I found a table outside and sat down. I had canceled my earlier order of Alexandre's "usual", and decided to get a simple turkey sandwich, along with a bag of chips and a can of light beer.

I feel like a college student again.

I thought as I took in the scenery. The sandwich shop was pretty easy to spot since it was fairly rustic, and by that, I mean, kind of old. The city was in tip-top shape after the government decided to fix up the place but here this shop stood with its unpainted concrete, worn-out signs, and plastic chairs. I didn't exactly mind it, you could call it an aesthetic even, but I didn't really know why Myla and Alexandre became regulars here other than that the discount was appreciated, even with their large salaries, I pondered on all of this as I took a bite out of my sandwich.

Hmm, not bad, actually, though if I was still binge-watching Gordon Ramsey clips, I'd say it's a bit dry, oh well.

I opened up my bag of chips as well, and my partner sat down.

"First day, and you're already eating like that? If you plan to live like this for the foreseeable future, it might be best to find a more sustainable diet."

"Woman, I just had to tell my ex-wife I'd find her a perfect partner, give me a break."

I said with an exasperated tone but all I got was a doubtful look. As she sat down, I noticed her meal of the day as well, it was a tuna sandwich, a small bowl of salad presumably made from the miscellaneous vegetables the shop had, and some mineral water.

"Huh, that's a pretty normal-looking meal from someone like you."

"And what could you ever mean about that latter statement?"

We continued on with our usual banter before a voice emanated from the shop.

"Ah! Myla, there you are! I was so worried when Dad said Alex was gone, y'know?"

"Oh, Fable, good afternoon."

"Short as ever, aren't we?"

She was a young-looking girl, but no older than Myla herself. She had reddish-brown hair tied up into a ponytail with a skip in her step and spunk in her speech. She wore a green apron with white underneath, and I presumed her to be the shop owner's daughter. Myla gave me a quick glance and not wanting to be told off again I immediately complied.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Bridger Blaithe, Myla's new partner and surveyor."

"Ah, so you're Alex's replacement? Name's Fable, Fable Glenn hope she hasn't given you too much trouble."

She said with a chuckle as she pulled a chair from another one of the tables and sat on it backwards to face us.

Trouble? Hardly, she's inconvenienced me enough to make me believe in karma.

I swallowed that thought and released a sigh as Fable put a finger to her lips and made an inquisitive face.

"Still, we only got news of his promotion yesterday. Strangely enough, that's when he also told us he'd still be a regular but would change his usual."

"I-Is that so?"

That Alexandre...Not only did he not mention Amanda, but he knew Myla would bring me here no matter what and that I'd have to take his order, didn't he. I thought he was on my side, then again, he did have to spend a year or so with Myla, so I can't blame him for picking up on a few issues, that poor kid.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

I said a quiet prayer for Alexandre before facing the two who were mid-conversation.

"How has your relationship been?" Myla asked, surprisingly making small-talk.

"It's been great, but his school's been keeping him up, right? And we just can't have couple time much."

"Is that so?"

She said as she immediately went back to eating.

"Jeez, I thought this job was for outdoors-ey and talkative types. You're like a broken chatbot." I quipped as I continued munching on my sandwich.

"And I thought people who were on their first day were more respectful towards their coworkers."

"Respect is earned through respecting others, dear partner."

I said with a proud and condescending tone.

"Likewise then. Be glad Edmond only had plastic forks today."

I'm pretty sure I saw a bunch of metal ones below the counter. I think he was trying to make a preemptive defense. What a nice man.

"Mhm, Mhm." I heard an enthusiastic voice grunt as I turned and saw Fable with her eyes closed, nodding.

"That's more like it."

"What is?" I asked

"You see, a while ago, maybe a year or so, Myla was a lot more talkative."

I think she talks enough actually, after being reminded how she speaks to me, I hereby retract my previous statements and politely ask her to never speak again.

I thought and gave a doubtful look as Fable continued.

"Not to say she was exactly pleasant. Sorry Myla, but she kinda just liked to chat, and it's nice to see that again."

"Oh? Is that so? Did you hear that, Myla? It's getting annoying; time to shut up again." I let out a disingenuous laugh to follow my sarcastic remark.

"Need I remind you which one of us has the car keys? That aside, I apologize if I seem more distant, Fable."

"No, no. It's fine; you've done us plenty of good as is; our little chats are just bonuses for me and Dad. Oh, shoot, look at the time I gotta head out, take care."

She said as she placed her chair back and went back into the shop.

"Rather early for her to clock out; where's she going?"

"She has practice today."

"Hmm?" I turned my head, but my question was answered, as Fable left the building with a guitar bag thrown behind her.

"Oh, and new guy, Bridger, was it? You're fun. Try not to piss of Myla any more than what's entertaining." She shouted as she ran off to get a taxi.

I'll try, but it's kinda funny, so I try to go a little bit over.

I smiled and waved farewell to her. I took the last bite of my sandwich I was slowly gnawing away at throughout the conversation and sipped my beer. The familiar silence had returned, so I too returned to my past time.

"So, why are they indebted to you guys in the first place?"

"Looking to learn something related to the job for once? How strange." She said as she too finished her meal.

"Yeah, yeah. Just tell me, or I'll find something else to annoy you about."

She let out a short sigh, another of the many she's released due to my presence today.

"That guitar, her father gave it to her." I was intrigued and nodded for her to continue.

"The partner she was a match with was a musician, someone with his own band. She was interested in joining. However, her father wanted very little to do with it and urged her to help run the family business."

"The sandwich shop, you mean?"

"Yes. I and Alexandre worked on their case a year or so ago and spent nearly two months attempting to reach a compromise with them. Eventually, the father himself agreed and did what was best for the couple and even bought her a guitar and paid for lessons. Nowadays she works in the mornings here and goes out for practice in the afternoons while her husband goes to music school to also work as a professor rather than just have a band and concerts as his main source of income."

"So that was the compromise, huh?"

"Correct. They might not show it out of consideration for you, but they do wish Alexandre were here, he was incredibly invested in their case, and as such, they treat him like a family friend for his help in their troubles."

"Thanks for the roundabout way of telling me people were disappointed at my arrival."

I said, but I was a little impressed; it seemed Alexandre's promotion was well-earned; the kid was determined and was ready to become this close with the people he worked with.

Not bad kid, not bad...On the other hand.

I looked at my partner, who gave me her signature stern and serious look.

"Oh, speaking of the time, come on, let's go. I don't want you to be the reason we're late," I said as I stood up, took a final sip of my drink, and threw my trash into the nearby bin.

"You know very well that's highly unlikely."

"I was trying to impersonate you, you know?"

"How flattering." She said as she stood up and threw out her trash as well.

Surprised you didn't throw me in with the rest of your "garbage".

I swallowed those words as we both entered the car to head out, once again.