Smoothing down the front of your apron, you put on your best smile as you walked out of the kitchen into the almost empty diner. Only a few regulars were dotted about. The small group of women who'd retired a few years earlier met up every week and always sat in their little corner by the window. The construction crew came in for their brunch every couple of days. The teenagers playing hooky would come often to split a milkshake between them but they left a good tip so you never snitched on them. It was going to be a quiet day, you thought. Well at least until he arrived.

He always came for lunch. He always ordered a double cheeseburger with fries. He always joked about his sweet tooth and added a chocolate milkshake to his order. He always sat in his booth closest to the kitchen, away from his colleagues. He always gave you that gorgeous smile and tipped his hat to you as he left. He always made that fluttery feeling in your stomach appear and hope that he might stay a little longer.

He being, of course, Sheriff Lee Bodecker.

You wiped down the countertop counting down the minutes until Lee would walk through the door. You knew it was stupid to think he would even like someone like you. There wasn't much money to your name and you didn't have the status to be on the arm of the Sheriff. Oh, but you could dream. 

Dreamt about him whispering sweet nothing in your ear. Cleaning your house and preparing him dinner. Waiting anxiously in bed for him to come home after his nightly patrol. Him praising you for being his perfect little wife. For caring for him and keeping him well looked after. For being his good girl.

Your head was so full of daydreaming that you didn't notice someone had spoken to you.

"Earth to Y/N," your colleague Teresa laughed, waving her hand mockingly in front of your face.

"What?" you asked, "Sorry did you ask me something?"

"Yeah, I asked if that countertop needed polishing 'cause you've been wiping it for the past five minutes."

"Oh, yeah it was a bit sticky. You know how the little kids are," you lied.

"Y/N, come on, you can't lie to me," the older woman chuckled, "I've got three kids at home. I know when someone is not telling the truth." You blushed immensely. "Now you gonna tell me what you were thinking about?"

"No, it was nothing. Just daydreaming."

"Who is he?" You blinked at her. "Only a man would distract you this much Y/N. Have you finally found a special person?"

"Uh, I don't know what you're on about," the blush crept up your cheeks.

"Mmmmmm. I don't buy it. Your face tells me otherwise."

"Okay, okay. There is someone but he would never be with me. He deserves someone who won't lower his status and reputation."

"Y/N, now that is just nonsense," Teresa placed her ringed finger on your shoulder, "Me and Matthew have been married near twenty years now and we're doing fine. Sure he's a police deputy and shouldn't be with a diner waitress but who cares what people think? We're in love. We've got three beautiful children. Nothing would stop us from being together. Not even his status or reputation as you put it." 

You looked down guiltily. You didn't mean to cause her offence. Maybe she was right. His status shouldn't stop you. If he didn't want to be with you, that was fine. But you didn't want to push him away because of your insecurities.

"I'm sorry Teresa. I know that you struggled to be with Matthew. I just don't know how to get him to like me," you smiled gloomily.

"Oooooooo. Has Y/N finally decided to woo someone," Valerie came up behind you.

"Yes we were just about to discuss how to approach him," Teresa spoke before you could reply.

"Fun. I know lots of tricks to get a man."

"How bout how to keep a man," you muttered harshly.

"Rude, but true," she laughed, "So we want to keep the man then?"

"I think she wants to hear from someone a bit more experienced than you, no offence dear," Teresa stated. 

She was the only married woman who worked at the diner. Most quit after getting engaged, choosing to be a housewife and then eventually a mother. You cringed at the thought. Kids would have to wait a few years. But being a housewife wouldn't be so bad. Your mind began to slip back into your daydream.

"I might be young Teresa, but I have plenty of experience," she nudged you with her elbow, "If you know what I mean."

"We're not talking about that right now Valerie," you responded, "Let's just focus on the romantic side first"

"Okay, if that's what you want."

"Right," you sighed, "What should I do?"

"First you need to get him into this diner," Valerie suggested. Teresa nodded her head in agreement. "Then you bend forward to pass him a menu, but make sure you've unbuttoned your uniform a bit, so he can see down it. Bat your eyes at him and walk away with his order."

"Don't listen to her Y/N. Keep it classy. Ignore everything she just said. Take his order as usual. Then when he's finished ask if he's doing anything later. Hopefully, he'll be free. Then just ask him on a date."

"No, that's a terrible plan. Bake him a pie. All men have a sweet tooth. Then take him a slice and make sure he knows you baked it. He'll be so overwhelmed by the gesture that he'll be the one asking you out," Valerie exclaimed, "No woman should have to ask out a man."

"I asked Matthew out," Teresa retorted.

"Well, you're the exception then Mrs Langley."

"Stop arguing you two," you interjected, "You both have different ideas about what guys like."

"And I'm the one who managed to keep the man, so you should take my advice."

"Just 'cause I haven't kept a man doesn't mean I don't know how to get one," Teresa smiled mischievously, "Let me show you how it's done."

She started walking towards the table which had just walked in. Checking your boss was still in his office, she unbuttoned her uniform until it nearly exposed her brassiere. She leant forward towards the men, flashing her smile and began to walk away.

