Griff placed his hand over his mouth as he watched the two.
"I said. What the hell do you think you're doing here…" From glaring and overall mean looking, his demeanor changed in the blink of an eye. Suddenly a wide, friendly smile appeared on his face as he pulled out two plates from behind his back "…without one of my famous coffee cakes!" A loud laughter came from both the man and Griff.
"JULIAN! I swear if you're scaring our new guest i'll send you to God's doorstep myself,comprendre?" Shouted Lisa without turning around to face them. Griff was double over, tears streaming down his face from the laughter, even snorting a few times.
Lukas let out a sigh of relief, allowing a shaky smile to come to his face. He'd pissed off a lot of people during his time on the streets that he was sure that he was one of him. The blonde shook his head, "Man, you got me" he said,
"At least you didnt make a mess on my floor!" Laughing once again, Julian handed over the plates. "Once upon a time ago, some kid damn near wet himself when i did the same thing to him. He dropped his coffee and i made him clean it up." He turned around to walk back into the other room "After making him mop it up, i realized he was a good worker, so i gave him a job." He smiled at Griff, "Enjoy! I'm busy prepping for our dinner rush." With that, he walked through the door.
"Sorry about that." said Griff as he led Lukas to an empty booth, "I couldnt resist letting him do that to you."
Lukas chuckled, sitting down across from him, "It's alright" he said, "At least I didn't make a mess" he teased the man, grinning
A deep red hue rushed over Griff's face. "Zatknis'." Lisa walked over, placing the coffee in front of the two boys. She patted their shoulders and walked back to the counter to clean up. Griff took a sip of his coffee and looked at Lukas "By the way, you're really good at singing."
Lukas took a deep drink of his coffee, trying to hide the blush, "Thanks," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair, "I don't do it much. Not anymlre anyways"
"Why not? I'm sure youd be able to get somewhere with that voice." Griff rested his chin in his right hand. "I do know some people. if you'd like, i can try to work some magic." Griff smiled at Lukas.
Lukas shrugged, "I tried once, but I can't. Not with all of the shit I do" he admitted, taking a drink of his coffee, "That dream is pretty much gone"
Griff paused, taking a drink he thought of ways to help. "well…" Griff continued to think, "If you can try to get mostly clean, i'll help you get a career singing. How does that sound?" Griff went into his jacket pocket again and took a small, quick breath of his pen before handing it to Lukas. "And I'll be here for you, every step of the way." His tone was sincere as he gave Lukas a small smile.
Lukas held the pen between his fingers, twirling it around for a bit before nodding with a smile, "That sounds awesome" he admitted, taking a hit of the pen and handing it back, taking another drink of the coffee
Griff tucked the pen back into his pocket and began eating the coffee cake that was on his plate. "Oh, by the way. We have been invited to a house party later tonight. But don't worry, She doesnt have any hard stuff at her place." Griff took another drink of his coffee.
Lukas smiled, "That sounds great" he said, "Fun." He took the last drink of his coffee. He felt bad for thinking it, but maybe because of the party, he could squeeze another night under a roof, rather than what he was doing now
"Although," Griff finished off his cake "The girl i know has a lot of money, fellow coworker. but shes more uptight with looking a little nicer. So after my match, we should swing by your place so you can grab some clothes." Griff took a big drink of his coffee.
Lukas felt his heart jump to his throat, "Uh, er, on second thought, maybe I, ah, shouldn't go…" he said, struggling to find an excuse
"It's fine! plus this is going to be a good way for you to make connections." Tipping the cup back, Griff quickly finished off the coffee. He pulled out his phone and began texting. "There." Griff smiled and put his phone away. "Told her that we're coming. So theres no backing out now." Smiling innocently, Griff had no idea what was making Lukas uncomfortable.
Lukas felt his heart pound. What could he say? He couldn't protest anymore without being suspicious…. but if Griff found out… "Look… I don't do so well with parties" he said quickly, "I, ah, am not really a fan of… big crowds" he lied
Griff gave him a droll stare "Parties and drugs go hand in hand my friend." As Griff looked at him, he noticed how Lukas seemed to suddenly become anxious. Concern flashed over his features as he sat forward in his seat, "Is there something you wanna say? Look, if you dont wanna go home, thats fine…but just tell me." Griff leaned back, "All i ask is that you are honest with me."
Lukas hesitated. Griff had been so good to him… he deserved to know… he took a deep breath, "Alright" he said, "The thing is I… don't really have a, ah, place" he admitted, looking away, ashamed
"Lukas…" Griff leaned forward in his seat, his brows furrowed with concern and worry. "Why didnt you tell me? Stay with me. At least youll have a roof over you head, food, and a friend."
Lukas ran a hand through his hair, "I can't accept" he said, much as he wanted to, "You've already done so much for me…"
"I really havent done much. Please, let me help you." Griff begged with a sad puppydog look in his blue eyes and a slight frown on his lips.
Lukas hesitated, then sighed and relented, "Okay" he said, "Thank you" he looked up to meet his eyes, "I don't know how I can repay you"
"Well i know how you boys can repay me." Said Lisa as she walked up to them, "We just got a truck in, and my Julian isnt as young as he used to be. Could you two boos help him out with the heavy stuff?" She grabbed their empty coffee cups and plates, balancing them expertly.
"Yeah, that's no problem, ma'am" Lukas stood, smoothing his shirt, "Point meaning the direction, and I'll do whatever you need"
"Ma'am is for old ladies. Just call me mama, cher. The truck is parked out back. Feel free to go through the kitchen to get there." Lisa gestured to the door behind the counter before going to go grab a broom to sweep the dining area.
"Told you. Welcome to the family." Griff laughed before leading the way to where the truck was parked
