“I know, but the other girls have to learn one way or another. I can’t be mothering them constantly.”
“Alright, alright. I know there’s no convincin’ ya.”
“Nope, you should know by now, Max.” I beam a smile at him as a flit around the restaurant, sweeping up the mess that was missed from closing duties last night. The other girls that work in the restaurant are mainly part-timers, and I’ve found that they don’t really have as much work ethic as I do. This is myfull-time job, one that I am proud of and actually need; I put my heart and soul into this workplace, and I know my managers see that. I just wish it was reflected in my pay. Shaking myself from my negative thoughts, I remind myself it’s really not their fault the economy sucks and little mom-and-pop-shops are closing left and right.
“Alright, missy. I gotta get back to workin’ back here, we’ll catch up later.”
“Sounds good, Max.”
Eight hours into my shift,my feet are becoming sore and I’m in desperate need of a break. These long hours kill my feet, but my right foot in particular I have been having a tough time with. The doctor’s said it’s plantar fasciitis, and it fucking hurts like hell. I’ve tried the injections, but they wear off after a few months. The temporary relief is great, but what I really need is the surgery to get it fixed. It would require being in a boot for a few weeks, and the restaurant can’t afford to be without me for that long. Maybe it’s the other way around, but whatever the case, I haven’t made the jump to get it scheduled. I also don’t think I could walk numerous blocks to and from work everyday in a boot. I have the money to take off work, I don’t know why I can’t just pull the trigger and get it done. I sigh at the thought...maybe one day.
The bell rings as a new customer comes in, and I shout over my shoulder to take a seat wherever they like. The afternoon rush has passed and there are only a few patrons in the diner now.
Noticing the customer is by himself, I grab a glass of water and the coffee pot before heading over to the booth in the corner.
His back is to me, so I can’t make out his features other than he’s tall with black hair. Muscles ripple along his back as he gets comfortable in the booth thanks to the tight-fitting black T-shirt that adorns his torso. I paste a smile on my face as I come up to his side.
Setting his water on the table, I greet him, “Good afternoon. Would you care for any coffee today, Sir?”
I’m taken aback as I lift my gaze from the table and into the man’s eyes. They are the most vivid blue eyes I’ve ever seen. I don’t even take in the rest of his features, the eyes are all I need to see.
Eyes I could never,everforget.
Two
Kayden
Danielle stands there, probably in shock, as her eyes stare straight into mine. I know she must recognize me as her mouth just barely hangs open and her eyes widen as she looks me over. She has stunning black hair and forest-green eyes that are piercing into me. She’s short compared to my six-foot-three-inch frame, standing at a mere five foot six.
“Yes, please.”
Danielle shakes herself from her thoughts. “What?”
“I said, yes, I would like some coffee, please.”
“Oh, right, sorry!”
As she proceeds to pour the steaming coffee into the white mug that’s sitting on the table, her sleeve pulls up just barely, revealing scars crisscrossing against her tanned skin. She glances at me while she pours, losing her concentration and spilling a bit over the edge that splashes onto the table.
“Shit, sorry! Sorry! Did not mean to swear, sorry…”
“Danielle. It’s fine, just a little spill. I’ll get it.” I grab napkins from the dispenser on the table, cleaning up the spill easily and chuckling under my breath at her nervousness.
“How do you know my name?” she asks, taking a step back and slightly narrowing her eyes.
“Well, it’s on your name tag for one,” I reply, pointing at her chest where her shiny silver name tag lies. She looks down as though she’s seeing the name tag for the first time.
“For two, I know a lot about you, Dani.”
Her eyes widen and she looks around as though desperate for anyone to come to her aid.
“Danielle. Eyes on me.”
Her eyes immediately snap to mine as her entire body goes taut with apprehension. I know I can be an intimidating man, but I had hoped not to spook her too much.
“Why don’t you have a seat? We can talk a little bit.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, I have customers to see.”
