- Service With A Smile

After the morning I had, keeping my mind off the disturbing images that are now permanently in my head, is actually not so hard while working the diner. The lunch hour rush was a doozie and now we are heading into the dinner rush. My co-workers got a good laugh at my disastrous morning, and every so often they break out to the Girl on Fire chorus. Why I thought it was a clever idea to tell Patrick and Patty about it is beyond me. I definitely won’t be making that mistake when Bobby comes on shift.

“Table nine’s order is up!” Patrick yells from behind the counter.

That’s me. I grab a tray and load the four plates on top of it. When I get to the table, I carefully unload the tray. I almost wear the last plate of mac and cheese when the toddler tries standing up on the bench and hits the tray. Luckily, I have been waitressing for years and can handle an out-of-control tray. It doesn’t make me any less annoyed, though. I just put on a smile, and say, “It’s okay, kids will be kids,” rub their head and walk away, hoping they do not see me grimace as soon as I turn around.

I notice another table in my section has two new customers, so I quickly fill a couple of glasses with ice water and grab some menus. As I near the table, I notice the occupants are a couple of guys. The closer I get, the more I notice how good-looking they both are. Both look to be my age or a little older. The guy on my left has dark hair that is cut and styled into one of those faux hawks. He’s got a piercing in his right eyebrow, and when he turns his head towards me, I notice a ring in his left lower lip. The spider web tattoo that stretches from the top of his neck down to below his shirt’s neckline is a little creepy, but sexy at the same time. He's got dark gray eyes, and they are staring straight at me. The guy is extremely attractive in a dark and sexy sort of way but looks scary as hell.

His friend on my right looks way more approachable. I roll my eyes at his man bun, but as I get to the table, I see that it actually works for him. This guy is gorgeous! I can tell that he’s a bit taller than his friend, and where Mr. Faux Hawk is dark, Mr. Man Bun is light with his sandy blonde hair, that’s shaved from the middle of his head, all the way down; keeping the top long enough for said bun. His caramel-colored eyes light up when he sees me approach their table.

“Well, hello, beautiful!” Man Bun says as he smiles.

I’m sure I am blushing just a tad bit, “Hi. I’m Aria, and I will be your server. Can I get you guys something to drink?” I look between the two as I set down the water glasses and menus.

“Are you on the menu?” Faux Hawk surprises me with his question. I glance his way, and I think I just wet my panties. Mr. Dark and Sexy just cranked up the heat with his smile.

Smiling, I pull out my order pad, “Sorry, I…” I’m cut off by Man Bun.

“Come on, man. This is a diner. They don’t sell that kind of delicacy here.” The gorgeous guy rakes his eyes down my body.

I don’t know why, but when Mr. Sanders did that to me this morning, it made me want to vomit. Mr. Man Bun just used a cheesy line and checked me out, but all I want to do now is go take a cold shower. Weird. I already turned down one threesome today, but I don’t think I would turn one down if these two are involved.

‘Damn…down girl!’ I lecture myself.

I finally get their drink and food orders and I hurry away to the back. I toss the ticket to Patrick as I zoom past him, “I’m headed to the restroom!” I call over my shoulder.

The restroom door slams shut behind me, and I turn the lock, barricading myself in. With my back against the door, I slide down until I’m sitting on the floor. “Holy hell!” I gasp aloud. I can feel my nether regions tingle just thinking about the two guys. This has never happened before. Sitting on the floor, I pull myself together before I try standing back up. Icy water is what I need, so I walk over and turn the faucet on, splashing the cool water over my cheeks and forehead. Once I feel cooled down enough, I shut the water off and reach over, tearing the paper towels from the dispenser.

I take a deep breath as I look at my reflection in the big oval mirror over the sink, “You got this, Aria. They are only people.” I sigh, “Hot people, but still people. Maybe you should finally loose that cherry of yours, so you don’t get all hot and bothered whenever you see a hot guy.” Giggling at my own actions, I toss the damp paper towels into the garbage, take a deep breath, and head back to the front.

Patrick raises a brow at me as I walk past him, but he doesn’t say anything, and neither do I. Checking on table nine to make sure they are not needing anything, I quickly glance over at the guys. Thankfully, they seem to be in a deep conversation, so they don’t see me looking at them. It isn’t until I’m bringing their orders out to their table that my pulse starts to race once more. I put on a smile as I approach, receiving big smiles back from both men.

