tennis slash - The International Diner (3)
Title: The International Diner (3)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Andy Roddick/Marat Safin/Roger Federer; Mardy Fish/Juan Martin Del Potro; Novak Djokovic/Rafael Nadal
Other Players: Sam Querrey, John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP in a diner.
Author's Note: Yup, updating quickly. I really want this and maybe the next part (which is more like an interlude) up before Wimbledon. Also, slyreflection , I had too much fun listening to your guesses on the twist. Especially since you actually did guess right - out of the fifty you said.
Chapter 3 - The Power of the Specials
Roger doesn't usually enter the diner until the lunch shift. That's how it is clear today is a day for the cooks to shine.
Every so often, he will announce it's time to have "something special" on the breakfast menu. It's really just an excuse for Sam to experiment and Lleyton to switch up the desserts.
Roger decides to use a Saturday shift for the current test.
Each waiter treats the day differently. Novak savors the experience during his break so it's essentially a free lunch. Andy Roddick prefers to just have the plate sitting at the seat nearest the kitchen so he can take a bite, Mardy is rather careless so ends up eating from Roddick's plate as often as his own. Andy Murray usually bows out of it by acting as both greeter and waiter so he can grump his way through the shift.
"Wow. This is pretty creative," Novak says, sitting at the counter as Sam makes a show of his newest creation. "There's French toast under there?" Not that he cares with all of what looks like thick chocolate syrup on top.
Roddick finishes a forkful and complains, "Yeah, I get the feeling you'll say you're eating something nutritious even though it's gotta be a lie. It's something more than chocolate but I can't identify it."
Mardy laughs, sampling from Andy's plate. "You sound like an old man." To Novak, he says, "You wanted to know when Rafa showed up?"
"Oh yes. Can I?" holding the plate up, wanting to take it with him.
Sam is returning to the kitchen but calls out over his shoulder, "Maybe you can convince him to order that so it can stay on the specials menu beyond today. It's the Nutella Stuffed French Toast."
Roger is amused at how this challenge brings out the kid in both Sam and Novak. Well, he thinks of Novak as a kid still, which he was when he first started as a busboy, but seeing him talk to Rafa, he's sure there's nothing innocent about him.
Not even two minutes pass when Novak returns to the counter, calling out to the kitchen. "He definitely wants an order, Sam."
* * * * *
When Novak returns to the table, Rafa says, "I got you to work during your break?"
"Something like that." Novak was supposed to fix Rafa up with Andy Murray, a fact he completely forgot about when he hung around the tennis courts. Rafa was a college student who was one of the top tennis prospects in the country. Novak was pretty good himself so the practices had actually been useful as well. In addition, Rafa had met Novak's brothers and they couldn't stop talking about the Spaniard. Then again, neither could Novak.
Rafa seems almost shy as he says, "There's this club just opened this weekend. Sound good?"
Novak has nondescript plans involving Andy, though he can't remember why. That makes the club decision easy. "Yeah, Andy and I would enjoy that."
"Andy?" Novak points to the front door. "Oh yeah. I guess."
"He's here until closing but we could go earlier."
Rafa smiles brightly, liking that he will get the time alone with Novak after all.
* * * * *
Roger is now delving into Sam's second dish. He jolts when Andy takes a forkful from his plate. "Hey! You have your own!"
"Yeah, but it looks so much better when you're eating it," the American grins, standing on the other side of the counter and leaning in. "What did Sam call this one?"
"The Good Morning Omelette. He sucks at names but it is definitely less rich than the stuffed French toast. Apples, sausage and cheddar; I'm sure there can be a more descriptive title."
Andy relishes the taste of this dish. "I definitely think this will sell."
"Okay, so one for the kids, one for the adults. That will work." Roger turns to the front door. "What's wrong with Other Andy today? He wanted nothing to do with the free food."
"Hmm. I don't know. He's been too quiet. I think this Spanish boy taking Novak's attention may have something to do with it."
