Alison waved toward Puck and Andrea as Chester followed her out of the restaurant. She was glad to start working with such kind people, even if it was just for a short time. However, she made a point to ignore Lizzy, pretending not to see her as they left.

"It seems pretty late," Alison observed, seeing the stars above.

"Yeah, I would think it's about half past nine now," Chester offered.

"Do you think my grandfather's still working?" 

"Most likely. He doesn't really like not working," he replied with a sigh. Alison bit her lip, wondering if she should have agreed to live with the queen. "But you are always welcome to go see him while he's working. I'm sure he would enjoy the company."

"That's true. I mean, there are worse things than working all the time," she added with a small smile. Chester sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Very true," he smiled, hoping to lift her spirits somehow.

"By the way, is Puck part of the Mibweha clan?" Alison asked, remembering that she had a question. She didn't dare ask Chester at the restaurant.

"He is, and Andrea is a part of the Panya clan. Her eyes are a little more subtle."

"Is that how you know him?"

"Yeah, he's my cousin on my mom's side," Chester answered. Alison was silent for a moment, thinking that they had looked so different. 

After a few minutes of small talk, Chester had led her back to where she was living. He bade her a goodnight before leaving. She wondered if he lived close by or if he had a long walk ahead. Closing the door, she sighed, excited for her first day of work.

                                      ♥♠♣♦ ♥♠♣♦ ♥♠♣♦ ♥♠♣♦ ♥♠♣♦

The next morning, Alison woke up early and started walking to work. It was a few minute walk, but she was there just as Andrea was unlocking the doors. The waitress waved before holding the door open for her.

"You're on time!" Andrea smiled.

"It is my first day," Alison answered, confused by the remark.

"Sorry, Chester is always late to everything, so as his friend, I was afraid that he rubbed off on you," Andrea explained. Alison chuckled, remembering her grandfather being upset with him. "Anyway, welcome. I'll show you around since we're here."

"That would be lovely," Alison replied, following Andrea. She showed Alison the kitchens, where the restrooms were, and how the tables were arranged. It was a little larger than the diner back home, so Alison wasn't entirely intimidated with the job. Although, only having Andrea as the other waitress made things a little stressful.

"So, that's the general layout. Puck generally stays in the kitchen for the most part, so that's where you can find him if you need him," Andrea smiled. Alison opened her mouth to say something, but Andrea left to seat the first customer. Alison followed, hoping to shadow and learn the Cardonian ways in waitressing.

At first, Andrea was annoyed in having Alison follow her around, but she got the hang of it when Alison helped bring out dishes and drinks. After an hour or so, Andrea let Alison go out on her own. She was doing well, until she spotted two familiar faces in her section.

"Welcome to the Hungry Hound," Alison greeted, surprising Evan and Madson.

"Alison? You work here?" Evan asked. 

"I do indeed. Chester found me the job after I found out that I would be staying longer than planned. I have some experience waitressing back home, so this seemed like the most logical job," Alison explained. Evan smiled, glad that she was able to find a place where she was comfortable.

"If you said you needed a job, you could have just said so," Madson laughed. Alison grimaced at the idea of the sheriff giving her a job. "We've needed a secretary at the station for a while now."

"That's very kind of you, but I think my talents are best used here," Alison answered politely. Madson sighed.

"Fair enough," the sheriff agreed, picking up the menu.

"I think it's great that you work here. Puck's a good guy, and Andrea is nice when she isn't yelling at someone," Evan mentioned before glancing around for Andrea. Alison smiled.

"I like it so far. What can I get you boys to eat, then?" she asked, pulling out a notebook and a pen.

"I think I'll get so eggs and sausage," Evan smiled, handing his menu to her. Madson glanced over the menu. "And coffees for both of us."

"And I'll have some oatmeal with honey," Madson informed. Alison nodded and returned to the kitchen to drop off the order.

While she was gathering dishes that had been prepared for other tables, Andrea came up beside her. Alison jumped slightly, not noticing that she had snuck up on her.

"I saw you chatting with the sheriff and his son," Andrea cooed.

"Yeah, Evan showed me around the other day," Alison informed, shocking Andrea.

"He actually showed you around?" 

"Well, we were looking for the sheriff, but he take me on a tour around town."

"Amazing! I've never known Evan to do something not police related. I guess it was technically related, but I'm surprised that he offered to show you around."

"Well, I think he took me along to see if I could talk to my grandfather if he had problems. Although, he did say that he would show me around properly today," Alison recalled, wondering if Evan would even be available after her shift. When she turned with all the plates, Andrea's mouth was hanging open. "What?"

"Then he asked you out?" Andrea whispered, confusing Alison.

"Out?"

"Like a date?"

"I mean, it sounds like he wants to make up for the terrible tour, but I guess so? I mean, he knows that I'm going back home eventually. A date wouldn't make a lot of sense," Alison reminded before leaving to serve her tables. Andrea sighed and shook her head.

Alison brought out the dishes that the two officers had ordered and set them down in front of them. Evan thanked her promptly while Madson dug in. Alison smiled and turned to leave.

"Alison," Evan called out, causing her to turn around. "When do you get off? I still owe you that tour."

"I get off around five, if that works for you."

"That works. I'll meet you out front then," Evan smiled.

"A tour is a terrible first date," Madson chimed in, embarrassing Evan once again. Alison pursed her lips in an effort not to laugh.

"This isn't a first date," Evan informed.

"Second date?" Madson asked, a little confused. Evan sighed and hid his face in his hands.

"Madson, Evan just wanted to show me around so I wouldn't get lost. He tried to be courteous yesterday, but the queen summoned us," Alison explained, hoping clearing up any miscommunications.

"Ooooh, I see," Madson nodded. "This is the third date."

"Dad!" Evan groaned. Alison excused herself, remembering that she needed to help other tables. 

"I'll be waiting out front," she informed before helping another round of customers. Andrea watched from afar, amused by the deputy's embarrassment. She hadn't ever seen him so vulnerable. 

Alison finished up with her shift and hung her apron up. Andrea came up behind her and put her apron up as well.

"Are you done for today as well?" Alison wondered.

"Yeah, once the other waitress comes in, but you go ahead today. I know you have that date," Andrea teased.

"Oh, so you overheard?" 

"I'm pretty sure the entire restaurant heard, dear."

"I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. It isn't a date, though."

"I can't imagine," Andrea sighed, practically shoving her out the door. "Go have fun with Mr. Policeman."

"Alright, alright," Alison laughed before she opened the doors. There she found a casually dressed Evan, leaning against the wall of the restaurant. He was holding a bouquet of flowers.