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“Oh, my God, that’s hilarious.” I crack up.
A couple of waitresses approaching us put an end to our banter. Before they even open their mouths, I already know we’re going to be bombarded with a new string of orders. It’s been like this all morning. Here we go.
“You take care of the juices and smoothies. I’ll deal with the coffees. When those two walk away, keep talking. I want to know more,” Abby blurts out right before our colleagues arrive at the counter. There is no time for me to even respond.
“I need two large drip coffees with steamed milk on the side, one skinny cappuccino, two large fresh OJs and one mango smoothie. That’s for table six. For table five, I’ll need three guanabana juices and three bottles of water.” Jane lists her order so quickly, it’s impossible to remember it all. Thank God she slaps two pieces of paper on the counter or else I’d never get it right.
“And I’ll need three skinny frozen caramel mocha lattes. Hold the whip cream and sugary drizzle. That’s for table fourteen. For table sixteen, I’ll need a chai, matcha green, caramel and hazelnut latte. All four are large and the customers want them extra hot.” Susan turns her attention to me. “Miranda, are you doing juices today?”
“I am, Susan. Hit me with your best shot.”
“In that case, I’ll also need a Kale Green Power smoothie and a Very Berry one. That’s also for table fourteen. I’ll take those in two travel cups. They’re taking the smoothies to go. I’ll also need two Watermelon Elixir juices and one Coconut Water Delight for table eleven. Can you also give me an extra-large fresh OJ for table three? It’s also to go.” Susan finishes listing her drinks and looks at me with a huge grin on her face. She’s taking malicious pleasure from this. Honestly, where are all these people coming from?
“No problem. Miranda and I are on it.” Luckily, Abby responds on my behalf because I’m all of a sudden overwhelmed.
“Great.” Both Susan and Jane chime in together before going back to tending to their customers.
When it’s just the two of us again, Abby turns her attention to me. “Let’s keep our hands busy while you keep your lips moving.”
“There’s not much to tell,” I retort, hoping that’ll be enough to deter her. I mean, we’re talking about me here, aka the unluckiest person in the world when it comes to men.
“Okay, if you want to do this the hard way, I’m game. I had a great night’s sleep. I can handle anything, even your sour attitude.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my attitude,” I huff indignantly. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”
“All righty then. I’ll ask questions and you answer them.” Abby’s stern stare leaves little wiggle room. I just nod in agreement. It’s too early in the morning to keep butting heads with her. “I guess this is the first time you two have met?”
I shrug. “Yeah. I’ve never seen him during my shifts.” I grab a bunch of oranges and slide a bit to my left so I’m standing right in front of the juicer.
“Maybe he’s new to the area. He could also be a tourist.” Abby presses the button to grind some fresh coffee. The loud sound forces both of us to pause.
“You must be right,” I answer when she turns off the machine. “Considering the number of hours I’ve been pulling lately to squirrel away as much extra savings as possible, I definitely would’ve remembered him had I seen him before.” Damn right I would’ve.
“Well, I know I’m repeating myself, but he’s extremely hot. I mean we’re talking volcanic levels here.”
I nod. “He is,” I respond, chancing a glance to where that guy is sitting. “He seems like the strong, quiet and confident type while the guy he’s with is definitely too cocky and forward for his own good.” Thank God it’s so busy. The noise level in the restaurant offers a perfect shield for our conversation.
“At least you know they’re not a couple and he’s not gay if the other one was hitting on you. Not to mention that the way your guy was caressing your ass with his eyes makes him one hundred percent straight.” She laughs.
Well, really he’s not ‘my guy,’ but thanks for the sentiment. “Good point.” Not that that having this knowledge will do me any good if I don’t have the guts to approach him.
“So did you cause the accident or did he?”
I nod. “His hand jerked up as I was dropping the cup in front of him and before I knew it his very large coffee was spilling all over the place.”
The second his hand brushed mine, the surge that ran through my body was electrifying. I really can’t explain it. It’s not as if it’s the first time I’ve ever touched a client inadvertently. That said, it’s never been this dizzying. There’s something about him.
“Well, don’t look, but just FYI, his eyes are following your every move.” I can hear the amusement in Abby’s voice.
“Really?” I ask, shifting my eyes furtively to the left, trying to catch a glimpse of him.
“Yup.” Abby takes a step to the right before speaking. Since she’s taller than I am, she leans in and whispers in my ear, “Not even our resident jumbo-titties slut seems to distract him from shamelessly checking you out.”
Surprised by her boldness, I burst out in a hysterical fit of laughter. Afraid Austin will come running out, I bite down on my lower lip to taper my amusement. Abby’s nickname for one of our promiscuous coworkers is absolutely hilarious. She usually only uses it behind closed doors. This is the first time she’s said it like that in the middle of the restaurant. Although we’re standing side by side and I can’t look at her, I can only imagine the expression on her face. I don’t think I have to tell you that Abby doesn’t like Nadine one bit. Few of the female coworkers do.
It’s kind of ironic really, because most of the time Nadine’s bleach-blonde hair and her giant boobs steal the show around here. It’s not exactly like I have small breasts—on the contrary—but the way Nadine displays hers like trophies usually leaves men jaw-dropped and completely mesmerized. You’d think Austin would reprimand her considering he’s such a stickler when it comes to our uniforms, but he lets things slide with her. My take on it is that Nadine has allowed him to slide inside her a few times—like she has with every other guy—therefore he’s more willing to turn a blind eye.
Basically, it’s nearly impossible to work alongside a notorious man-eater and hope that a guy will give you a second glance. Even with our shapeless black uniforms, Nadine manages to look like sex on legs. That’s why I’m a little taken aback by the fact this stranger keeps staring my way.