"Hey, sweetheart," one of the men shouted after her. She grinned at the both of you.

"Yes honey, is there something you need?"

"A date with you?" he asked.

"I get off about seven tonight. You'll pick me up?"

"Of course darling."

She left the group of men and practically started skipping towards you two. Wow, it was that easy. Maybe you could try it when Lee came in.

"See, told ya!" Valerie whispered in your ear.

"Okay, okay. So it might work. But my plan would too."

"Prove it."

"No, I'm married."

"Oh, I had no idea. It's not like you've mentioned it a thousand times."

"Valerie stop. I'll start with your method and then if that fails I'll try Teresa's." That seemed like a good compromise.

At that very moment, the usual cops started walking through the door. It was now or never. Waiting until Lee came in, you let Teresa and Valerie attend to the others. Your eyes constantly darted to the entrance. It closed. Without Lee. 

He always came for lunch. Where could he be?

**********

Lee sat in his office, staring at the half-empty bowl of chocolate in front of him. He'd recently given up liquor but he had to replace his cravings with something. That something was food, specifically sweet things. He'd always been on the heavier side. But with this increase in sugar and carbs, his body had turned against him. Now when he looked down, all he could see was his growing stomach. He sighed and placed his head in his hands.

"Hey Bodecker, you coming or what?" One of his deputies lingered in the doorway, "Thought you'd be dying to see Y/N again."

"Shut it, Langley. She's never going to like me so just drop it," Lee snapped, his insecurities getting the better of him.

"Woah. Where's this coming from?" he asked, "You're usually jumping at the gun for an excuse to visit her. Never thought I'd see you miss our daily lunches at the diner."

"That's the problem, Matthew. I eat too much as it is. She's never gonna like me with all this weight I've gained. Better to just forget about her."

"That's a lie and you know it. Lee, she won't care. She's not that superficial," he placed a hand on Lee's shoulder, "You know Teresa keeps talking about Y/N to me." Lee's eyes widened. "No, no. It's not like that. I didn't tell a soul. She just tells me how nice it is to have such a hard worker at the diner. A kind, considerate girl who doesn't care about appearances and takes the time to know people." Lee smiled softly.

"Ha, I suppose you're right. But she deserves better than me."

"Stop putting yourself down, Lee. Just ask her out," Matthew beckoned for Lee to follow him. "Sit down in your usual spot and when she comes to take your order ask her what she's doing later on."

"You make it sound so easy."

"That's 'cause it is. Now come on old man!"

"Hey, watch who you're calling old," Lee chuckled, happy that Matthew had convinced him to come.

**********

You'd gotten more and more anxious as time went on. Why wasn't Lee here? Had something bad happened to him? Maybe he'd got fed up with you hovering near him all the time. Self-doubt and worry filled your mind. You started tending other tables whilst you waited for him. The stress had already made you drop three cups of coffee. Teresa had suggested you take your break, so you stepped outside, the cool air calming your nerves.

Lee stepped into the diner and looked around slightly confused. You always worked the lunch shift. He went to sit down at his usual booth and beckoned Valerie over.

"Hiya Sheriff, what can I get ya?" she asked.

"Oh nothing at the minute," he replied politely, "I was just wondering if Y/N was working today. It's just she usually takes my order and everything."

"She should be," Valerie laughed, "Maybe she's on her break. Let me just check with Teresa for you."

Why was the Sheriff concerned about you, she thought. She sauntered over to where Teresa was standing with her husband. He quickly pecked her cheek and went to join his fellow deputies. 

"I have news," Teresa grinned, "Matthew heavily implied that the Sheriff is smitten with a diner worker."

"What? Really?" Valerie beamed.

"Yep. He's going to ask her out today!"

"Wait, but who is it?"

"Well, it can't be me. The other girls are way too young for him, being in high school and all."

"Oh my God!"

"Language Valerie."

"It's Y/N," she whispered, "He just asked me if she was working today and made me check where she was."

"I think you're right for once."

"See, sometimes you lot should listen to me."

"I also think that Y/N is smitten with him."

"Wait her mystery man is the Sheriff?" Valerie asked, confused by the suggestion.

"It makes sense with her story. 'There is someone but he would never be with me. He deserves someone who won't lower his status and reputation.' Now that would suggest someone with a powerful position in our community," Teresa explained, "She didn't ask how she would get this man into the diner, 'cause she knew he came here every day. She got nervous and had to step outside when he didn't arrive at his normal time."

"Wow. Y/N and the Sheriff. I can see it now," Valerie chuckled.

"Hush, now she's coming back in."

Tucking your flyaway hairs behind your ears, you pushed the door of the kitchen open and stepped back into the dining area. Your heart fluttered as you saw Lee sitting in his booth, absentmindedly fiddling with the menu. I can do this, you thought.

"Mornin' Sheriff. Has no one been to serve you yet?" you pondered.

"I think it might be afternoon now darlin'," he smiled, "And I just wasn't ready to order when they came over." You gave him a puzzled look but brushed it off. Maybe he'd decided to change his order. 

