Chapter 5: Chapter 5

“I’ll have what you’re having.” The voice’s familiar playfulness shocked River awake. The customer came to the counter, leaning both elbows on the open space in front of the register, and placed a five-dollar bill on the surface.

“What are you doing out at eight in the morning?” River couldn’t look at Luke. He slipped off the counter and walked to the register, but he couldn’t peel his eyes from the floor.

“Exploring. I haven’t seen everything yet and I gathered a list of good restaurants to hit up, too.”

“This town is shitty and old. The best things to look at are the Maseratis at the car place,” he deadpanned.

Luke laughed from his chest with too much warmth and energy for an early morning. “Have you ever been inside one of those? They’re ugly.”

“Oh? You’ve been in a fancy car?” It was the most unimpressed, sarcastic question River could muster as he busied his awkward hands by going through the motions of a hazelnut latte.