaining composure through all sorts of situations helped her maintain false confidence.

It wasn't that the job was difficult by any means, just that it was very fast paced and she didn't like to make mistakes if she could help it.

She supposed she had her father and her upbringing to thank for those qualities.

Focusing as she took order after order and doing her best to keep a smile plastered on her face, she managed to make it to the last half hour of her shift. She was tired, and mentally drained, but kept going despite her desire to just collapse into a booth and take a nap.

Taking up the menus at the table she'd just taken an order for, she turned to run the order back to the kitchen and her eyes landed on the corner booth. Both her step and her smile faltered briefly when she locked eyes with Nate, quickly regaining her composure and dropping the order off with the cooks before heading over to the booth where he sat.

Amy kept her usual smile stuck on her face even though it felt false. "Hey, yeah, I got the job. Started yesterday. What can I get for you?" She said, her face faintly red at his subtle teasing.

She shifted from one foot to the other as she wrote down his order, trying to keep her focus on the notepad in her hand instead of him.

Turning to walk away, it took everything she had in the way of self control to not turn around and look back at him. She couldn't explain the draw she felt toward him, and didn't think she wanted to.

There was something about not knowing that made it feel even more exhilarating. Something about the unknown, the lack of understanding, that made her want to find out all the more.

She took his order to the kitchen and made a quick round of the diner, checking on all her tables, doing her best to not stare his direction any time she stopped moving, though that didn't stop her from glancing his way every now and then.

When the bell dinged to signal a ready plate, she went and grabbed it from the window, looking it over to make sure everything was the way he'd ordered it, short of actually checking to see if it was medium rare. As she carried it over to the booth he occupied, she let the practiced, polished smile slip a bit in favor of a smile that was a bit more genuine.

"Need anything else?" She said as she set the plate down in front of him and took a small step back, taking the opportunity the direct question gave to meet his gaze once again without seeming like she was staring.
 
Nate looked up as Amy set the plate in front of him, his sharp eyes catching the way her smile softened just a touch—less of the forced cheerfulness she wore for other customers and more something genuine, almost shy. He let a beat of silence linger before responding, his tone easy and teasing, with just the right amount of warmth.

“Well, you got the order right,” he said, his lips curling into a faint grin. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised, though. I figured you’d be the type to double-check everything before it hit the table.”

He reached for the burger, his scarred hands steady as he turned it slightly, inspecting it with exaggerated seriousness. “Looks like it’s got all the essentials. Bun, meat, cheese… and, well, no tomatoes. Smart move,” he added, glancing up at her, the playful glint in his eyes unmistakable. “You didn’t strike me as the kind of person who’d serve someone something they didn’t ask for.”

He could see the faint pink flush creeping up her neck again, just like the other day. It made her seem younger somehow, though there was something about her composure—the way she carried herself, even when she was clearly tired—that told him there was more to her than met the eye.

Setting the burger back down for a moment, he leaned back slightly, his elbow resting casually on the edge of the booth. “You holding up okay? Or is this place already running you ragged?” His voice was light, but there was an undercurrent of genuine curiosity, his gaze steady on her face as he waited for her reaction.

When she didn’t immediately answer, he chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You know,” he continued, his tone teasing, “if it’s that bad, I can always put in a good word for you with your dad. Maybe convince him to give you a break on Sunday mornings, let you sleep in.” He let the words hang in the air, watching as her cheeks flushed deeper.

Nate took a bite of the burger then, chewing slowly and nodding his approval. He swallowed before speaking again, his voice dropping slightly, more conversational now. “But seriously, looks like you’re doing fine. People underestimate how much work this kind of job takes. Fast pace, keeping track of a dozen things at once… it’s not easy. But you’ve got the look of someone who doesn’t like to let things slip.”

He let the corner of his mouth quirk upward again, his gaze briefly flicking to the notepad still clutched in her hand before returning to her eyes. “Bet that’s why you took the job, huh? Feels good to stay busy.” He leaned forward just slightly, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “Or maybe it’s just to avoid having to sit through another one of your dad’s sermons.”

