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CHAPTER 2
Miranda
Damn, that guy is sizzlinghot. Who is he?
I’m standing behind the coffee counter with a dishcloth in my hands pretending to dry mugs and saucers, but the reality is I’m ogling the insanely sexy guy sitting at the back of the restaurant near the open windows leading to the patio. I’m still captivated by the stranger when a voice interrupts my daydreaming.
“Miranda, is that client from table eighteen okay?”
“Huh?” I jump at my boss’ voice. I didn’t even hear him approach. I turn around to meet his unimpressed stare.
“That guy who spilled his coffee all over the place.” Austin points to the object of my obsession with his chin. “Is he okay? Did we ruin that white shirt of his or, worse, did he get burned? I don’t need any smartass suing us. The owners would be furious. Not to mention that guy looks like a heavy hitter—the kind who could make our life a living hell. Did you see that expensive watch on his wrist?” He really has a thing against rich people.
“No, I didn’t see it. He’s okay, Austin,” I say to appease him. “He didn’t even get a drop on his clothes. I made sure of it and I was careful to warn him against touching the hot liquid until I came back with a dishrag. Yvonne and Rachel helped me clean up the mess. We had it all taken care of in a flash. He’s now enjoying his breakfast.”
“Good to hear. Did you bring him another cup of coffee or is he going to end up being an unhappy customer?”
Although Austin Daigre is only twenty-seven, he often talks to me as if he’s my dad. I might be younger than he is, but I’m not a child. His management status inflates his ego. Austin has been working for the company that owns Lola’s Paradise since he was eighteen. That’s nearly a decade. Every time I think about it, I shake my head in disbelief. He diligently climbed the ranks and became manager a few months after this location opened. Ironically, he got the position the same day I started. He treats this job as if this is the be-all and end-all. It’s quite interesting to observe, considering this gig is a temporary thing for most of us. Other than him, no one else gives off the vibe that they’re intent on staying here forever.
When it comes to customers who look like they’re made of money, Austin usually smiles at them, but the second they turn around and leave, he has a string of disparaging comments to make. He doesn’t trust wealthy people because he’s dead certain they’re all out to stick it to those who have less. It’s the most ridiculous assumption I’ve ever heard, but he holds onto it for dear life. The thing is, in a city like LA someone sporting a pair of worn-out Gap jeans and an Old Navy tee shirt can be worth billions. Just because you’re well-dressed doesn’t automatically mean you have a bazillion sitting in the bank. And just because your pockets are lined with money doesn’t automatically make you an asshole.
“Of course, I brought him another coffee.” Duh. “When someone orders a double shot of espresso, it’s usually because they really need it. I should know.” I pull my lips up in a smile.
“All right. I hope we don’t get too many of those today. It’s crazy as hell this morning. I don’t know what’s going on in LA, but it’s as if no other restaurant in the city is open. Between the hungry patrons and the fact that a few of us are MIA, I have a feeling this is going to be a brutal day.”
“Who hasn’t shown up yet?” I ask, intrigued. Someone’s going to get a lynching. Nothing pisses off Austin more than when one of us is late—even by a minute.
“We’re already short-staffed as is,” he huffs as he rolls his eyes. “Kelly just texted me to say she’s running late because her daughter was sick this morning and Lisa hasn’t shown up yet, nor has she called to say why. I need everyone working to be present. We want to make sure people are in and out quickly. More importantly, we want to ensure they all leave with a smile. Got it?” Right below tardiness, Austin hates it when our customers aren’t a hundred percent satisfied with the food and the service. It’s a self-defeating delusion, if you ask me. It’s impossible to please everyone even when you bring your A-game every single time.
“Yes, sir,” I respond as cheerfully as possible.
“Abigail got here a few minutes ago. She’s getting changed into her uniform and when she’s ready she’ll come over to help you out.” Hurray. Abigail Cooper and I always have fun when we work together. This should help make this busy morning more bearable. “I’m going back into the kitchen to lend them a hand until our two missing soldiers show up. Keep those coffees and fresh-squeezed juices coming.”
“I sure will,” I say, tilting my head to the side for effect.
Austin barely has time to turn on his heel before a bouncing Abby nearly skips my way. What’s up with her? She’s grinning from ear to ear. I know things are going super well with her new live-in boyfriend, but there’s no need to be this elated. Some of us aren’t that lucky.
“Well, that’s one way to meet a guy,” Abby says, approaching me. Her smile is so wide now it’s nearly taking over her entire face.
I draw my eyebrows together. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t be coy, Miranda. I would’ve done the same thing had I still been single.”
Huh?“Abby, I know it’s early in the morning, but you’re making absolutely no sense whatsoever.”
She raises an eyebrow while she wraps the apron she just grabbed from under the counter around her waist. “I was walking in as the action was unfolding between you and that striking Adonis god,” she says, shifting her eyes to the back of the restaurant.
My cheeks instantly flame up. “You’re crazy,” I mutter under my breath.
“Oh, yeah?” She purses her lips and flashes me a you’re-talking-shit glance. “Because of the commotion, when I arrived, I stayed back a little to see what was going on instead of rushing to my locker. From where I was standing, I was able to notice that sexy-as-hell guy eating you up as you walked away from him. He looked at you like you were a plate of fluffy golden waffles piled sky-high, drizzled with maple syrup, with a heaping side of bacon.”
“You’re just pulling my leg,” I protest, unwilling to believe her.
She gets closer so that she can whisper in my ear. “In the two years we’ve been working together, I’ve never noticed a man check you out so blatantly. You definitely caught his attention.”
“Stop it. You’re going to make me blush,” I say, bringing the back of my hand to my warm cheek.
“I’m just telling it like it is.” She laughs quietly. “Okay, I’ll be good... for now. Let me help you so I don’t get both of us in trouble. Austin is cranky today. Clearly he’s having his period again.” She snickers as she grabs a dishrag.