"Andy's got a crush?"
"Not sure. He was complaining the other day about being single. If he does, that would definitely explain today since Novak was so anxiously awaiting Rafa's arrival. Novak's definitely got a crush."
* * * * *
Mardy smiles as he catches a glance of Andy and Roger at the counter. Given how Andy normally is, it is nice to witness this quiet moment between them.
Roger and Marat were already a couple when Andy started working at the diner. Roger was in the process of buying the diner while Marat already worked here. As with anything involving Marat, there was never a dull moment - many a fight, breakup, and makeup.
Roger would hang around the diner a lot while getting the paperwork done. After one especially heated exchange, Roger began going to Andy for advice. This got Marat mad and, either as revenge or a rebound, hooked up with Lleyton.
The thing about Marat, as far as Roger was concerned, was he couldn't quite leave him. Andy tried to stay out it, simply playing advisor. Sure, he liked Roger but Marat and Lleyton caused Roger enough headaches. Difficult to believe that Andy would be the one Roger would turn to for peace as it conflicted with the hyperactive coworker Mardy dealt with on a regular basis.
After the fight in the kitchen in which Lleyton inadvertently punched Sam while going after Marat, the trio gathered at Roger's house and tried to reach an understanding. "Understanding" soon turned into code for "let's all have sex". While most of it doesn't make sense to outsiders, Roger and Andy do make sense, in an odd sort of way.
That is what Mardy wants. He knew customers had crushes on him but, despite what Guillermo said, he never led anyone on. He does want to be careful when it comes to Juan Martin, especially now that he knows the guy's friends think so little of the waiter.
Juan Martin hasn't been here since Guillermo was fired. Not quite a surprise, given Mardy is pretty sure he doesn't have a car and no way will Nalbandian set foot here at this point. That doesn't mean Mardy won't wish everything were different.
* * * * *
"Is this what I think it is?" Novak asks upon seeing slices of cheesecake at the counter. Correction, The Cheesecake: a fluffy peanut butter cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust. The cake that had been in a court battle as Lleyton's ex claimed inventing it for marketing purposes. Lleyton claimed it ended when she agreed to a trade for some Belgian waffle recipe that he no longer cared about.
Roger and Andy both break out into wide grins. Roger says, "Yup, Lleyton's cheesecake is returning to the menu. I don't need the taste test for it but it wouldn't exactly hurt."
Andy corrects, "Hurt? Impossible! It's The Cheesecake. Able to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Simply orgasmic. I think it's the reason Lleyton gets away with so much around here."
"Now that is not true!" Roger snaps. At Andy's pointed look, Roger admits, "Well, the desserts in general are the main reason. Someday he'll have a bakery and the world will realize just how good he is. In the meantime, he's not going anywhere without a fight from me."
Novak picks up a plate and fork, about to enjoy when Andy Murray slides past to drop off orders, grumbling, "Someone needs to work around here."
When the Scot returns, Novak makes sure his hands are empty as he grabs hold and twirls him toward them. "Come on, Andy. You must have The Cheesecake."
"No thanks."
"Andy?" Novak tries to get him to hold still. "It's The Cheesecake, out of hiding! A momentous occasion and you're missing it! It's a time to dance. Entertain this captive audience," pointing to Roger and Andy, both attentive to them. Novak tries to lead a couple’s dance with him.
"Let go of me!" wiggling out of Novak's grip. "Save those moves for tonight." There is nothing amusing in his tone of voice, just simply irritated with Novak.
When the boys walk away, Sam pops his head in from the kitchen to call out, "He simply doesn't know the power of The Cheesecake."
* * * * *
The next day, Andy Roddick arrives to an annoyed cook. Sam has his hands on his hips as he barks out, "Why do you and Marat insist on using the back closet as your totally not secret rendezvous point?"
"What?" Andy knows he was with Marat but definitely not here. "We were at Roger's last night."