Nate’s grin widened, and his tone was light, teasing but never cruel. He didn’t wait for her to respond, picking up the burger again as though the conversation was just another part of his easy rhythm. “Anyway, food’s good. Thanks, Amy.”

He took another bite, chewing thoughtfully as she lingered for a moment. He didn’t mind the pause, didn’t mind the way her presence filled the quiet space at the table. If anything, it was kind of nice.

When she finally turned to head back toward the kitchen, he watched her go for a brief moment before shaking his head with a quiet chuckle. There was something about her—something he couldn’t quite put into words yet—but he wasn’t in any hurry to figure it out. Sometimes, the best things revealed themselves slowly, piece by piece. And he didn’t mind waiting.​
 
Amy noted the slight shift in his tone when he asked her how she was holding up. It held a bit of a genuine note to it, like he was really curious about her wellbeing. It wasn't odd to get those kind of questions, especially being who she was, but the fact that it felt so genuine was interesting.

She clearly spent too long mulling over the thought because he spoke again before she responded. She mentally scolded herself for being so lost in her head that she hadn't bothered to respond.

She felt her lips quirk into a tiny smile when he'd mentioned sitting through her father's sermons. She'd never really minded them, but he did have a tendency to sort of drone on and on at times.

After he'd said the food was good and thanked her, she blinked heavily, realizing she still hadn't said a word.

What is wrong with you?!

She muttered a quick "No problem!" as she spun on her heel and hurried away from the booth while actively trying to NOT look like she was running away. She set her notepad and pen on the counter, and slipped into the women's restroom to hide and collect her thoughts.

Standing alone in the restroom, Amy braced her hands on the sink and looked at herself in the mirror, wondering to herself what had gotten into her. She glanced at her watch and heaved a sigh of relief. Her shift was over in two minutes.

Plastering on her practiced smile, she stepped out of the bathroom and set about gathering her things to head home, intentionally not even glancing toward the corner booth out of sheer embarrassment.
 
Nate watched her retreat with the faintest hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. She’d spun away so quickly it was almost as if she was fleeing the scene, and while he wasn’t sure why, he had a pretty good guess. That little muttered “No problem!” before she turned on her heel told him plenty.

He took another bite of his burger, chewing thoughtfully as his gaze drifted toward the counter where she’d set down her notepad and pen. There was something endearing about how flustered she seemed, how she was clearly trying so hard to keep herself composed. Nate liked that about her - it was genuine in a way most people didn’t bother to be.

He leaned back in the booth, stretching one arm along the top of the seat as he sipped his drink. The din of the diner swirled around him, but his mind kept circling back to Amy. She had that kind of quiet presence that stuck with you, the sort that made you curious without trying. It wasn’t just her smile, though that certainly helped - it was the way she carried herself, the slight pauses in her movements when she was thinking, the flashes of vulnerability that she worked hard to tuck away.

When she slipped back out of the restroom, her practiced smile firmly in place, Nate glanced up from his plate, but he didn’t call her over. Instead, he let his gaze follow her briefly as she moved toward the counter, gathering her things and avoiding even a glance in his direction. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly, shaking his head as he picked up a fry.

“She’s gonna wear herself out if she keeps that up,” he muttered to himself, a small grin playing on his lips.

As she neared the door, he debated for a moment, then called out casually, his tone laced with playful ease. “Hey, Amy!”

He waited just long enough for her to glance back, her eyes wide, before continuing, his voice light but deliberate. “You did good today. Don’t let the job get to you too much, alright?”

Nate offered her a small wave, the kind that felt more like a gesture between friends than anything formal. He didn’t expect much of a response - she seemed too caught up in whatever whirlwind of thoughts had her rushing out - but that was okay. He wasn’t in a hurry.

Turning back to his plate, he finished his burger in a few quiet bites, his thoughts still lingering on her. There was something intriguing about Amy, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. And while he wasn’t the type to push or rush things, he couldn’t deny that he was already looking forward to the next time he saw her.

