11 - Lee Smith
2317 Words
Oliver Taylor dropped me off at my apartment at 8 in the morning. My secretarial job is from 9 to 3. My shift at the restaurant starts at 4 o’clock. I only have enough time to tidy my little room. I don’t have many things anyway.
I spaced out thinking about the kiss we shared. Damn, there goes my first kiss. I found myself touching my lips. I’ve only known Oliver Taylor for a week. But as I said, he’s a good man; his impression to me so far. If he actually shows up on Saturday, I’ll be really glad. I winced. I have no clothes for an outing, or a casual outfit for a date. I shrugged to myself, maybe jeans and a shirt won’t be so bad. I have no extra money to buy new clothes and I sure as hell won’t be borrowing for extra money. I’m planning to save the one grand Oliver gave me as my emergency fund. Buying new clothes is not an emergency.
Aya greeted me when I showed up at Tracy’s.
“How’s your vacation? That man is nothing but persistent. He didn’t harass you, did he?”
“It went well. I had time to relax and do whatever I want. For once, I’m not scrambling to work for a few days.” I smiled at her at the break room, donning my apron.
“I think he’s got the hots for you. He can’t take his eyes off of you.”
I pursed my lips at her comment. I’d rather not get my hopes up.
“I think he’s nice and handsome.” She won’t let me go without a comment on the guy, so I played it safe.
“You didn’t sleep together?” She’s smirking now.
“If you want to be technical, yes, we slept together. Twice. But if you’re referring to s*x, no we didn’t.” I acted nonchalant about it. I’m used to Aya’s vulgarity by now.
We went out to start working on our sections. It was fun talking to customers. The ambiance in the restaurant is homie, and everyone working here is pleasant. We always get good tips. I am yet to experience something unpleasant in this place.
I had my 30-minute dinner break at 6. Aya will have hers at 6:15. We cover each other’s section while we’re on break. I savored the dishes Marlon prepared for the staff.
When I went out to go back to work, I saw Oliver sitting in a booth by himself. He smiled at me, then waved me over. Well, he is in my section.
“Hi, what are you doing here?” I asked as I stood in front of him, one eyebrow raised in question.
“I came to have dinner, but that’s just an excuse so I could see you. Can you recommend me something?” His eyes are twinkling with mischief, but he started browsing the menu before I could question his statement. An excuse to see me, huh?
“Want me to order for you? There’s a meal set tonight. It’s wonderful. I had it for dinner.” I started playing with my pen.
He closed the menu and grinned at me. “Sure, I’ll take it.”
We had small talk when I served him his food. I had to go around taking orders and serving other customers.
At about 8 pm, Aya stood next to me near the kitchen counter.
“Your man is not leaving yet? You should ask him to order some drinks or something. He’s occupying a booth to himself.” I turned to look at Oliver’s table. He’s busy working with his tablet. I made the order myself. A coffee milkshake and a sandwich with some fries.
I set it down on his table. He looked up, then, surprised.
“I took the liberty to order you some more food, if you’re staying longer. We should get some bucks out of you when you’re using our table.” I don’t want to be rude, so I tried delivering it in a teasing note. He smiled, then.
“Thank you. Yes, of course.” He took a few fries from the plate.
“When’s your shift going to end?”
“At ten. You staying until closing?” I raised an eyebrow. I didn’t realize he’s staying that long. I thought he only wanted to see me, as he said.
“I’ll drive you home, if you don’t mind.”
“Well, I prefer to walk. My apartment’s not that far from here.” I groaned inside. Again, I answered as if I already gave him permission and we’re just working out the details. I must really like this guy. He’s pushing the right buttons.
“That’s fine then. I’ll walk you home.” He’s still smiling handsomely.
I looked around my section. No one’s in need of anything yet.
I sat down opposite him.
“What are you working on?” I nodded on his tablet.
“Well, I was distracted at the office all day. Can’t work on anything ‘cause I’m missing this certain woman. Now that I’ve seen her, I figured I should start working. It works.” His knowing and teasing smile made me self-conscious for a bit.
“You’re already out of the office and you’re still working? Do you usually take your work home?” I was sincerely curious. I don’t bring my secretarial job home, you see.
He shrugged and took his milkshake to drink. “I figured since I didn’t work at the office, I should at least finish today’s work.” Well, that’s honesty, right?
“Good for your boss. I appreciate honest work.” I noticed a trio sat behind Oliver so I turned to go.
Aya cornered me back at the kitchen counter.
“What’s taking him so long?”
“Ah, he’s working on something. And he said he’ll walk me home.”
Aya squealed like a pig. I shirked away from her. A few customers looked our way. I made a shhing gesture to shut her up. I looked over Oliver and he didn’t seem to notice Aya.
“Isn’t he sweet? I like him for you. Go girl! Make him your man.” She was a little enthusiastic for my liking.
“Who are we talking about?” Marlon slipped out of the kitchen for his break.
Aya looked pointedly in Oliver’s direction to show Marlon. “That guy over there. The one busy on his tablet. The guy in the business suit. He’s walking our girl, Lee, home, after closing.”
“How much did he order?” I raised an eyebrow at Marlon’s question.
“He already made two orders. He’ll take another at 9.” I answered.
“Take another?” It’s Marlon’s turn to raise an eyebrow at me.