“Fettuccine Alfredo for you,” I place the warm plate in front of Man Bun, and then turn to Faux Hawk, “and our famous Club sandwich and house fries for you.” I manage to set both plates down without my hands shaking, “Can I get you gentlemen anything else at the moment?” I glance back and forth between the two, waiting for a response; a smile still plastered to my face.

Man Bun looks me up and down before responding, “Not at the moment.” He winks at me, making me blush before looking over at his friend. All Faux Hawk does is smirk at me, but it feels like he is trying to convey something that I’m just not understanding.

“Okay then, enjoy! I’ll check back in after a bit.” I turn and quickly take my leave.

The guys stay all through the rush hour, but never ask for anything else. I continue refilling their glasses the whole time they are here, and I keep catching them watching me at times when I am helping other customers. Now that I can breathe, I glance back over to their table and see that they are gone. ‘Great, they dined and dashed!’ I think to myself because I never brought them their ticket. I head over to the now empty table to start clearing. When I lift Man Bun’s plate, there is a folded napkin underneath it. Just thinking it is a dirty napkin, I swipe it up. Money falls back to the table, and when I look down, my eyes widen in disbelief. There are three crisp one-hundred-dollar bills staring back at me. My mouth just hangs open. I look at the napkin in my hand to make sure there isn’t anything else, not that I am being greedy, but I don’t want to throw away money if there is more. Unfolding the napkin, I see writing, so I carefully flatten out the napkin so I can read what it says.

'Thank you for the wonderful service you provided.

We look forward to you serving us in the future!'

M & J

My eyes go back and forth between the note and the money. I am completely speechless. Not quite knowing what I’m supposed to do in this situation, I head to the kitchen to talk to my boss. After grilling me about my earlier actions, Patrick finally smiles and tells me to pay their ticket off and pocket the rest as my tip. I’m so grateful to these two strangers. Their tip just made up for the tips I lost at the bar. My eyes begin to sting, but I hold in the tears. I guess there are good people out there after all.

An hour before closing time, a couple of women walk in all dressed up. I grab water and menus and head over to their table. They don’t seem drunk, but they must have been at some kind of function that serves alcohol, because I can smell the sweet scent of wine, a Moscato perhaps. Their clothing is also a little too sophisticated for a night out at a bar. Both are women are too wrapped up in their conversation to notice me standing here, but I don’t want to interrupt them, either. I’m not trying to listen in on their private conversation, but I can’t help catching a few words like, new girls, auction, great night, and lastly, rich men. My curiosity has now been aroused, but all of a sudden, they notice me standing here.

“Just fresh coffee please and keep it coming.” One of the women smiles up at me.

“Same here.” The other woman says, as she looks me up and down with interest.

“Two fresh coffees coming right up.” I smile and leave the two to continue with their conversation.

I have always prided myself in minding my own business, but for some reason, the words I heard come out of the women’s mouth really interest me. It takes a lot for me to keep away and give them their privacy. It is only when it’s fifteen minutes to closing, that I go over and start to wipe down the tables near the one that the women are occupying. Disappointment washes over me as I hear them talking about fashion. Oh well, that’s what I get for trying to be nosey.

I am wiping down the table right beside them when they decide that it’s time to leave. I glance over at them and thank them for stopping in, after I see them hold up cash and then lay it on the table. I catch the one that was looking me up and down when they first came in doing it once more, making me feel just a bit self-conscious, but then she walks over to me and holds up a business card.

“If you are ever in need of extra cash, call me.” She winks and then places the card on the table right in front of me.

“Thank you.” It’s all I can think to say to the woman as confusion sets in.

I watch them as they walk out of the diner. The same woman who gave me the card glances through the window at me once more before they both disappear from sight. Picking up the card, I examine both front and back. The only writing on it is a woman’s name and phone number. ‘Hmm, that’s weird.’ I think to myself and then shrug, sliding the card into the back pocket of my jeans.

