He left me a seventy-four dollar tip.

Why?

Still, the tip money is in my wallet. Each time for the past two days when I open my wallet; this money stares back at me.

Should I give him back some of the money? Should I keep it all? Did he not realize how much he truly left me? Did he not notice he had laid down a hundred on the counter? Did he not realize how much the bill was?

He had to realize what he paid with, right? I mean he eats almost daily at this diner with the girls. So, he must know around about what his bill would be each time. There's no way he wouldn't know. Tonight he will be at work. I seen his truck at the station earlier when I came through. Meaning he's doing his two days on one day off shift. I know that sounds stalker-ish but I've known him for a while now. His schedule is etched into my memory. He does two on one off, one on two off, he'll work day shift the last day of the week. Then the schedule starts all over again on a cycle; so anyone would have this schedule memorized. So, this evening I'll just swing by and give him most the money back. Simple right?

If only I had known it wouldn't have been as easy as I thought it would be.

Climbing into my car, I toss my cross body bag over into my passenger seat. Closing the door, I take slow deep breaths. I didn't think this far ahead. Just simple drive to the station, hand over money, and leave. What the hell do I say? I came to return your over tipage? Like yeah that's what you say Phoebe.

I back out of the driveway and start to head down our country roads. Still my mind thinks about what the hell I am supposed to say. I have say it several different ways but my mind keeps telling me each one is the wrong one to say. As I round the corner a block from the fire station; my mind begins to fog over. I turn into the parking lot of the fire station and my mind has completely went blank.

Well fuck.

Before my brain can tell my legs not to move yet; I'm already out my car and walking towards the opened bay doors. Lane taps Gray on his shoulder causing him to turn around quick and sharp. Gray's priceless face would usually have me laughing but with my blanked out mind; I'm shitting my pants. I watch as he walks quickly towards me, who's walking abnormally slow.

"What are you doing here Pheebs?" Grayson says in a confused voice.

"I. Erm. You. Tip. Here." Is all the words my mouth can form.

What?!

Before he can question me any further, I place the money into his hand. I turn faster then normal and rush to my car.

"Wait." He calls out to my retreating figure. I still don't stop.

This was a stupid idea Phoebe. What have you done?

I am quickly turned around by a hand on my forearm.

"That tip was correct. Now here." Gray says as he places the money back into my hand

I glance down at his bare fingers that quickly had just let go of my arm like I burned him. I watch as he backs away and into the opened bay doors. I walk backwards to my car and quickly get back in. Before I start it to leave; it hit me.

Bare fingers.

Bare fingers on left hand.

Where the hell is his ring?!

Did he leave it at home?

Did he lose it in a fire?

Where is his ring at?