"So Sheriff, what'll you be having?"

"I thought I told you to call me Lee sweetheart," he glanced down at the menu, "I think I'll have a garden salad with a black coffee." Now that was weird.

"What happened to the double cheeseburger with fries?" you asked before you could stop yourself.

"They started catching up with me. I'm not as fit as I used to be doll. Need to cut down on the unhealthy food before this gut gets any bigger." He gave you a sad smile as he spoke.

"Why do you need to do that? It means you're well looked after and aren't starving to death."

"Don't think there's any chance of that darl'," he laughed, "Besides, no one's gonna find me attractive looking like this."

I think you're attractive, you thought.

"What was that sweetie?" Shit had you said that out loud?

"Uhh. I think you should still get the chocolate milkshake though," you quickly recovered, "Don't think that sweet tooth has disappeared overnight."

"Alright, darling. You've convinced me. Add it to the order."

"If there's anything else I can do for you, just let me know," you replied, walking away embarrassed.

Lee sat there gobsmacked. Did you think he was attractive? He's played it off for fear of embarrassing you at your place of work. Maybe his insecurities had been holding him back from happiness this whole time. He could have talked to you and probably married you by now if he hadn't waited so long to speak to you. 

Yelling the order to the kitchen, you placed your arms on the cool countertop, desperate to shake some of your awkwardness. Regret began to build. Lee was just being polite, as he would with any waitress. You weren't special.

"Y/N! What was that?" Valerie came up to collect her table's order, "What about our plan?"

"I was too nervous," you admitted, "Wait, how'd you know he was the man?"

"Nevermind that. Undo a couple of buttons before you take him his order. Trust me, he won't be able to resist." She left to attend to the other deputies. Probably to secure a date for tomorrow night as well.

You looked down at your uniform. Maybe two buttons would be fine. There was still another one before your bra would show. Yes, that was still modest enough. 

Before you could second guess yourself, Lee's order was ready. The salad was already prepared and stored in the fridge every morning. Those retired folk seemed to love it. With his coffee in one hand and the salad in another, you edged towards his table. He flashed you another smile as you placed the items in front of him. Lingering forward for longer than you usually would, you hoped Valerie's plan would work. You stood up, waiting for him to say something. Nothing. He said nothing. Instead, he just tucked into his meal.

You left to collect his milkshake and detoured to collect some cream and sugar. Lee would never be able to drink that coffee without something sweet in it.

Whilst you thought he had ignored your efforts, Lee had tried to hide his reaction to your cleavage. It had surprised him. Usually, you kept your uniform buttoned properly. Whereas, some of the others undid a few to highlight their assets. He loved being able to look down your dress but felt like a pervert for doing it. So pretended to have seen nothing. He felt a tinge of jealousy as he wondered why you had done it. Was there someone else you were trying to seduce? But you hadn't spoken to anyone between him and the kitchen, except Valerie, but she didn't swing that way. He knew because his sister had tried wooing Valerie but was quickly turned down. Surely you had to know that. So if it wasn't for her... It must be for him.

Waiting for the milkshake machine to power up, you sighed loud enough for Teresa to hear.

"Y/N, what's wrong?"

"I tried Valerie's plan, you know with the practically stripping in front of the Sheriff," you figured Teresa would have worked it out if Valerie knew, "And he didn't react at all. Ignored me."

"Oh, sweetie. I said you needed to be more forward," she advised, "When you take his milkshake, ask him what he's doing later. Matthew told me that the Sheriff usually had the evening off today so he should be free."

"Alright fine," you picked up his milkshake in one hand and the cream and sugar in the other, "What's the worst that could happen?"

Confidence grew in both of you as you approached his table. You smiled when you saw his coffee remained untouched.

"Thought you could use some cream and sugar with that," you exclaimed.

"Aww, so thoughtful doll." She's gonna be the death of me, he thought.

You stood there silently for a moment, before trying to speak. But Lee had the same plan.

"What are you doing later?" you spoke simultaneously.

"Huh, you first darling."

"Um, not a lot," you stuttered, shocked at his question, "Your turn."

"Not a lot either sweetheart." You inhaled sharply and clenched your fists to try and ease your nerves.

"I hear that they're playing some films at the outdoor theatre tonight."

"Are you asking me out doll?" his face remained blank, but he was secretly jumping for joy.

"Um, maybe," you said quietly, "Just forget I said anything. It was a stupid idea." You turned to leave but he grabbed your wrist lightly.

"What if I don't want to forget? What if I've been working up the courage to speak to you? What if I was just about to ask you out myself?" You blushed.

"You don't mean that Lee."

"Oh but I do sweetheart. I would love to go with you."

You stood there shocked at his confession. You had done it. You'd asked out the Sheriff and he said yes.

"I finish here at five," you grinned, "You can pick me up from my house at seven."

"Why'd you need two hours to get ready darling?" he questioned.

"Gotta look nice for our date Lee."

"You always look fucking gorgeous, beautiful."