It was a small town, after all. Paths like theirs had a funny way of crossing again.
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The church pews were already filling up when Nate slipped inside, his boots making little sound on the worn wooden floor. He tipped his hat briefly to an older couple who nodded at him in greeting before finding a seat near the middle of the sanctuary. It wasn’t his first time here, but it wasn’t exactly a habit either. He came by now and then, when the mood struck him or when he felt like he needed a dose of something steady in his life. Today, it wasn’t so much faith pulling him in as curiosity.

Nate’s eyes scanned the room as he settled in. The church was simple, like most things in town, with sun streaming through the stained glass and casting muted colors onto the congregation. Familiar faces dotted the pews - folks he recognized from the diner or passing conversations around town. And, of course, there was Pastor Roberts standing by the pulpit, speaking with a few parishioners before the service began. The man had a kind of commanding presence, the sort that made you straighten your posture even if you didn’t mean to.

Nate adjusted his tie - a rare addition to his usual wardrobe - and leaned back slightly. He wasn’t here to make a scene or draw attention, but he couldn’t deny that a part of him wondered how Amy might react if she noticed him in the crowd. He hadn’t seen her since the diner earlier in the week, though she’d crossed his mind more than once since then.

The organ began to play, signaling the start of the service, and the hum of chatter quieted. Pastor Roberts stepped to the front, opening his Bible with a practiced reverence. Nate listened with a quiet focus, his attention flicking between the sermon and the people around him.

There was something grounding about being here, surrounded by hymns and scripture. It reminded him of the Sundays he’d spent in church growing up - his mom humming under her breath, his dad nodding along to the pastor’s words. It was comforting in a way he hadn’t expected. Still, his thoughts wandered more than he cared to admit, drifting toward the reason he’d decided to come today.

When Pastor Roberts launched into the heart of his sermon, his voice steady and deliberate, Nate caught a glimpse of movement to the side. His eyes landed briefly on Amy as she passed through a side door near the choir area. She moved quickly, her head slightly bowed as she carried a stack of bulletins, likely finishing up one of the many small tasks her father expected of her during the service.

Nate’s lips curled into a faint smile. Even here, in a setting where she might have had a chance to relax, Amy seemed intent on keeping herself busy. He could admire that - her dedication, her drive - but he wondered if she ever let herself just be.

As the service went on, Nate listened to the pastor’s words, nodding slightly at the occasional poignant point, but his mind never strayed far from Amy. There was something about her that drew him in, something he couldn’t quite name. And while he wasn’t the type to rush into things, he felt a certain satisfaction just being here, knowing that sooner or later, their paths would cross again.

When the service ended and the congregation began to file out, Nate lingered for a moment, letting the crowd thin before he stood. He shook hands with a few familiar faces on his way out, exchanging polite nods and quick pleasantries. As he stepped into the sunlight outside, he glanced back toward the church, his expression thoughtful.

“See you around, Amy,” he murmured to himself, a quiet confidence in his voice as he adjusted his hat and made his way back toward his truck.​
 
Hearing Nate call out as she left, she snapped her head in his direction, blushing already, and sort of half waved a goodbye to him as she bolted out the door. She wanted nothing more than to disappear in that moment, a wave of embarrassment crashing over her.

Of course he'd noticed how awkard she'd been standing there not saying anything. She needed to get a grip on herself before she saw him again.

Getting into her car, Amy drove home and set to the task of getting her schoolwork done for the day, trying to keep her mind focused so her thoughts wouldn't wander back to the encounter in the diner.

---------------------

Another Sunday, another menial task on top of all her other small jobs around the church. This time it was flyers for some celebration or another.

Standing in front of the copier listening to the rhythmic thunk as page after page was ejected, Amy found herself a bit zoned out, staring off into space.

She was by herself in the back offices, the service having started without her which wasn't unusual. She often had work to do that kept her longer than her father would have liked. But it needed done, and her schedule was too busy to stay long after the service, so he let it be.

