Frankly, he’s a bully.
None of us like him, but we all have to tolerate him.
I was the first waitress to arrive, on time, but Emilio was already there, standing on the sidewalk in a thin coat with his hands shoved into the pockets. The minute I stepped on the sidewalk, he started complaining about us waitresses and how we were never on time. He blamed me for his frozen toes and nose the whole time I unlocked the diner and he was still complaining after I let us in and flipped on all the lights.
“I’m sorry you had to wait. I know it’s very cold this morning,” I said to be polite. Really, I wanted to tell him it wasn’t my problem he showed up early and had to wait. I guess I should be glad he showed up at all.
“I think I might call the boss and let him know you didn’t show up on time. Made people wait on you.”
I didn’t say anything as I started the coffee makers. When I tried to move past him toward the back and the ice machine, he blocked my path, staring down at me with a sour look on his face.
“Excuse me,” I said, holding on to my temper. Giving this guy a reaction is what he wanted. I wasn’t about to play into his hands.
Just then the other waitress working the morning shift walked in and behind her was our first customer of the day. He stepped aside and I went past to get the ice. I let out a deep breath. If the start to my morning were any indication, this was going to be a very, very long day.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Fight - To engage in a quarrel; argue. To attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons.”
Dex
I got a spot in front of the diner, probably because it was still early. I sat there with the engine running for a few minutes and looked through the windows and into the restaurant. Piper came out from around the counter, holding a plate of food and a pot of coffee. She went across the room to deliver the meal. She moved a little slower than normal and I figured it was because it was early and she was probably still half asleep.
I realized I was smiling.
I stopped.
Then I climbed out of the car and headed for the diner. The bell on the door was offensively loud when I pushed open the door, and the few customers looked up from their food. I went to the bar and sat on a stool, waiting for Piper to notice me.
She did and she smiled.
I cleared my throat and she came over and stood behind the counter in front of me.
“Here,” I said and shoved my travel mug at her.
“We have coffee here,” she said, amused.
“Yeah, it tastes like mud. This’ll actually wake you up.”
Her lips curved and she took the mug and lifted it to her lips. Her eyes sparkled over the rim as she tipped it against her mouth. Just moments before my lips were in the same spot. The thought made me feel a little… well,warm.
She made a face and handed it back to me. “Do you want a little coffee with that creamer?” she said, reaching for the pot.
“Don’t mess with my coffee, woman,” I warned.
She laughed. “So what are you doing here so early?”
“Breakfast,” I lied. “Hobbs has a few days off.”
“Does that mean you actually made that coffee?”
“He set the timer,” I lied again.
“Figures.” She rolled her eyes. “So what are you having?”
“Pancakes.”
She walked toward the line and spoke to the cook. He made some remark and she rolled her eyes and said something rapidly. He made a motion at her with a large spatula.