"Stop lying, Roddick. I don't buy your games. I'm not... no, we the cooks, are not supposed to know but you're a terrible liar so we've played along for months. John and I both made it clear that you should clean up your messes."
"Sam, I wasn't here last night. I left at 4. Marat left... actually, Marat didn't even work yesterday."
"That has never stopped you before."
"Do you think we're the only ones aware of that spot? Ask someone on the later shift. Maybe it's the new greeter Tommy."
Lleyton and John both arrive at that point, just watching them. When Sam spots them, he says, "Back me up here. Do you think Andy messed up the back closet?"
John walks over to the closet, gingerly opening the door. There's a plate of what looks like the crumbs of The Cheesecake, a nearly empty bottle of wine, and a black sweater left behind. "Wow, when you called The Cheesecake orgasmic, you weren't kidding."
Andy points out, "It wasn't from experience, Johnny. I wasn't here. Marat wasn't here. Maybe it was the boys. Yeah, Novak and that Spanish boy. Murray was here last night; he could have let them in."
Sam says, "Yeah but we don't even serve alcohol. Are any of them even legal to buy it?"
Lleyton answers quietly, "Murray just turned 21. Novak will next week. But maybe..."
However, Andy and Sam are off and running with theories. Sam says, "I think they would. Novak is in this morning. We simply grill him until the poor kid breaks."
Andy grins. "I will enjoy doing that. Mardy can help."
* * * * *
Novak has a spring in his step when he arrives. Sam looks at Andy, pointing to the just-arrived to get his attention. Andy gets a devilish smile then springs into action. "So how was your night?"
"Okay."
"Tell me all about it."
"Really?" Novak shrugs. "I went to a club with Rafael, the guy that was here yesterday."
"Wow, you're spending a lot of time with him."
“He invited me. Sounded like fun.”
"This is progressing very quickly." Mardy has just arrived in the kitchen and Sam gives a satisfactory nod, indicating they've started on the young Serb. Mardy decides to take a few minutes before resuming setting up tables for opening.
“I suppose. It’s nice to find someone who enjoys tennis."
“Right. Tennis. It’s only about tennis.”
“Well no. There could be more.”
“I’m sure there is.”
Novak realizes Andy knows something he's not saying. “Since when do you care?”
“When it happens here at the diner, it becomes everyone’s concern.”
A different coworker would have outright laughed at Andy, of all people, saying that. Novak is not at that level of comfortability with Roddick. “Really? What else do you want to know?”
“How did you convince Murray to sneak you in?”
“What? When?”
“Last night.”
“I wasn’t here last night. I didn’t even see Andy. He bailed on me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He was supposed to join us but he left me a message that he’d rather not.”
“So no fun and games here?”
“No, not here. Elsewhere, yes.” Novak looks down, hoping he doesn’t have to reveal any more.
Fortunately, Andy finally gets the message. “Well, okay then. Enjoy.”
When Novak leaves, Andy exclaims, “Damn it! Not Novak. I mean, there are others that work later shifts so of course any of them could be an option.”
Lleyton says, “Possible but…”
Sam continues along Andy’s way of thinking. “Tommy could be. He can take Marat or Mardy on when it comes to the luring. Or it could be that Roger speaks German…”
Andy says, “Mardy!” as if it was the first time he’d seriously considered that option.
“Yeah?” Sam asks.
“I just assumed Mardy knew nothing but I didn’t ask. Juan Martin could have…”
Mardy calls out from the other side of the door, “But he didn’t. Drop it!”
Andy acts as if he can’t hear the complaining. “Maybe he is hiding something.”
A louder answer, “I really wish I was.”
* * * * *
After no luck, the subject is dropped. Everyone assumes it is connected to either Marat and Roger only or the new guy on the later shift.
The subject didn’t stay cold as long as it usually would. Novak had needed Marat to cover the last three hours of his shift.