- An Admirer

Of all the days for it to rain, it had to pick my only day off. I usually work at the diner on Sundays, but Patrick closed it down for the day, due to the flu hitting three of the five workers at the diner, himself included. As much as I need the money, the time off is much needed, as well. I have been running myself rugged and need a little reprieve. I allow myself to sleep in until ten in the morning, and then I drag myself out of bed just to sit in front of the television for a few hours, drinking coffee and eating Cocoa Puffs out of the box.

By one o’clock the rain has slowed to a drizzle, and I make the decision to visit my mom. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Dr. Hildreth will have a day off. Just once I would like to visit my mother without him accosting me about taking her off life support. I am so thankful that Mr. Sanders fixed the plumbing by the time I got home early Saturday morning. I make quick work washing my body and hair. I do spare a few minutes to shave my legs and lady bits, which were really needing it, after not doing it in over a week. Once I’m done, I dry myself off and step out to lotion up and get dressed. Applying only a little mascara and lip gloss, I throw my mass of wavy hair into a high ponytail and call it good. Looking in the full-length mirror to make sure I at least look put together enough, I grab my jacket and leave my tiny apartment, locking my door behind me.

Jogging to the bus stop, I am relieved to see that there is only one other person waiting for the bus, so I am able to duck into the small seating area to get out of the drizzle. The other occupant sitting on the bench is an elderly woman with a cane. She smiles up at me as I enter and pats the seat beside her without saying anything. Smiling back, I take the offered seat and we sit there in silence until the bus arrives. The woman struggles a little to stand up, so I gently help her to stand, and we make our way to the bus. I stand behind her while she climbs the steps, just in case she needs more help, but she’s able to get herself up into the bus and into one of the front seats. As I pass her to head back to my usual seat, she catches my wrist, drawing my attention down to her.

“Thank you for all your help, dear. You are too kind.” She smiles sadly, “I wish there were more people like you in this world.”

I pat her frail hand and smile back, “You’re welcome.” I’m not used to people showing me gratitude, so I don’t really know what else to say. The woman nods and releases my wrist, letting me continue to the back of the bus.

Aside from the normal beeping coming from the machines, all is quiet as I step off the elevator onto the floor that my mother’s hospital room is on. The desk nurse looks up and gives me a warm smile as I pass. I return the smile and keep going. If there are any concerns with my mom then she would have stopped me and went over whatever it is, so I’m relieved that she did not call me over. The whole staff knows my feelings on letting my mom go, so most regard me with sympathy and smile, while a few others think I’m being selfish, and they try to avoid me as much as possible.

Being only five foot three inches tall, I have to stand on my tippy toes to look through the window on the door, to make sure no one else is in the room with my mother. I do not like disturbing the doctors or nurses when they are in doing their rounds. Slowly pushing the door open, I creep inside the room as though my mom is only sleeping, and I do not want to wake her. It has been a habit of mine ever since she was admitted here. I walk over to the chair that I always sit in and bring it to her bedside. Just as I’m about to sit down, I notice a bouquet of flowers on her nightstand. I reach over and remove the card from its holder so I can see who they are from. I am the only one that has ever brought flowers to my mom. My forehead creases as I read the card…

You are missed!

My thoughts and prayers

are with you!

‘Who could have sent this?’ I think to myself. “Do you have an admirer, mom?” I ask her jokingly.

It doesn’t matter. It makes me happy knowing that there is someone out there that is thinking of my mother. A warm feeling comes over me at the thought, and I look down at my hands absently, as I twirl the piece of twine around my finger. Not knowing why I’m choosing this moment to think of Knox, but it helps to give me peace and calms the little bit of anxiety from not knowing who sent my mom the flowers. That’s what Knox always did for me. He calmed me when I needed it and brought peace when there was chaos. I really wish that he were still in my life. I could use his presence during these dark times.

Placing the card back in its holder, I sit back and begin to recount everything that has happened since I last visited. Laughing as I give a play by play of the fiasco at the Morrison’s house on Friday. It’s laughable now but horrifying at the time it took place. I know mom would find it amusing and I hope that she can hear me and is laughing on the inside. I let my laugh fizzle away when reality starts rushing in.

