Bradley Baker

Brad was sitting in the restaurant writing again. He had his earbuds in and he was listening to Panic! at the Disco. Earlier he had placed an order with Maria for chicken fingers and he was eagerly awaiting the meal since he had forgotten to eat breakfast this morning.

Liz was the one who returned with his meal. She placed it on the table and offered him a small smile.

Surprised, Bradley pulled out his earbuds. He looked surprised and somewhat confused.

"Um... sorry. Maria's shift ended and mine took over, so... anyways. Yeah. They were done and food's always better when it's cooked, right?" Liz held onto her smile, hoping it looked more natural than it felt. They hadn't really spoken much after the 'incident', but she knew things were better between him and Peter, so this was fine, right? Still, Liz had to fight the urge to look around as if someone from school would go running and start some sort of rumour about her and Brad or something.

High school drama seemed to linger, even when high school didn't exist.

"Thanks," Brad said. "You, uh... you didn't have to do that, but thanks."

Liz nodded and took a step back. "Well, it's kind of my job, so..." She went to turn around, paused, told herself to grow up and then re-faced Bradley. "It's okay, you know. Us. We're friends still, right? I don't want things to  be weird or whatever. What happened was in the past, okay?"

Bradley looked to Liz silently. In the past...

"I meant it when I said I was sorry, you know." He said to Liz. "About the whole thing. I should have asked your permission first."

The idea of consent like that was still pretty new to Liz, though it resonated with her despite societal romantic gender expectations. "I know."

"Okay, well... If we're going to stay friends, then I need to be honest with you." He said, feeling a pit form in his stomach.

Brad hesitated. He knew what he was going to say could ruin everything, but he wanted to start out on the right foot.

"I still like you, Liz," He admitted. "You're pretty, and smart, and funny. Maybe that'll change, but right now I like you."

Liz shifted her weight where she stood. What did you say to that? Thanks? While it was flattering, of course, it meant things were awkward still. "Brad..."

Bradley shook his head.

"It's okay," He said. "I get it and I know you're with Peter. He's a really nice guy and a way better person than me anyways. I'm happy you're both together... well, not happy, but happy for you I guess. I know he makes you happy."

He better make you happy.

"What I'm trying to say is, even though I still like you, I want to be your friend... if you'll let me," He said. "I promise no impromptu kisses or inappropriate whatevers. I like spending time with you... and Maria and Peter and the others here too and I don't want there to be this weird thing between us that keeps everything awkward."

Liz took it in and then nodded. In truth, this wouldn't be the first time she was friends with someone who still had feelings for her. It had even worked out with her and Kyle - he was a good friend now with no romantic interest in her as far as she knew. "Okay, yeah. I'd like that." Her smile this time was a little more genuine.

"Great," He said, still feeling awkward. "Cool."

Liz felt awkward too. She offered him a nod. "Okay, well... if you need anything, let me know, but I should probably get back to serving so..."

"Yeah," He said with a nod. "See you around."