So when Marat saunters in, Andy approaches him immediately. “Were you here last night?”
The Russian was about to head to the employee refrigerator but stops when he sees the urgency in Andy’s eyes. “Are you serious?”
“Just covering all bases. Somebody got lucky in the closet last night. I know I was with you but…”
Marat resumes what he was going to do and sees the slices. “The Cheesecake?”
“Yup.”
He takes a slice out. “Ever notice how this stuff leads to hookups? I mean, Lleyton, you must realize the gold mine…” Marat stops as he notices the Aussie trying to stay out of the conversation. “Are you fucking kidding me? The baker finally got lucky with his own cheesecake?”
Sam laughs. “Very funny. Lleyton respects the rules.”
“Who do you think dragged me into that room in the first place?”
Sam glances at Lleyton, who is keeping his head down. “Really, wow, that’s…”
Marat continues, “The question is who was the guy and why were you here last night. Actually, that’s two.”
Novak brushes past Marat to get to the closet, looking to clean himself up. He storms out immediately with the black sweater in hand. “I cannot believe you, Lleyton! Were you so desperate… no wonder I was getting grilled earlier…”
“Wait,” Sam says. “There was a clue?” He always finds dramas involving Lleyton way too amusing, especially because Lleyton himself isn’t usually forthcoming but everyone else loves telling the stories.
“This is my sweater. I loaned it to Andy weeks ago.”
Marat glares at Andy. “Here you go accusing me and it was you all along! You are fucking unbelievable.”
“Do you really think I would ever borrow Novak’s clothes, much less have sex with Lleyton?” Andy calls out to Lleyton, “No offense, mate,” then continues to Marat, “How could you think so little of me? Clearly he means Murray.”
Novak says, “So that’s why he was a no-show.”
Everyone assumes Lleyton will finally deny this tale. Instead, he replies, “He was a no-show because his best friend forgot yesterday was his birthday and he would rather sulk here than play third wheel.”
Chapter 4 - What Happened in the Closet
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Andy Roddick/Marat Safin/Roger Federer; Mardy Fish/Juan Martin Del Potro; Novak Djokovic/Rafael Nadal
Other Players: Sam Querrey, John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP in a diner.
Author's Note: Yup, updating quickly. I really want this and maybe the next part (which is more like an interlude) up before Wimbledon. Also, slyreflection , I had too much fun listening to your guesses on the twist. Especially since you actually did guess right - out of the fifty you said.
Chapter 3 - The Power of the Specials
Roger doesn't usually enter the diner until the lunch shift. That's how it is clear today is a day for the cooks to shine.
Every so often, he will announce it's time to have "something special" on the breakfast menu. It's really just an excuse for Sam to experiment and Lleyton to switch up the desserts.
Roger decides to use a Saturday shift for the current test.
Each waiter treats the day differently. Novak savors the experience during his break so it's essentially a free lunch. Andy Roddick prefers to just have the plate sitting at the seat nearest the kitchen so he can take a bite, Mardy is rather careless so ends up eating from Roddick's plate as often as his own. Andy Murray usually bows out of it by acting as both greeter and waiter so he can grump his way through the shift.
"Wow. This is pretty creative," Novak says, sitting at the counter as Sam makes a show of his newest creation. "There's French toast under there?" Not that he cares with all of what looks like thick chocolate syrup on top.
Roddick finishes a forkful and complains, "Yeah, I get the feeling you'll say you're eating something nutritious even though it's gotta be a lie. It's something more than chocolate but I can't identify it."
Mardy laughs, sampling from Andy's plate. "You sound like an old man." To Novak, he says, "You wanted to know when Rafa showed up?"
"Oh yes. Can I?" holding the plate up, wanting to take it with him.
Sam is returning to the kitchen but calls out over his shoulder, "Maybe you can convince him to order that so it can stay on the specials menu beyond today. It's the Nutella Stuffed French Toast."