I grab her soft hand and bring it to my lips to kiss, “Oh, mom, it’s so hard. I need you so much. Please, please wake up soon!” A single tear rolls down my cheek, “I’m not going to lie, mama, I’m scared. I feel all alone, no matter how many people I’m around each day, it doesn’t chase away the loneliness inside.” I swipe the tear off my face, “I don’t know how much I can go on like this. I am wearing myself out, so you need to wake up. Do you hear me? It's not time for you to go, and I won’t give up on you!” The last breaks me, and the flood gates open. I sit there for a while just letting it all out, until there is nothing left.

The sky is beginning to darken, so I look at the time. Not realizing how long I have been sitting here, I give my mom back her hand and stand up, stretching the kinks out of my muscles. Putting the chair back into its place, I lean in and kiss my mom goodbye. I sneak out the same way I sneak in, very quietly. The same nurse is at the front desk, so I stop to inquire about the flowers. Unfortunately, a flower shop delivered them, so there is no way of knowing who sent them. Sighing, I head to the elevator and hit the down button.

It has been two days since the diner has been shut down, and I just received a text from Patrick that we will be closed tomorrow as well. Apparently, it’s a really bad virus, and now Beth has it too. I am beginning to freak out because I need that pay that I’m missing out on. I guess I can go on social media and put an ad up that I am looking for housekeeping work, but that isn’t reliable. I check my bank account on the mobile app and feel my stomach drop. There is less than two hundred in my account and rent is due next week, along with my electric and water bill. The tip money I got from Man Bun and Faux Hawk went straight to the hospital bill. Losing the job at the bar was irresponsible of me! I do not know what I’m going to do!

I toss my phone on the couch and grab the dirty laundry, “Pretty soon I’ll have to wash these by hand because I’ll need the money.” I mumble aloud. I make sure I have my house key and then head downstairs to the basement where the laundry room is. I hate coming down here because it is so creepy. A single bulb that hangs down from the middle of the ceiling is the only lighting. It’s not even an LED one, at least those are a little brighter than the cheap ones the manager uses. Trying to hurry so I can get out of here, I throw all my clothes in one of the machines and insert the coins. Just as I’m about to start it, I remember that I didn’t empty out my pockets. Frustration runs through me as I rummage through every item of clothing. The only thing I find is an empty gum wrapper, which is weird because I don’t even remember the last time I chewed gum, and the business card the customer from the diner gave to me. Shutting the machine door once more, I start it and then sprint all the way upstairs, and to think that I have to go back down there two more times.

- Scarlett's Treasures

Back in my apartment, I let myself drop to the couch face first, “Ouch!” I fumble under my hip and produce my phone. I just lay here in the silent space listening to the traffic outside. A clock is ticking somewhere, not in my apartment, but in a neighbor’s. That is how thin these walls are. There is a cat fight going on somewhere down the street, and a baby crying somewhere. “I hear you, kiddo. I feel the same way.”

I realize that I am still holding the card in my hand, so I turn it over and examine it. It is matte black, but the name Scarlett is written in the middle of the card with a phone number below, all in a glossy blood red color. It is sexy in kind of a dark way. I remember the woman telling me that if I ever needed extra cash that I should contact her. I debate on whether or not I should call the number. What if she’s a loan shark? I can’t afford to pay any kind of money back. I can’t do anything illegal either, like sell drugs or be a mule. I shiver at the latter. No way is anyone putting drugs into my body! Then I think it could be legit like an assistant job or running errands. “Seriously, Aria, you watch way too many crime shows.”

Before I can chicken out, I dial the number listed on the card. It rings twice before a woman’s voice answers, “Hello?”

I think I was hoping that nobody would answer, but they did and all I want to do is hang up. ‘Shit, my number probably popped up on the caller id!’ I think to myself.

“H-hello. Is this Scarlett?” I ask timidly.

“Yes, it is. Whom may I ask, is calling?” she inquires.

“It’s Aria. Aria from the diner.” I don’t know if that is enough for her to go off of, “From Friday night, or I should say early Saturday morning. You came in for coffee with another woman and gave me your card before you left.”

I hear her throaty laugh, “Yes, of course! I was hoping you would call.”

“You were?” I ask surprised.

“Yes. You are exactly what we like to look for.” She muses.

“I see. May I ask what it is that you do?”

