"Hailey's POV"
"Table No. 4 ordered a smoothie and two sandwiches". Sam whispered to me as she went into the kitchen. I sighed inwardly and glanced at the clock. It was 5 minutes to 6 pm. I didn't have to look at my watch to know that time wasn't on my side today. I silently prayed there'd be no more orders for the last 5 minutes.
I had not rested since my shift started by 6am. I had covered for Anne for her afternoon shift. She was supposedly sick, but posted a video of her partying in the 90's club, while I ran around taking orders, serving and dealing with an endless stream of chattering customers, adding to my headache.
On top of that, I still had registers to balance. So much to do, for so little pay.
Another sigh escaped my lips as I grabbed the sandwiches and smoothies, balancing them on the tray. Table 1 through Table 5 were the VIP tables, always demanding top-tier service. Why? I had no idea. Maybe it was a thing in their world.
Of course, my last order of the day had to be one of them. Before I could protest, I heard Sam's voice behind me.
"Sweetie, you look like a mess".
Wow. Newsflash there. I shot her a little sarcastic smile and kept walking.
I pressed on toward the table, the final destination in this endless shift.
"Here's your order," I said, forcing a smile as I set the tray on the table.
As i looked up, i caught two sets of eyes fixed on me. Great. I tried to step back, but one of them chuckled, leaning forward.
"Hey, pretty".
Of course, privileged dudes.
I sighed inwardly, already done with them. I just had to end my day like this. I made a quick exit, not in the mood to entertain anyone, especially a guy who thought he could win me over with some cheesy pickup line.
Finally, I reached the changing room, peeling off my apron like it was my second skin.
That dreaded shift was over. Time to go home.
And rest.
As I grabbed my bag, the scene with the two guys kept replaying in my mind. They looked familiar... Oh, right. The one guy was the one who helped a girl pick up her things earlier. He had given her that flirty smile he gave me earlier- definitely a playboy. The other guy, though... where had i seen him before? I racked my brain, but nothing clicked.
Just as I was about to give up, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Sophie. My only friend, a ray of sunshine.
I picked up, expecting a call from Gray. He hadn't called me all day, probably too stubborn to apologise. As expected.
"Hello my love."
"Where are you?!" She demanded.
"I'm coming, I'm coming. Give me 10 minutes. Love you, bye."
I ended the call quickly, not wanting her to know I was still stuck at work. I had promised her I wouldn't cover for Anne again, but her I was, doing exactly that. Sophie would figure out eventually, I was sure. She might have some kind of superpower to detect lies. I should ask her about it sometime.
But i had a more pressing issue. My stomach growled loudly that I instinctively clutched it, hoping no one in the kitchen would hear.
I was starving.
Sure, I work at a café, but that was not food. The donuts were ridiculously overpriced, and personally, I had no idea why people kept buying them. I guess they tasted good, but I couldn't afford to splurge on a smoothie, much less a donut.
I ran through a mental checklist: meet Sophie, hit the market, go home, cook, clean, study and finally crash into bed.
I was already exhausted just thinking about it.
Another sigh, I changed into my flare gown, the one I had worn to work earlier. Yeah, I liked flare gowns. Don't ask me why.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I took a deep breath, ready to face the outside world.
I waved at Sam and the others on my way out. I didn't really know them, guess they were hired last week or thereabout, and I had been here for over a year.
Hell, I'd been through a lot.
As I walked out the door, I reached for my phone, ready to call Sophie and ask her to grab me something to eat. My stomach was voicing its displeasure, and loudly too.
From the corner of my eye, I saw someone heading straight towards me. Great. One of those guys from earlier. The privileged dudes.
"We didn't get a chance to talk earlier. I'm Jason."
I mentally rolled my eyes. Here we go again. Could this day get any worse?
He flashed a smile. "Seems like we started off on the wrong foot. How about you give me your number?"
"It's okay. Thanks." I tightened my grip on my bag, a signal I was ready to be done with this conversation. I started to step walk away.
But of course, he stepped right in front of me, blocking my way.
Seriously? Was today some kind of test I hadn't signed up for?
"Come on, don't be shy. I'm a fun guy."
"I'm not interested." I forced the words out, struggling not to slap him. His confidence was almost too much to handle.
"For real? You're serious?" He looked at me, clearly suprised.
I couldn't help but chuckle, more out of disbelief than humour. Was this guy for real? Did he seriously think he was that irresistible?
"Yes. I have a boyfriend." I said it firmly, hoping he'd take the hint and back off.
"Oh, really? You do?" His tone was filled with disbelief.
Whatever. If he didn't believe me, that was his problem.
Yes. Now, bye" I emphasized on the bye, gave him a wave as I bonus and tried to leave. But of course, he blocked me. Again.
"Okay, then what's his name?" He raised an eyebrow, smirking.
Oh, hell no. I couldn't believe I had this amount of patience in me.
Through gritted teeth and a fake smile, i replied, "I don't think that's any of your business." I shot him a look before walking as quickly as I could. Thankfully, he didn't block me this time.
That guy was fully insane and persistent, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to deal with him again, but it seemed like I would have to.
I sighed, shaking my head. Sophie would have a field day with this.