Roger is amused at how this challenge brings out the kid in both Sam and Novak. Well, he thinks of Novak as a kid still, which he was when he first started as a busboy, but seeing him talk to Rafa, he's sure there's nothing innocent about him.
Not even two minutes pass when Novak returns to the counter, calling out to the kitchen. "He definitely wants an order, Sam."
* * * * *
When Novak returns to the table, Rafa says, "I got you to work during your break?"
"Something like that." Novak was supposed to fix Rafa up with Andy Murray, a fact he completely forgot about when he hung around the tennis courts. Rafa was a college student who was one of the top tennis prospects in the country. Novak was pretty good himself so the practices had actually been useful as well. In addition, Rafa had met Novak's brothers and they couldn't stop talking about the Spaniard. Then again, neither could Novak.
Rafa seems almost shy as he says, "There's this club just opened this weekend. Sound good?"
Novak has nondescript plans involving Andy, though he can't remember why. That makes the club decision easy. "Yeah, Andy and I would enjoy that."
"Andy?" Novak points to the front door. "Oh yeah. I guess."
"He's here until closing but we could go earlier."
Rafa smiles brightly, liking that he will get the time alone with Novak after all.
* * * * *
Roger is now delving into Sam's second dish. He jolts when Andy takes a forkful from his plate. "Hey! You have your own!"
"Yeah, but it looks so much better when you're eating it," the American grins, standing on the other side of the counter and leaning in. "What did Sam call this one?"
"The Good Morning Omelette. He sucks at names but it is definitely less rich than the stuffed French toast. Apples, sausage and cheddar; I'm sure there can be a more descriptive title."
Andy relishes the taste of this dish. "I definitely think this will sell."
"Okay, so one for the kids, one for the adults. That will work." Roger turns to the front door. "What's wrong with Other Andy today? He wanted nothing to do with the free food."
"Hmm. I don't know. He's been too quiet. I think this Spanish boy taking Novak's attention may have something to do with it."
"Andy's got a crush?"
"Not sure. He was complaining the other day about being single. If he does, that would definitely explain today since Novak was so anxiously awaiting Rafa's arrival. Novak's definitely got a crush."
* * * * *
Mardy smiles as he catches a glance of Andy and Roger at the counter. Given how Andy normally is, it is nice to witness this quiet moment between them.
Roger and Marat were already a couple when Andy started working at the diner. Roger was in the process of buying the diner while Marat already worked here. As with anything involving Marat, there was never a dull moment - many a fight, breakup, and makeup.
Roger would hang around the diner a lot while getting the paperwork done. After one especially heated exchange, Roger began going to Andy for advice. This got Marat mad and, either as revenge or a rebound, hooked up with Lleyton.
The thing about Marat, as far as Roger was concerned, was he couldn't quite leave him. Andy tried to stay out it, simply playing advisor. Sure, he liked Roger but Marat and Lleyton caused Roger enough headaches. Difficult to believe that Andy would be the one Roger would turn to for peace as it conflicted with the hyperactive coworker Mardy dealt with on a regular basis.
After the fight in the kitchen in which Lleyton inadvertently punched Sam while going after Marat, the trio gathered at Roger's house and tried to reach an understanding. "Understanding" soon turned into code for "let's all have sex". While most of it doesn't make sense to outsiders, Roger and Andy do make sense, in an odd sort of way.
That is what Mardy wants. He knew customers had crushes on him but, despite what Guillermo said, he never led anyone on. He does want to be careful when it comes to Juan Martin, especially now that he knows the guy's friends think so little of the waiter.
Juan Martin hasn't been here since Guillermo was fired. Not quite a surprise, given Mardy is pretty sure he doesn't have a car and no way will Nalbandian set foot here at this point. That doesn't mean Mardy won't wish everything were different.