“I own an auction house.” She states and then quickly continues without letting me say another word, “We have auctions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Why don’t you stop in, say eight tomorrow night, and I can show you around and get you settled. Ill text the address to this phone number, okay?”

“Well…” I’m cut off once again.

“Can’t wait to see you! Bye, now.” The line goes dead.

That was the weirdest phone call I’ve ever had. I’m not sure if I even want to check this job out. My phone pings with an incoming text from the number I just called. Opening the text, I read the address that Scarlett sent. There isn’t a name, just an address, so I decide to g****e it. The address pops up as a business called Scarlett’s Treasures. The building looks pretty decent, and it has a five-star rating. I go in to read the reviews to see if I can get a better picture of what she sells. All I can tell is that the buyers seem to be extremely happy with their treasures and that they highly recommend Scarlett’s Treasures for all your unique and personal tastes.’

“Hmm, seems legit enough to me.” I shrug, “What’s the worst that will happen? I get there and decide it’s not for me? I don’t see a problem with checking it out.”

Making up my mind, I reply to Scarlett with a quick question.

Me: Is there a special dress code?

Scarlett: We will provide your attire for the evening. Just come in whatever you like.

Me: Okay. See you tomorrow at 8pm.

She doesn’t respond after my last text, but that’s okay, my question was answered. Now that it’s settled, I feel a little bit better. I should finish my laundry and then head to bed early, since I have houses to clean in the morning. I also need to run over to the bar and find out why I haven’t received my last check yet. Frank better not fuck me over. I need that money and I will get it one way or another!

Monday morning came and went with no mishaps while cleaning houses, thank God. I also didn’t have to face the Morrison’s because no one was home while I was there. They were my last house for today and relief washed over me as I locked up as I was leaving. Now, I’m headed somewhere that I don’t really want to go, but I have no choice.

Kat is behind the bar when I walk in, and she gives me a small smile. I liked Kat, but she was always calling in saying her kids were sick. A few of those times I caught her lying about it but never called her out on it. Usually she is very talkative and would start talking my ear off as soon as I walked in. It is a good sign that Frank is here if she is containing herself.

Just to confirm, I point toward the back, “Is Frank in his office?”

Nodding her head, “Yes, but I’m warning you now that he isn’t in a very good mood.” She smirks, “Apparently, one of his bartenders walked out on him, and he can’t find anybody to replace her.”

And there it is! I knew it was only a matter of time before she brought it up. I figured he would lie about what happened. Rolling my eyes, I head straight back to his office. I see that the door to his office is open a crack, so I just push it open all the way and walk in. He doesn’t even look up to see who came in uninvited. I wait until he does finally look up. He does a double take.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He leans back into his chair, “Do you plan on begging for your job back?”

I want to slap the smirk off his face, “Actually, no. I came because I have yet to receive my check in the mail.” I cross my arms over my chest, “you know, like you said you would.”

“Did I now? Well, I guess it slipped my mind. I’ll get one in the mail right away.” He sneers at me.

Now I’m pissed! I place my hands on his desk and lean in, “No. You will get your checkbook out right now and write me a fucking check for the hours that I worked!”

“How dare you talk to me like that in my own establishment?” His face is turning red with anger.

“How dare you think that you can get away with not paying for a week’s worth of work?” I continue before he can say anything, “How about I get the cops involved. Let them know about your little side hustle that you have going on back here?”

His eyes widen, “I don’t know what you’re talking about! Get the fuck out of my office!”

“Okay,” I pull my phone out of my back pocket, “I will just call them now and wait here until they come. You know, so you don’t try and get rid of the evidence from your illegal bookie side hustle.”

He jumps up, “Okay, okay! I have your check,” He reaches into his desk drawer and brings out an envelope, “it’s right here. I swear, I was going to mail it. I really did forget.”

Yanking the envelope from his hand, I open it to make sure he didn’t cheat me out of any money. I nod when I see that it’s the correct amount, and then turn to leave. Frank calls out to me before I make it out the door.

“Aria, you wouldn’t want to have your job back, would you?” His tone sounds hopeful.

Blinking in disbelief at the audacity this guy has, I chuckle, “I will have to think about it, but most likely not.” I walk out without another word. I hear him call out that I am to call him if I change my mind. As much as I need this job, it isn’t worth the headache. Not unless it’s my last option.