Never Let Go

Chapter 35: Highway To Hell

"I'm on the highway to hell, on the highway to hell, I'm on the highway to hell, highway to hell, I'm on the highway to hell."

I hit the radio, turning AC/DC off and rest my forehead on the steering wheel. I feel like shit. I'm incredibly hungover and I still feel drunk. I'm not sure how I've managed to drag myself to work. I thought it would be a good idea to take my mind off things for a little while at least, but I'm already regretting my decision. The thought of my dick head boss and rude customers will probably only make me feel worse, but I can't just do nothing. I know seeing my dad has set me back, but I don't want it to set me back too much... if I don't do something I'll just be locked away in my bedroom with bottles of alcohol and bad thoughts. I leave my car and check my phone while I walk towards the restaurant.

3 missed calls from Michael and 2 voicemails.

He's also sent me a couple of text messages... I take a deep breath and put my phone back in my pocket. I shouldn't ignore him, so I'll text him later... just so knows I'm ok, but right now, I don't have the energy. I still want to be left alone.

I'm only 5 minutes into my shift, and already I've fucked up. I've accidentally bumped into the other waiters a few times and I've smashed a few glasses. Yep, coming to work wasn't a great idea after all. I'd rather be passed out drunk again.

"Table 6!" The chef shouts from the kitchen.

I pick up the food and look around for table 6. I served them, but I can't remember what they looked like. I eventually find their table and go hand them their meals.

"We didn't order this." The lady frowns and shakes her head.

"Oh, you didn't?"

"No... we ordered soup of the day and a grilled cheese sandwich."

"Oh..." I nod and stare at the burgers in my hand. Who the fuck ordered burgers?

I go around a few other tables, and I'm pretty sure by the time I've found the right customers, their food is stone cold. That's a complaint I'll deal with later.

"Uh, excuse me?"

It's the soup lady.

"What?"

She gives me a look from my very unprofessional response.

"We've been waiting a long time now..."

Did I even put their order through? Fuck. Maybe I didn't...

"Don't be so impatient. You'll get it when it's ready."

They aren't being impatient. They've actually been waiting a while, but oh well. I just can't remember if i put their order through.

She scoffs and looks at me in disbelief. I walk away and hear her mutter something to her boyfriend, something like terrible service, but I don't care right now.

I take a tray of drinks over to a table of 5 people and a little kid, but since I'm still basically drunk, I accidentally spill some of the coke that's in one of the glasses and it goes everywhere...

The customers quickly pick up their napkins and try mopping it up before it spills anywhere else.

"Oh, shit." I pick the empty glass up and look at the coke all over the table.

The little boy gasps. Probably because I said shit.

"Oh, fuck. My bad." I make a face.

Oops. I swore again.

An elderly lady gasps and covers the kids ears with her hands.

"Excuse me?!"

"Uh..." I laugh awkwardly. "I'll get you another coke."