* * * * *
"Is this what I think it is?" Novak asks upon seeing slices of cheesecake at the counter. Correction, The Cheesecake: a fluffy peanut butter cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust. The cake that had been in a court battle as Lleyton's ex claimed inventing it for marketing purposes. Lleyton claimed it ended when she agreed to a trade for some Belgian waffle recipe that he no longer cared about.
Roger and Andy both break out into wide grins. Roger says, "Yup, Lleyton's cheesecake is returning to the menu. I don't need the taste test for it but it wouldn't exactly hurt."
Andy corrects, "Hurt? Impossible! It's The Cheesecake. Able to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Simply orgasmic. I think it's the reason Lleyton gets away with so much around here."
"Now that is not true!" Roger snaps. At Andy's pointed look, Roger admits, "Well, the desserts in general are the main reason. Someday he'll have a bakery and the world will realize just how good he is. In the meantime, he's not going anywhere without a fight from me."
Novak picks up a plate and fork, about to enjoy when Andy Murray slides past to drop off orders, grumbling, "Someone needs to work around here."
When the Scot returns, Novak makes sure his hands are empty as he grabs hold and twirls him toward them. "Come on, Andy. You must have The Cheesecake."
"No thanks."
"Andy?" Novak tries to get him to hold still. "It's The Cheesecake, out of hiding! A momentous occasion and you're missing it! It's a time to dance. Entertain this captive audience," pointing to Roger and Andy, both attentive to them. Novak tries to lead a couple’s dance with him.
"Let go of me!" wiggling out of Novak's grip. "Save those moves for tonight." There is nothing amusing in his tone of voice, just simply irritated with Novak.
When the boys walk away, Sam pops his head in from the kitchen to call out, "He simply doesn't know the power of The Cheesecake."
* * * * *
The next day, Andy Roddick arrives to an annoyed cook. Sam has his hands on his hips as he barks out, "Why do you and Marat insist on using the back closet as your totally not secret rendezvous point?"
"What?" Andy knows he was with Marat but definitely not here. "We were at Roger's last night."
"Stop lying, Roddick. I don't buy your games. I'm not... no, we the cooks, are not supposed to know but you're a terrible liar so we've played along for months. John and I both made it clear that you should clean up your messes."
"Sam, I wasn't here last night. I left at 4. Marat left... actually, Marat didn't even work yesterday."
"That has never stopped you before."
"Do you think we're the only ones aware of that spot? Ask someone on the later shift. Maybe it's the new greeter Tommy."
Lleyton and John both arrive at that point, just watching them. When Sam spots them, he says, "Back me up here. Do you think Andy messed up the back closet?"
John walks over to the closet, gingerly opening the door. There's a plate of what looks like the crumbs of The Cheesecake, a nearly empty bottle of wine, and a black sweater left behind. "Wow, when you called The Cheesecake orgasmic, you weren't kidding."
Andy points out, "It wasn't from experience, Johnny. I wasn't here. Marat wasn't here. Maybe it was the boys. Yeah, Novak and that Spanish boy. Murray was here last night; he could have let them in."
Sam says, "Yeah but we don't even serve alcohol. Are any of them even legal to buy it?"
Lleyton answers quietly, "Murray just turned 21. Novak will next week. But maybe..."
However, Andy and Sam are off and running with theories. Sam says, "I think they would. Novak is in this morning. We simply grill him until the poor kid breaks."
Andy grins. "I will enjoy doing that. Mardy can help."
* * * * *
Novak has a spring in his step when he arrives. Sam looks at Andy, pointing to the just-arrived to get his attention. Andy gets a devilish smile then springs into action. "So how was your night?"
"Okay."
"Tell me all about it."
"Really?" Novak shrugs. "I went to a club with Rafael, the guy that was here yesterday."
"Wow, you're spending a lot of time with him."
“He invited me. Sounded like fun.”
"This is progressing very quickly." Mardy has just arrived in the kitchen and Sam gives a satisfactory nod, indicating they've started on the young Serb. Mardy decides to take a few minutes before resuming setting up tables for opening.
