I’m not complaining, though. Initially, I assumed he’d be a problem. Finally, a pause in the flow of customers allows me to stretch my sore limbs. Mary’s is a family-run business, but there are three other employees besides me—two part-time line cooks and another cashier.
My counterpart has a different schedule, but we’ve met. I’ve been successfully manning the front alone and haven’t had a break. Mary mentioned being behind on paperwork and I insisted she go to her office to catch up. It’s my chance to prove I’m capable of managing the influx of patrons on my own.
The bell hanging above the door chimes, and I glance up.
Oh no.
It’s King Asshole, Dee, and Nix, along with Queen Bitch and her two minions.
Ugh!
Maverick almost had me yesterday. Thank goodness I got away. I might as well get used to them coming here. Not letting the bastards get to me and remaining professional is key.
I put my game face on.
“Good afternoon.” I smile brightly.
“Oh my God. You work here?” Victoria asks condescendingly.
“I would die if I had to get a job,” Lori says, her nose crinkling in disgust.
“Damn, it must suck being born into a low-income family.” Rebecca snickers.
I take deep, calming breaths. The best thing to do is not react, because that’s what they want. They want to get under my skin and see me squirm, but I won’t give them the satisfaction. Maverick and I have a staring contest. His gaze promises retribution and mine flashes with defiance.
Nana nana boo boo, you can’t catch me.
Victoria observes our silent battle and narrows her eyes at me. She loops her arm around his, but he swiftly extricates himself from her grasp.
She huffs and stomps to a booth in the back corner.
“Are y’all ready to order or not?” I snap impatiently.
“Drop the fucking attitude, mongrel.” Maverick scowls and the two minions laugh.
“Maybe I should ask to speak to your manager.” Rebecca claps a hand on her hip. “Your customer service skills are lacking.”
A string of expletivesalmostspews from my mouth, but I bite my tongue, recalling where I am.
“I’m sorry,” I grumble, swallowing my pride.
“That’s more like it.” She crosses her arms, a self-satisfied smirk on her face.
Eat dog shit.
I take their orders, then shoot daggers at the group as they join Victoria.
If I had laser vision, I’d disintegrate the motherfuckers and dance in their ashes.
I peer through the square window into the kitchen.
“Hey, Bruno?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?” The gentle giant looks over his shoulder.
He’s opposite from his perverted brother and has the sweetest disposition. A trait he inherited from Mary.
“Mind covering the front for a couple minutes?”