Her mind drifted through her plans for her life, and for the first time she realized that she'd left any sort of love interest out entirely. She had plans for her career, her living situation, plans to own animals and land, but nowhere in her planning had she even considered marriage or children. The thought was funny, because being the dutiful christian woman, she would be expected to marry and have a whole mess of babies.

A burst of laughter from the congregation snapped her out of her brain and she realized the copier had finished. Gathering up the flyers, she made her way out and slipped into the sanctuary through the choir room so she'd hopefully go unnoticed.

Amy let most of the service go in one ear and out the other, sitting at her piano mostly zoned out. Once it was over she followed behind her father giving polite greetings and shaking hands. She glanced toward the door and thought she saw Nate, but she couldn't be sure it was such a quick glimpse.`

She'd seen him in the congregation before, but it had been a while, and definitely before she'd ever spoken to him. It felt odd that he might've been there and seen her and she didn't even notice.

She made a mental note to pay more attention to her surroundings, as well as a mental note to weigh the pros and cons of trying to find him on social media or something, some way to contact him rather than just these chance meetings they'd been having. Though admittedly with her working at the diner he frequented, those meetings would happen more frequently.

Amy got the final approval on the flyers and passed them on to the group of teenagers that would hang them and give them out before heading out to the parking lot. She found herself reflecting on her day to day. She didn't have much of a life from what she was thinking. Work. School. Church. Sleep. Wash, rinse repeat. She'd never really minded her life before, but something was nagging at her that she should make a change. She just didn't know what yet.
 
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Nate leaned casually against the side of his truck, one boot resting on the worn asphalt of the church parking lot while the other balanced on the edge of the curb. The service had wrapped up, and most of the congregation had filtered out, leaving the lot quieter now, save for the occasional distant laugh or the sound of car doors closing. He’d stayed back, as much for the peace of a Sunday afternoon as for the chance to catch her again.

His hat tilted slightly forward, shielding his eyes from the sun as he watched the last few cars pull away. He wasn’t in any rush—wasn’t in much of a rush for anything these days. That was one thing about small-town life that he didn’t mind. It allowed for moments like this, moments where you could linger and see how the day unfolded.

And then, as if on cue, he spotted her. She emerged from the church, walking with a sort of purpose but not quite hurried. He couldn’t help but notice how her hair caught the light or how the skirt she wore swayed just slightly with each step. It was the kind of detail that would have made a lesser man feel guilty for noticing, but Nate wasn’t that kind of man.

“Well, if it isn’t the hardest-working woman in church,” he called out, his voice carrying just enough teasing to make it clear he wasn’t entirely serious.

Amy turned, startled for a moment, before she saw him. He straightened up from his lean, slipping his hands into the front pockets of his jeans as he gave her one of those slow, easy grins. “You always look this busy, or is it just for show?”

He watched her cheeks flush—just a little—and couldn’t help the fleeting thought that she looked good when she was flustered. It wasn’t just her looks, though they didn’t hurt; it was the mix of composure and awkwardness she seemed to carry. There was something about that balance that made him want to keep poking at it, to see what happened when her guard slipped even further.

As she started toward her car, Nate took a step closer, the soles of his boots crunching on the gravel. “You know,” he said, his voice a bit softer now, “I didn’t figure you for the zoning-out-during-the-sermon type. But I caught you staring off a couple times in there. Must’ve been one hell of a daydream.”

He didn’t miss the way her eyes widened just slightly before she ducked her head. Nate chuckled, low and quiet, leaning against the bed of his truck now, his arms crossed over his chest. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell your dad. Wouldn’t want to get you in trouble.”

He let his gaze linger on her for a beat longer than necessary, wondering what it was about her that kept drawing his attention. There was a kind of energy about Amy, something raw and unpolished but undeniably compelling. He caught himself wondering if she even knew how much potential she had to break someone’s heart without even trying.​
 
Amy physically shook her head to shake the deer in headlights look she was sure she had going on in the moment, realizing she once again was just standing there staring instead of responding to him.

