Work Text:
“Can I get you anything else today, sir?” Tim smiles at the beautiful waitress in front of him, who has come to slowly fall for. He’s been coming to this diner for six months and always sits with the same waitress, Lucy.
“I think I’m all set for today, Lucy.” He slips something into her hand and she immediately gives it back.
“You can’t win today, Bradford.” The last six months, he’s had a dollar bill that he left for Lucy. Originally, he had dropped it when he was leaving one day. She held onto it until she saw him the next time.
Tim shrugs his shoulders and his fingers gently graze hers before he finally moves them to the table. “It was worth a shot.”
“You’re cute. I’ll see you soon.” She smiles and saunters away. Tim can’t help but stare after her. The food is delicious as always, but she’s the reason he keeps coming back. They’ve gotten to know each other fairly well. Tim is a cop and Lucy is in school to be a teacher. She’s so close to being finished.
Before Tim leaves, he leaves the dollar bill on the table. He decided to write something on it today and then he heads home for the night. He also left her a generous tip because she deserves it. Lucy cleans up the table and sees the dollar bill sticking out. She takes it and shoves it in her apron before cleaning the rest of the table. As soon as she’s out back, Lucy pulls the dollar bill out. Tim wrote something on it.
Will you go on a date with me? You’re a remarkable woman. You make my days better.
Lucy puts her hand to her mouth and really hopes that she sees Tim sooner rather than later. Luck isn’t on her side and she doesn’t see him for a whole week. She has a few things to catch him up on including an answer to his question. “There is my favorite customer.”
Tim smiles when he sees her. She can see a bruise that’s healing on his face. Her hand gently runs over it and she can feel him shiver under her touch. “I promise that it isn’t as bad as it looks.” Lucy glares at him. “Okay, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.”
“Good. I was worried about you. I owe you an answer to your question. Now I will go grab your coke and put your food order in.” Tim always gets the same thing when he’s here. He feels Lucy’s hand squeeze his and then sees the dollar bill. There’s a small post-it note attached. Yes, I would love to go on a date. P.S. It's about time.
Tim blushes and he hasn’t felt this excited for anything in a long time. Lucy is different and he can’t wait for their date. “I can see you staring.”
Tim is brought of his thoughts by Lucy’s voice. “Ah, I’m sorry.” Lucy giggles. “No, I lied, I’m not sorry. You’re gorgeous and I think your answer to my question just made me the happiest man alive.”
“I can’t wait for our date, Tim. I’m excited.”She places his drink down and goes to take care of her other customers. Tim keeps his eyes on her until she brings his food back. What surprises him is that she sits down at his table. “What? I get a lunch break and I have a trusted friend helping to cover me.”
Tim moves his hand to hers and squeezes it. They both eat, the conversation flowing so easily. He doesn’t want this day to end. “What time is your shift over tonight?”
“I get off at five.” It’s currently just after one.
“Can I take you out for our second date tonight?” Tim asks and then realizes that he said second.
“Second?” Lucy is confused.
He nods. “I’m counting this as date number one.” Something stirs inside her and she has never felt this way before.
“You can absolutely take me out. My car is broken so do you want to pick me up?” Tim smiles widely.
“Yes, I’d love that. I can’t wait for tonight.” He pays her and then heads out to get things ready for tonight.
Lucy’s shift flies by and she’s so glad that she has extra clothes to change into. When she walks out at five, Tim is standing against his truck. He hasn’t seen her yet and her eyes take him in. His arms are crossed and he looks hot. He breaks into a big smile when he sees her. “Hi.”
Tim moves some hair behind her ears and takes her bag. “Hi.” Lucy whispers out. Her heart is beating with excitement and Tim’s smile is making her weak in the knees.
“Are you ready to go?” Lucy nods and Tim helps her into the truck. Curiosity has the best of her as to where he’s taking her, but she also loves the surprise. “I think you will enjoy where we are going.” Tim takes her hand in his own.
He drives to their destination and her jaw drops. Lucy is trying to not squeal. “Really Tim?”
