“This isn’t your business, Patrick,” Nate
protests.
“Actually it is. She works for me and this is my
place. I don’t want any trouble here—inside or out.
I don’t want any assholes here, is that clear?”
“Asshole who? Me?” Nate gets up and stands
threateningly close to Patrick.
He doesn’t realize what he’s getting himself into
so I decide to intervene and save his life.
“Nate was just going,” I say in a whisper. “And
… I’m not his girlfriend any longer,” I say with a
touch of bitterness.
“You should come and get your things as soon
as possible.”
I nod and lower my glance, pursing my lips.
He’s intentionally humiliating me and it wasn’t
necessary.
Nate pulls his collar up on his coat and walks
off towards the parking lot without turning around.
I take a big breath and turn towards Patrick,
who is still on his feet next to me and is staring at
Nate as he gets further and further away into the
cold night.
“I’m sorry, I…”
He shakes his head and makes a gesture with his
hand so that I don’t continue talking. Then he
turns, opens the door, and goes back in, leaving me
alone, freezing cold and even more desperate.
Patrick
I’m not serving at the counter tonight and it’s kind