Seriously, what is wrong with you?! she thought, mentally chiding herself for being so awkward around him. Being social and personable had always been second nature to her, but something about him made her clam up.

"Hey there Nate, I was just thinking about... uh... the flyers I needed to get approved after the service."

Lame excuse, like he'll believe that, ugh Amy get it together!

"How have you been?" she asked with a smile somewhere between her practiced smile and a genuine one, her nerves getting the best of her as she tucked her hair behind her ear and turned to face him instead of toward her car like she was trying to run away. Again.

She noticed that he was taller than she'd originally thought, but she'd never really noticed before considering he was always sitting down when they'd run into each other before. And in the sunlight it was easier to see the scars on his hands.

She nodded her head slightly when she heard his voice again but was so lost in thought she didn't hear a word. She found herself focused on the tie he wore, trying to figure out why it felt so out of place. He was wearing the same sort of clothing he always wore when she saw him, but the tie was a new addition. Amy couldn't remember if he'd worn one the previous times she'd seen him at church. Or if she'd ever seen him wearing one before.
 
Nate leaned against the side of his truck, hands tucked loosely into his pockets, and tilted his head slightly as he studied her. She looked like she was struggling for words, but he wasn’t in a hurry to fill the silence. There was something endearing about watching her fumble for once. It was a sharp contrast to the composed, quick-witted waitress he’d seen at the diner.

"Flyers, huh?" he drawled, his voice tinged with teasing skepticism. "Sounds like a pretty heavy topic to be lost in thought over. You’re not gonna try and sell me on coming to whatever it’s for, are you?"

He let the corner of his mouth quirk into a crooked grin, the kind he knew had a way of putting people off balance. Not that Amy seemed to need much help in that department—she looked like she was already doing a fine job of flustering herself. He wondered briefly if she even realized how obvious it was.

“I’ve been good,” he said, nodding slightly as he let his gaze linger on her. “Can’t complain, though I think you might’ve noticed by now I don’t really dress the part for Sunday mornings.” He reached up and tugged at the tie around his neck, loosening it just a fraction. “Figured I’d try blending in for a change, but I’m not sure it suits me. What do you think? Too much?”

The question hung there for a second, but he didn’t wait for an answer. He was already shifting gears, his tone turning just a shade more curious. “So, you always keep this busy?” he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as if studying her. “School, work, church—you’ve got a full plate. Can’t imagine you’ve got much time left over for anything else.”

He paused, letting the question dangle just enough to see if she’d pick up on it before adding casually, “I mean, I guess someone’s gotta keep all those guys around here on their toes. Or maybe...” He raised an eyebrow, his grin turning playful. “Maybe there’s already someone doing that for you?”

The question was lighthearted on the surface, but Nate watched her carefully, curious to see how she’d respond. It wasn’t like him to fish for information like this, but there was something about Amy that had him wanting to know more than she seemed willing to share. If she answered, great. If not, well, he figured he’d get his answer one way or another eventually.

"Just asking," he added, his voice dropping into a mock-serious tone as he straightened up slightly. "You know, for the sake of the flyers. Gotta make sure you’re not spreading yourself too thin."​
 
Amy just sort of stood there, shifting from one foot to the other and back awkwardly. She wasn't sure how to respond a lot of the time he talked to her, and her nerves made it difficult to do so even if she'd known what to say.

When Nate brought up keeping the guys in town on their toes, she couldn't help the full on blush that crept up her face to her cheeks, a bit embarrassed at the thought. But when he made the joke about the flyers it was like that nervous energy was sapped out of her, and she smiled at him, a real smile, laughing with a light tone.

"I stay pretty busy most of the time but make time for things I feel are important enough to put other things off for." She said, still smiling, and contemplated her next words for a short moment. "If I didn't know better, I'd say it almost sounds like you're trying to put your name in the hat for things that occupy my time."

