I can’t open my mouth to say ‘you’re welcome’ for fear of my last shred of decency losing its grip. Back at the computer, Ienter his meat skillet and orange juice. I have to get out of this town before it sucks the life right out of me.
I make a mental note to talk to Bev about offering a special… Mystery Meal, Chef’s Choice, anything to liven this place up. Then again, the mystery would never be revealed. The regulars would still just order their usual.
My finger hovers over the icon for the firefighter’s table. What if I switched their orders? Anything to spark a little fun in this town. Not the nicest way to thank them for doing their dangerous job. I ditch the idea.
My mind drifts to my other genius idea—a ‘No Panties Day’ parade. I can’t believe we’re only a week out. It’s going to be a day this town will never forget.
“You okay, Cecilia?” Bev asks from right beside me.
I breathe in hard to gather myself. “All good.” Smile.
“You were thinking awfully hard.”
“It’s nothing.”
“I was your age once too. If you ever need to talk, I’m happy to be more than just your boss.” Bev sets her coffee down and gives my hand a squeeze.
She means well, but she grew up here and opened a diner where people can get the same meal for a hundred years straight.
“Thanks, Bev, but I don’t think we want the same things out of life.”
“Try me, kiddo.”
Kiddo.Proof that she won’t understand. But, what do I have to lose? Maybe my job? I’ll take it as a sign I’m supposed to leave if she fires me.
“I know you and a lot of people love this town, so I don’t mean any disrespect, but I feel trapped.”
Bevs laughs from the heart. “I remember that feeling.”
“You do?”
“Yeah. How old are you?”
“Twenty.”
Bev nods, her ever-present smile making me want to believe her. “Those were good years. Lots of changes. I was certain I’d get out of town and never look back, but one of those big life changes snuck up on me. Turns out…” She motions around us. “This small town has everything I need.”
As surprised as I am to hear that she wanted to leave at one time, I don’t have time to take the bait about the big change that snuck up on her. A group of customers enter.
I play the good waitress for the rest of the morning shift, clearing dirty dishes, wiping the tables and counter seating down, then hitting repeat for the next butt that lands on the seat.
Routine AF until I make my way to the end of the counter to gather Ofelia’s dishes. Money is sticking out of a folded napkin—a hundred dollar bill. What the fuck?
I’ve heard of random generous tippers, but never experienced it. Opening the napkin, to retrieve the bill, I’m hit with another surprise. The word ‘sorry’ is scribbled onto the napkin.
She’s sorry she left me a hundred-dollar tip on a ten-dollar order? I glance up expecting to find out I’m getting pranked. Nope.
Okay then, I pocket the money and get back to work. I can’t wait to tell Trena when she picks me up.
Promptly at eleven, I clock out before the lunch crowd descends.
Trena is out back leaning against her car waiting for me. I check my phone. I’m on time, why did she get out? She usually waits in the car.
Usually. She probably just didn’t want to do the exact same thing as every other day. I respect that.
“What do you say we scour the internet and find somewhere fun to live? Make an escape plan from this boring little town.” My enthusiasm fades as she fails to move.
“You already heard?” Trena’s anything but intrigued by my harebrained plan.