It was Aya who answered, “Lee makes his orders for him. He eats whatever she brings.”
“So, how much was his order?” Marlon persisted.
“Why are you asking how much?” I directly asked, since he didn’t get the hint earlier.
“I want to know if he’ll be able to provide for you if he takes you away from this place.” Marlon answered, matter of fact.
“Why would he take me away from this place? I like working here.” I sincerely answered. Everyone’s like family, even Tracy. She approved my request for leave when I was injured. She assured me I could get back to work when I’m all healed.
“Well, most guys like that wants to keep their woman home.” He nodded again in Oliver’s direction.
“How would you know? I should ask directly, but that would be presumptuous that he’s taking me home. Wait, are you guys thinking he’ll marry me? That’s way too ahead. Don’t get carried away. I’ve only known the guy one week.” I feel somewhat irritated.
Aya and Marlon only smiled at me. Gary popped up next to them and asked what’s going on.
“It’s nice to dream of fairy tales in real life, no?” Aya stated. “I want you to be able to find a good guy that will take good care of you. He’s a nice candidate.”
“Oh, please. Don’t pair us off.” I muttered before moving back to my section, a few guys are leaving, asking for their bill.
When I flipped through the bills, somehow I find myself stopping to look at Oliver’s bill. Fifty dollars plus my tip. I’m not sure if it was unconscious on my part, but I gave him the best for my taste buds but cheap on the wallet. I pursed my lips. Should I order something expensive for him? The specials for tonight? Maybe I should ask.
Before the clock struck nine, I stopped at his table. “Ready to order again?” I saw some graphs on his tablet as I was passing by.
“Yes, please.” He doesn’t forget to smile whenever I stop by. I know his job must be serious, though. Graphs, huh?
“Would you like to try the specials?” I tried to be natural while asking that. With his big house, I knew he must have money. Even if he’s just renting it, it would still cost so much. Still, I don’t know if things are tight or not. He must be saving his money or something.
“Is it different every night?” He asked casually.
“Yes.” I frowned. I’m being silly. They had dinner here before, last week.
“Yes, please.” Then he turned to look around. He grinned back to me. “And if you’re not busy, would you sit with me?”
“Yes, sure.” At this time, we only have a handful of customers going in and out. Tracy’s not too strict as long as we’re not slacking off. We get to chat longer with customers if we want to.
I gave the order to Marlon. I chatted with Gary while waiting. Unlike Aya and Marlon, he’s not too keenly interested on anyone’s personal relationships as long as there’s no violence. I’ve heard he once interfered when Aya’s last boyfriend hit her. I smiled at the thought. The guys we have at the restaurant are like overly protective brothers sometimes.
Marlon returned after 10 minutes, and I served it to Oliver’s. He was frowning as I set everything on the table. I was also frowning when I sat down.
“Any problem?” I asked. He turned to look at me.
“You only ordered for one?” I raised an eyebrow at his question. He sighed.
“I meant for you to have a late dinner with me.” He answered. I only shrugged.
“I don’t eat much. You sure you can finish all these?” I teased. I know men eat a whole lot more than women. He didn’t move. He’s still looking at me with that frown of his. I eyed the food in front of us.
“I’m good with just a sandwich. And a bite of the pasta.” I assured him.
“Here.” He pushed the pasta towards me. “You’ve been working hard; you should eat when you can.” He turned gentle with his words.
“Emphasis on when I can, right?” I grabbed a fork, prayed in thanks and started eating.
“At what time do you eat dinner?” He asked, getting started on the rice meal.
“At exactly six.” I answered between mouthfuls. I only noticed my hunger now that I’m eating.
“You don’t eat afterwards?” He asked again. I only shrugged.
“I’m not usually hungry. I’m fine with just milkshakes and fries.”
“Would you like some soup?” He offered. I like the mushroom soup, so I accepted.
“Thank you.” I found Aya tapping my shoulder.
“I got this. You guys enjoy your dinner.” She winked, then followed the two customers that just got seated.
“Thank you.” It was Oliver who actually said thanks. I was busy sipping on my soup.
“I’ll have to treat her sometime.” I stated, smiling at Oliver.
“You guys looked tight. I noticed you with two guys by the counter. Gary was one of them, right?”
“You know Gary?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Gary and Aya were walking out when you got hit last week.” His statement made me curious. I don’t usually bother with other people’s relationships, but I start to wonder if Gary likes Aya.
“Right. Marlon’s the other guy. He’s the head chef. Gary’s his assistant. Men in the kitchen. Dreamy, right?” I’m proud of my friends, you see.
“Give my compliments to them. These are all delicious.” He winked. I laughed. I can’t believe he actually winked.
“You seem close to Aya, but not the others?” He asked. I can only shrug.
“Everyone’s friendly. But Aya and I, our sections are next to each other. We can keep an eye on it if we stand by the counter over there. Three others are on the other side of the bar. There’s another kitchen there, with two other chefs and a couple of staff. It’s efficient for operations. It might be a costly setup but everything’s a breeze. Everyone’s happy.” I finished my portion of the meal.
“It’s easier to keep customers happy if the staff are also happy, is Tracy’s philosophy.”
“I’ll remember that.” He actually looked thoughtful for a moment.
We cleared the dishes, so I stood up to clear the table. Back to work.
- Writer