Her smile faded just the tiniest bit as the words left her lips, a bit of that nervous energy creeping back in over what she'd just insinuated. But the truth was, she wouldn't be upset if he said she was right. She wanted to talk to him more, to learn about him and get to know him.
 
Nate arched an eyebrow at her response, his grin widening as he caught the shift in her tone. It wasn’t every day someone surprised him like that. He wasn’t used to Amy being so bold, even if her confidence seemed to waver at the last second.

"Well, now," he said, drawing out the words with a low chuckle. "You’re sharper than I gave you credit for. Guess I’ll have to watch what I say around you."

He leaned back slightly against the truck, his hands still casually tucked into his pockets. "But if you’re asking whether I’d want a spot on that list of things you make time for… let’s just say I wouldn’t mind throwing my name in there." He delivered the line smoothly, his tone light but deliberate, watching her closely to gauge her reaction.

His eyes lingered on her for a beat before he continued, softening the moment with a teasing edge. "I mean, someone’s gotta keep you from working yourself into the ground. Can’t have you running on fumes, Amy. Not when I’ve still got a few more chances to give you a hard time about diner orders and church flyers."

He let out another soft chuckle and shook his head. "But hey, don’t let me get in the way of your schedule. You know, with all the flyers and sermons and whatnot." He tipped his head slightly toward her car, his grin still firmly in place. "Unless you’ve got time to humor me with a proper conversation sometime. What d’you say?"

Nate kept his tone casual, but there was an unmistakable note of sincerity beneath the playfulness. He wasn’t just messing around now, and he hoped she caught onto that. After all, he was starting to enjoy these little moments with her far too much to let them pass by without seeing where they might lead.​
 
Amy found herself watching a little more intently, paying attention to his mannerisms as he spoke. She almost grinned when he asked if she'd have time to actually talk to him. The truth of the matter was, in that moment she couldn't think of anything she wanted more.

Amy pretended to think deeply about the almost blunt question of spending time together, her lips twisting as though she were chewing at them in thought before she couldn't hold back the smile any more. She nodded with a quiet laugh.

"Sure, I'd like that. What did you have in mind?" she said, thinking to herself when she had time. Really, outside of her new job at the diner, almost every other thing on her schedule could be shifted, so she didn't think there would be any sort of issue with making time.
 
Nate’s smile widened as he listened to her response, savoring the sound of her consent even if he couldn’t see her reaction. He leaned back against the truck, the afternoon light catching the lines of his face in a way that made him look both relaxed and resolute. His eyes twinkled with a playful glint as he spoke up, his voice carrying that unmistakable blend of teasing and sincerity.

“Well then,” he said, his tone light but edged with earnest anticipation. “Since you’re game for a proper conversation, how about we take it somewhere a little less… confined?” He paused, letting the words hang between them as he tapped his fingers lightly on the truck’s hood. “I was thinking—it might be nice to talk out on the water. Ever been on a charter boat ride?”

He shifted his weight, stepping away from the truck just enough to lean casually against a nearby post, his gaze steady as he continued. “I run a fishing charter out by the cove, and I promise you—it’s a far cry from flyers and church sermons. We could catch the sunset, let the sea breeze do its magic, and just talk about whatever comes to mind. What do you say?”

Nate let the invitation linger in the air, his voice softening as if he were sharing a secret meant only for her. “I figure if you’re free, it’d be a great way to unwind. Besides,” he added with a wry chuckle, “I might even let you in on a few of my infamous fishing stories. You know, the ones that sound too tall to be true until you’re laughing about them at the helm.”

He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes narrowing just slightly in a manner that suggested he was already imagining the scenario. “So, Amy, how about it? A day out on the water—just you, me, and the open sea. I’d really enjoy the chance to get to know you better in a place where we can actually breathe without all the distractions of daily life.”

Nate’s invitation was as subtle as it was sincere, a quiet challenge wrapped in an easygoing demeanor. He waited for her answer, every bit the man who could both tease and be utterly genuine, hopeful that she’d take the bait and join him for an escape from the ordinary.​
 
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