Worth the Risk (a Matthew Gray Gubler fanfic)

Chapter Thirty Eight

My eyes are closed, listening to the sounds of the ocean. The waves are crashing against the shore. I hear the seagulls squealing around me. The smell of sunscreen is enough to make me happy. Someone is walking up behind me. I hear them say my name, "Haley..."

I open my eyes expecting to see him, but I turn around to see Charlie standing behind me. "Haley, they just sat someone at your table. Please go greet them."

"Sorry. I'm going." I tell him as I hop off of the stool.

I've been trying to go to my happy place all day. But, every time I try to calm down, I get interrupted. This day couldn't get any more stressful. After work, I'm supposed to go to Matthew's apartment. Usually that would be the place I wanted to be the most, but today would be a different story. It's not like I want to do it! I just don't want to lose my scholarships and I do not want him to lose his job. It has to be done, no matter how hard it will be for me.

Right now though, I'm having to deal with these ungrateful customers. Nothing is ever enough for them. They always want more and more. They need more of this or they can't have that... well damn it! Just be fucking happy with what you have! Not everyone has what you have.

Food. I'm talking about food.

Honestly, I need a break. If one more person asks me for one more thing, I'm leaving. I can't take this right now. I mean I'm not gonna quit, I just need the day to myself. You know, to think.

"Uh ma'am, can I have some-"

"NO! God, can't you people just be grateful for what you already have?!" I hear the customers gasp as soon as I say it. Then I immediately regret it.

I see Charlie come out from his office. "Haley! Get in here."

Now I'm terrified.

He motions for me to sit in the chair in front of his desk, he closes the door behind him. "What the hell was that?"

"Charlie, I'm so sorry. I have just been stressed with school lately. And I've been having some family issues. I don't know what came over me but I didn't mean it." I say, only fibbing a little bit.

Charlie terrifies me when he doesn't say anything. And that is exactly what he is doing right now. So I speak again, "I swear I didn't mean to say any of that! I'm sorry please don't fire me!"

He sits back in his chair, his arms crossed on his chest. "I think you need the rest of the day to relax. Go home and chill out. I know you've had a tough time lately with your grandad and everything. We will have you covered for the rest of the day. Let us know if you need anything."

I'm almost positive that my eyes are huge. I'm stunned that he didn't let me go. Or that he at least didn't send me on leave. But nonetheless, I'm extremely grateful.

"Oh thank you so much, Charlie. And again, I'm sorry!"

"Haley, I'm telling you, if you say that you're sorry one more time... I will change my mind." I thought for sure he was joking, but the look on his face says otherwise.

"Alright. Thanks again. I'm just gonna go." I point to the door, grabbing my things, and leaving quickly before any angry customers can catch me.

I sit in my car for a moment, just collecting my thoughts. I'm a fucking psychopath. What's wrong with me? Those people in there are my source of income and I just screamed at them. What the hell am I thinking? All of this stress for a man. I'm telling you now that as soon as I break it off with Matthew, I'm done with dating for a long time. The stress is getting too much to bear. All of the lying and sneaking around is exhausting. Which this is a special circumstance. But regardless of that, men are a lot of work.