Winter Warmers - Dec 2020 Writing Competition

Story Six

'The Waitress'

By K.L. Thorne

UK-born romance writer, filth aficionado and fantasy fanatic. Self-published author of the Hestaesia series.

A Christmas short story, based on the lyrics of 'Christmas Wrapping' by The Waitresses:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARq6uYSsUq0

Peter entered the pub, shaking a layer of snowflakes from his overcoat, and held the door for Michael and David, who followed behind.

"Merry Christmas. Have you got a reservation?" A greeter approached with a cheery smile, menus tucked beneath her arm.

"Thompson," Michael replied, removing his gloves.

The greeter scanned a list before nodding. "Follow me, gentlemen." She led them to their table where they quickly ordered three pints of cider.

Peter, Michael and David worked together and they made an effort to go for a Christmas Eve drink every year. Last Christmas, their usual place had been fully booked, so they'd chosen this bar instead. This had turned out fortuitous for Peter; he'd gotten the number of a pretty waitress, Laura.

Whilst Michael and David chatted about their holiday plans, Peter scanned the pub for a familiar face. Regret weighed heavily on him. He'd been in possession of Laura's number for an entire year, yet they hadn't managed to get together.

First he'd offered to take her to lunch, but they'd never found the time. Summer had rolled around, and still single, Peter had reached out to Laura again to invite her to a boat party. She'd seemed excited to join him – until third-degree sunburn forced her to cancel. Peter had assumed Laura wasn't interested in him after all, but then she'd invited him to a Halloween party. He'd spent a fortune on his outfit, only to end up on the side of the motorway, steam billowing from the engine of his car. He and Laura hadn't spoken since.

"Table five, Laura," a man shouted over the noise.

Peter glanced down at the brass number five glued to the surface of their table and turned to watch their waitress approach, his knee bouncing nervously.

Laura was distracted and hadn't noticed him as she attempted to navigate the busy bar, three full pint glasses balanced upon a tray. It gave Peter ample opportunity to take in all the little details he'd forgotten over the year.

She'd changed her hair. It was short now, cut into a wavy bob, the back cropped almost to her nape and dyed pale pink. She'd also gotten her nose pierced – something that wasn't usually his thing, but couldn't deny suited her. She was, however, just as beautiful as he remembered.

As she approached the table, Laura did a double-take before smiling at him. She lowered her tray and unloaded the drinks. "Hello."

Peter reached out to take his cider from her. "Long time no see."

"How've you been?" Laura asked, wiping her tray down before hooking it beneath her arm. "Busy." Peter smiled, delighted when Laura laughed.

"No shit. Me too."

Peter took a sip from his glass. "I noticed. How's things?"

"Can't complain. Much planned for Christmas?"

"No, I'm spending this one alone. It'll give me a break – this year's been crazy. You?" "It's been a busy blur. I don't think I have the energy to add to my already mad rush just 'cause 'tis the season. Merry Christmas, but I think I'll miss this one this year." Laura smiled, glancing over her shoulder. "I have to go. Talk to you later?"