“I suppose. It’s nice to find someone who enjoys tennis."
“Right. Tennis. It’s only about tennis.”
“Well no. There could be more.”
“I’m sure there is.”
Novak realizes Andy knows something he's not saying. “Since when do you care?”
“When it happens here at the diner, it becomes everyone’s concern.”
A different coworker would have outright laughed at Andy, of all people, saying that. Novak is not at that level of comfortability with Roddick. “Really? What else do you want to know?”
“How did you convince Murray to sneak you in?”
“What? When?”
“Last night.”
“I wasn’t here last night. I didn’t even see Andy. He bailed on me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He was supposed to join us but he left me a message that he’d rather not.”
“So no fun and games here?”
“No, not here. Elsewhere, yes.” Novak looks down, hoping he doesn’t have to reveal any more.
Fortunately, Andy finally gets the message. “Well, okay then. Enjoy.”
When Novak leaves, Andy exclaims, “Damn it! Not Novak. I mean, there are others that work later shifts so of course any of them could be an option.”
Lleyton says, “Possible but…”
Sam continues along Andy’s way of thinking. “Tommy could be. He can take Marat or Mardy on when it comes to the luring. Or it could be that Roger speaks German…”
Andy says, “Mardy!” as if it was the first time he’d seriously considered that option.
“Yeah?” Sam asks.
“I just assumed Mardy knew nothing but I didn’t ask. Juan Martin could have…”
Mardy calls out from the other side of the door, “But he didn’t. Drop it!”
Andy acts as if he can’t hear the complaining. “Maybe he is hiding something.”
A louder answer, “I really wish I was.”
* * * * *
After no luck, the subject is dropped. Everyone assumes it is connected to either Marat and Roger only or the new guy on the later shift.
The subject didn’t stay cold as long as it usually would. Novak had needed Marat to cover the last three hours of his shift.
So when Marat saunters in, Andy approaches him immediately. “Were you here last night?”
The Russian was about to head to the employee refrigerator but stops when he sees the urgency in Andy’s eyes. “Are you serious?”
“Just covering all bases. Somebody got lucky in the closet last night. I know I was with you but…”
Marat resumes what he was going to do and sees the slices. “The Cheesecake?”
“Yup.”
He takes a slice out. “Ever notice how this stuff leads to hookups? I mean, Lleyton, you must realize the gold mine…” Marat stops as he notices the Aussie trying to stay out of the conversation. “Are you fucking kidding me? The baker finally got lucky with his own cheesecake?”
Sam laughs. “Very funny. Lleyton respects the rules.”
“Who do you think dragged me into that room in the first place?”
Sam glances at Lleyton, who is keeping his head down. “Really, wow, that’s…”
Marat continues, “The question is who was the guy and why were you here last night. Actually, that’s two.”
Novak brushes past Marat to get to the closet, looking to clean himself up. He storms out immediately with the black sweater in hand. “I cannot believe you, Lleyton! Were you so desperate… no wonder I was getting grilled earlier…”
“Wait,” Sam says. “There was a clue?” He always finds dramas involving Lleyton way too amusing, especially because Lleyton himself isn’t usually forthcoming but everyone else loves telling the stories.
“This is my sweater. I loaned it to Andy weeks ago.”
Marat glares at Andy. “Here you go accusing me and it was you all along! You are fucking unbelievable.”
“Do you really think I would ever borrow Novak’s clothes, much less have sex with Lleyton?” Andy calls out to Lleyton, “No offense, mate,” then continues to Marat, “How could you think so little of me? Clearly he means Murray.”
Novak says, “So that’s why he was a no-show.”
Everyone assumes Lleyton will finally deny this tale. Instead, he replies, “He was a no-show because his best friend forgot yesterday was his birthday and he would rather sulk here than play third wheel.”
Chapter 4 - What Happened in the Closet