SCOUT
“I hatethat you’re gonna miss Halloween.” I sat down on a box and sighed.
Brenda packed up her last box and set it against the wall before turning to me.
“Yeah, but now, you won’t have to worry about people sneaking into your room to fuck,” she pointed out.
“You got me there. I don’t even have a costume.”
“You should have said something! I just threw out theFlash Danceoutfit I wore last year. You would have looked great in it.”
“I don’t need a costume. I just want to get drunk.” I pointed out.
“At least you still get to party. We’ll still be driving probably.”
My watch beeped, and I took another deep breath. “That’s my cue.”
“Another double?” She raised her eyebrows as she followed me into the living room.
“No, just a twelve.”
“You should go to day shift.”
“I want to. I just have to wait for a spot to open up. Those tips are good.” I rubbed my thumb and pointer finger together.
“Well, have a good day, I guess.” Brenda pouted. “I hate that we can’t hang out the entire week before I leave.”
I grabbed my backpack and shoved my feet in my Nikes.
“You want a ride?” she asked.
“Nah, I like the walk.” I pulled out my Walkman from the bag. “I just got Xscape’s new album.”
Brenda’s mouth parted, and her brown eyes lit up. “You did not! How have we not listened to it yet!” She tried to snatch the tape cassette from my hand, but I pulled away. “No. That’s it. I’m giving you a ride because I need to hear both sides.” She grabbed her keys and started out the door. In her car, I popped my tape in and turned the dial-up.
“How’d you end up with this?” She demanded.
“Nalida sent it to me for my birthday. It just came in this morning.”
“Nalida, your friend from home?” I nodded. Nalida and I had grown up in the foster care system. We were never adopted, so we grew up together in a group home, and eventually aged out.
“I love her,” Brenda gushed in between songs. She drove me to work and then popped the tape out, handing it to me. I climbed out of the car and thanked her.
“When I get home tonight, we’ll listen to it all,” I promised.
“Absolutely. Have a good day at work!” She waved, backed out of the lot, and disappeared. I had set my watch for walking time, not a drive. Entering the restaurant, I was surprised to find the tables full.
Phyllis, the hostess, hurried over to where I was trying to slink in undetected. “Can you clock in early? We’re slammed!”
“Yeah, just let me change and I’ll be out.” I hurried to the back and slipped on my skirt and the tight shirt. I grabbed my apron and tied it around my waist. Then, I went back to Phyllis.
“Tables sixteen and five were just seated.”
It was four full hours before it settled down enough for me to take a moment to breathe. The sun had gone down, making the air even colder when I went outside. It felt good on my warm skin.
“Scout, right?”
I looked up at the sound of a man’s voice.
