How primitive.
“This one’s on the house.” The woman who sidled up in front of me smiled broadly, and I nodded gratefully as she popped the cap of the dark green bottle. “By the way, I didn’t know I’d been replaced! I should just take my managerial skills out the door in shame.”
“I would appreciate your cooperation with the investigator, and you can keep your job in exchange.” She held out her hand, and I took it before she gave me my beer with a nod. “That girl’s new, right?”
“Yeah, this is her third or so shift. I don’t know who put Jack at her table, but I’m going to give that person a stern talking to. He’s a regular, and not the good kind. The boss says it’s easier to not make a scene, but either he won’t come here anymore, or he’ll be more polite to the waitresses, so it’s a win-win either way.” Taking a gulp of my brew, I nodded in acknowledgment, and she shook her head a little in dismay. “It’s pretty sad how people treat other people in the service industry.”
“I think it tells you all you need to know about a person.” When I glanced back, Jack and his son were sitting in an awkward, tense silence, and I scoffed lightly. “You should go check on her.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m going to let her off tonight. Her shift’s almost over since she’s not allowed to work more than four hours at a time, anyway. Thank you for helping her.” Tilting my bottle as the actual bartender came out with my food, I sat back a little as the manager returned to the kitchen, and I had to admit . . .
I felt pretty damn good.