He nods his head. “You mentioned that you always wanted to do a rage room and I promise that I will feed you after.”
“I told you that months ago. You remembered that?” Their second date and Tim is already the best relationship of her life.
“There’s not much I don’t remember when it comes to you Lucy.” She wants to kiss him, but she also wants to savor that moment. “Now come on. This will be fun.”
Tim wasn’t wrong. This was one of her favorite dates and it was an absolute blast. They both pretended that their exes' faces were on some of these objects. “That was even better than I imagined.”
They are standing in front of his truck after finishing. Tim cups her cheek and moves some of her hair out of her face. “Anything with you is better Lucy Chen. You coming into my life is the best thing to ever happen to me.” His words make her heart flutter and then Tim kisses her. It’s soft, gentle, yet electric.
“That was better than my dreams.” She rests her forehead against his.
“It absolutely was. Now how about we get some food?”
Lucy agrees and he once again helps her into his truck. She also told him that she loves Thai food at one point. There’s a food truck that has the best Thai food he’s ever tasted and plans on taking her there. He never wants this date to end. “I found a food truck for us to try. I’ve heard it has the best Thai food.” Lucy can’t believe he planned all this.
By the end of their date, Lucy doesn’t want to go home, but she knows that she has to. “Listen, I want you to know that I’m almost done with school. I have finals coming up and it’s going to be busy for me.” She hates that she will barely see him.
Tim squeezes her hand gently and reassures her. “Well, I will bring you food and if you so choose to need a study buddy, I’m available.”
Before she goes up to her apartment, she hands Tim the dollar bill. Best first date ever.
“Best first two dates ever.” He leans over and kisses her again. “I’ll see you soon, I promise.”
The next month is extremely busy for Lucy just as she thought. As promised, Tim helps with studying and making sure that she’s fed. She has already accepted a job at a local elementary school. Tim made sure to celebrate with ice cream. Another two weeks later and Lucy’s graduation happens. Her parents didn’t show up, but Tim did. He was her biggest cheerleader and that meant more than anything.
“Tonight's the night.” Lucy whispers into a kiss and surprises Tim when she finally sees him after the ceremony. They haven’t taken the next step, but neither wanted to rush this. This is too important to screw this up.
“Really?” Tim asks.
“Yes, really.” Lucy smiles at him.
“I can’t wait, baby, but first we’re going to dinner. You’re going to need that fuel for later.” Lucy shivers with anticipation.
He makes good on his promise and their night is better than either of them could have imagined. When they’re laying in bed, Tim hands Lucy a box. “What’s this?” He shrugs. She opens it to see a bracelet.
“It’s beautiful. You have very good taste.” Lucy feels so loved.
Tim grins. “Don’t I know it?” She then sees their dollar bill.
“I think we’re running out of room to write anything else.” She sees that he wrote one more thing. I’m so proud of you Lucy. “Thank you for coming into my life and being my biggest supporter.”
“Always Lucy.” He falls asleep with Lucy in his arms and it’s quickly becoming his favorite thing to do.
The months go by quickly and before they know it, Lucy is finishing her first year in teaching and Tim’s been promoted to Sergeant. It’s a year into their relationship and they’ve lived together for over six months. When you know, you know.
Tim hands her the dollar bill one night when they’re on the couch cuddling. She drops it when she reads the newest question. Will you marry me?
Tim has a ring in his hand. “Yes Tim. I will marry you.” It’s one of the best moments of her life.
What started as a silly thing between them has brought them love and given them the life they always dreamed about. That dollar bill now sits framed above their bed.
They’ve been married for eight years and have three wonderful children. Alexander is six, Liam is four, and Ayden is two.
“I’m so thankful for you Lucy.” Tim kisses her and rubs her belly. She’s eight months pregnant with their fourth and final baby. Their little girl, Lana, who they can’t wait to meet.
“And I’m so thankful for you and our life.” Who would have thought that a diner and a dollar bill gave them everything that they could both only dream about.