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“Yeah?”
He waves his arm for me to go to the kitchen. I finish clearing the table I’m at and carry the black plastic box filled with dirty dishes through the double silver doors. Placing it on the counter by the double sinks for Tony, I lean against the counter with folded arms.
“J, come with me for a second.” Dave leads me out the backdoor of The Oasis.
I shield my eyes when the bright security light turns on.
“What’s up, Dave?” I ask.
“Are you okay, man?” He looks me straight in the eyes.
“Yeah, why?” I drag my hand through my hair and look past him.
“I watched you tonight. You looked around the entire place at least twenty times.”
“Oh, I was just trying to stay on top of the tables needing bussed.” I scratch my face and kick the gravel beneath my feet.
“Liar.” Dave punches my bicep.
“She wasn’t here tonight with her girlfriend. J, I know you were looking for her. What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I’m not married to Blaire. We’re not even seeing each other anymore. So, there’s nothing going on.” I kick more gravel and fold my arms across my body.
“Sure, Jaden. You keep telling yourself all that bullshit, and maybe one day you’ll believe it. But I’m not buying it. I know you well enough to know something isn’t right with you. Do you want some time off?” he asks.
“Fuck, no. I need to work. It distracts me from everything else.” I look at Dave this time.
“Okay, man. But if you need anything, just ask.”
“It’s no big deal. Really. Now, can I get back inside and finish up for the night?” I walk around in circles to rid myself of my frustrations.
“Yeah, c’mon.” Dave opens the door, and I follow him inside.
It’s 2:00 a.m. when The Oasis is all clean and ready for Saturday’s dinner crowd.
“See y’all later.” I wave to Dave, Tony, George, and Todd as I walk to my car. They wave back before getting into their cars and driving off.
Sitting in my car, I decide to drive the long way home and go by Blaire’s. She won’t be up at this hour, But I don’t care.
Slowing down as I cruise by her house; I stare at the large picture window. The porch light is on, and I notice the drapes are closed. I want to stop and pound on the door, beg her to see me, but I don’t. I drive home, park my car, and go inside to my room.
I spend Saturday morning doing odd jobs around the house for my parents. Fixing the TV for my dad is a daily ritual. I’m sure he messes with the remote on purpose, trying to drive Mom and me crazy.
My mom has some flowers she wants planted around the front porch. It’s not my favorite chore, but I’ll do anything for her.
After finishing up with my parents, I shower and head into The Oasis to begin prepping for the Saturday night crowd.
It’s the second busiest night after Friday. I’m surprised to see Chef Thomas Warren’s BMW is already in the parking lot. I park my car and head in through the backdoor.
“Hi, Chef,” I say when he looks up from the paper he’s holding.
“Hi, Jaden.” He nods, then goes back to the paper.
“Um, is there a special occasion tonight?” I ask.
“Dave didn’t tell you?” Chef Thomas asks.
“He may have. I’ve got a heavy class load at college. Remind me.” I raise my eyes and smile slightly.
