Page 11 of Cuddly Demon

FOUR

ONYX

"Okay, mister." Saint issues me a sleepy look, adjusting his server's apron. "You wait here and don't cause trouble."

I'm accompanying Saint to the diner where he works today. He had to arrive early to set up, and the patrons will be coming any moment.

I survey our surroundings. The windows are freshly cleaned, letting in the sparkling morning sun.

The rich, red shine of the leather booths give off a sensation of nostalgia, each seat cushion displaying its worn-out patches.

The tabletops crackle with time, bearing chipped edges that speak of years gone by.

In the corner, the jukebox whips out a rockin’ beat that seeps into my core, making me tap my foot against the scuffed checkered floor.

The smell of crispy bacon mixes with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, causing my stomach to growl in response.

The aroma of sweet syrup from the pancakes cooking in the kitchen and the subtle scent of cinnamon emanating from a tray of wheel-shaped donuts on the opposite side of the dining room isn't bad, either.

"I'll try my best," I tease.

"Do better than your best."

I smile as Saint pours me a mug of coffee. I like coffee, as I discovered at the campus café the other day. It gets me jittery and amped up, almost like I could harvest an entire field of grain with my bare fists if I so desired. "It's tough when the food smells this good."

Saint snorts. "If you behave, I'll bring you a plate of pancakes in an hour. Okay?"

"Sounds like a plan." I issue Saint a curt nod. "However, you have nothing to worry about. No one here can see me."

Saint mulls this. "That's right. I forgot about that. You're invisible to everyone except me when you want to be, right?"

"I'm a demon, remember?" I chuckle, taking a sip of the hot coffee. "Invisibility is one of my many talents."

Saint rolls his eyes, but there's a fondness in his expression. "Just don't get too comfortable."

I glance around the diner, watching as customers begin to trickle in. "I just want to be around you for a little longer."

Saint smiles softly, his eyes warm. "I'm glad you're here. It'll be nice to have someone to talk to in between serving customers."

"I feel the same way." I reach across the table and take Saint's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You'll do a great job today. I believe in you. You'll serve these patrons like no server has ever done in their life."

Saint blushes at my words, but doesn't pull away from my touch. "You have a funny way of making me feel confident in a way I've been before. Thanks."

My heart swells with affection. "I'm glad I could be of assistance."

Saint heads to the kitchen, leaving me alone at my booth. I sip my coffee as the customers trickle in, taking their seats at the booths and tables. They're all human, of course, their auras soft and warm. I can sense their emotions, their hopes and dreams, their fears and anxieties. It's like being a part of their world.

Saint emerges from the kitchen with a tray of steaming hot pancakes, their syrupy scent making my mouth water. He sets the tray down in front of me, grinning. "Enjoy, big guy."

"That was sooner than I expected."

Saint kisses my cheek. "You deserve it for making me feel so brave."

I dig in, savoring the taste of the fluffy pancakes and the sweet syrup. Holy. Shit.

It's... a simple pleasure, one I'm sure Americans eat every day. But it fills me with joy.

I glance around the diner, watching as the customers chat and laugh, enjoying their own meals. Are they going to eat pancakes too?