Pleasing

<4

Warmth spreads over my face and shoulders as the sun peaks through my blinds, and I groan. "Wakey wakey!" I hear, but I sigh, flickering my eyes open. "I'm up." I glare at Zenday.

"Come on, we got work!" She shakes me, and I slowly get up. I don't mind mornings, but they're not always the easiest.

I shove the blanket off me and slide my feet into my slippers as I stretch. I throw my hair into a low bun as I walk to the kitchen, quickly turning the stove on as I fill my kettle with water. It usually takes 6 minutes and 25 seconds for the water to heat up and make the loud noise.

I go to the bathroom to quickly brush and floss my teeth and wash my face. After, I walk back to my room and slide on my outfit.

It was see‑through, so I slide on a white bra that sort of blends in. I always do this, which is nice because then I don't have to wear more than one layer. My top is a bit too tight, which makes it really see‑through, but I always back out of asking for a new size... Miss Sherad has already told us they're quite expensive to order.

Heart Café and Heart Club.

Two different things but owned as one. The Heart Club is... not where I work, but Zenday works there. It's not my forte to deal with harsh men. The Heart Club is just another really big club that isn't stripper material but still feeds off that aesthetic.

I quickly go to the stove as I hear the loud squealing noise. I grab a thermos and slide in a tea packet while pouring the hot water in. I take a quick sip with my meds and then screw the lid back on. I slide on some white clean Nike slip‑ons, then walk to the bathroom, quickly dipping my hair under the shower to wet it. My hand moves randomly for the towel as I wrap it around myself, and I grab the gel and brush. My hair scrunches into the towel as I bend down and brush through it. My hand searches for the gel bottle on the counter.

After my hair dries, I let it fall on my back as I grab my purse and sling it across my chest.

"Let's go, girly!" I hear her say as I walk out. I smile as I open the fridge and pick up my thermos.

"Did you get to eat?" she asks, and I shove a piece of gum into my mouth. "Uh... no." I mumble quickly, and she sighs.

"Jen—" "I know, I'm really sorry!" I apologize. "I-I didn't mean to interrupt, but Zen, I'll be okay! I have my tea an-and I took my meds!" I smile.

She shakes her head slowly. "You will eat something when we get to the café. Claire is filling in for me at 6." I nod. "S-so you won't be here after 6?" I gulp. She nods. "You'll be okay, right?" I nod quickly.

I'm strong! I can be an independent woman.

We quickly get out of the car and into the café. She says goodbye after she sees me eat a muffin. I walk around the counter, seeing a yellow sticky note on the cashier.

Dear Jenny,

It's Ms. Sherad! I can't wait to see you again at 3 since it's been a while. I know Candice has been taking over for me. Hopefully he hasn't been asking for too much! Let's chat when I get back. I'll be back soon, just getting the change for the day.

– Ms. S with love

I smile at the sticky note and put it aside as I slowly get everything ready.

By the time I'm finished, it's 1:30. It's only 1:30 and the café doesn't open until 2:30. I work 2–8. So, 7 hours, but it's really great pay. $19 an hour... I also go to college. I'm doing really well, so I don't need to work much when it comes to balancing it out.

The door chimes, and I look up, seeing Candice. He was such a sexy goddess. He would tease me a lot, and we make jokes together, but Zenday—well, my whole friend group—doesn't like him. They say he's a bad person to be around. He's been nice to me so far, and you should always give someone a chance!

"Hi, Candice." I smile, putting the last chair down. "Hey, Jennifer." He smiles, going in the back. "Ms. Sherad told me she'll be coming soon," I hum, following him. He nods. "Yeah, she texted me." He shrugs.

I wipe the tables and sweep the floor, wanting to get things done before she comes in. I open the curtains on each window and crack them slightly since it's quite warm today.

Now let me just quickly get the kittens' food ready. Yes, cat café.

5:23 PM

"Have a nice night." I wave, seeing the café still full. I sigh and drink some water.

"JEN!" I hear behind me, and I furrow my eyebrows. Oh—Zenday! "Hey." I smile.

"I have to leave early, but I'll see you tomorrow morning." She waves, and I nod. "Don't forget to take meds," she adds, and I shoo her away.

6:38 PM.

The café was still busy with our new menu out, and we added new cats.

"No." I hear behind me. "Who will wo— me— no, we won't make money by that!" comes from a door.

I slowly walk back, seeing Claire arguing with Candice.

"What's wrong, guys?" I frown. "Jenny, can you please help me downstairs? It's really busy with new drinks and dancers," she whimpers, and I freeze.

"No! Jenny isn't capable of doing so!" he groans, not looking at me. "She'll get anxious and cry, and none of us want that stress on her."

"I'll be okay, Candice! I've been doing r-really well!" I say confidently. Even though I wasn't. But I didn't want to look like a weak person. No one does! And my meds are making me more relaxed.

"Jennifer, you don't have to, but I would really appreciate—" "I'll do it." I smile, tugging at my skirt.

"Really? Ugh, you're a lifesaver!" She smiles, grabbing my hand and walking me downstairs.

Luckily for me, Zenday would practice at home on how to make the drinks, so I'm pretty familiar with them.

"Can I just tweak something?" she asks, and I nod, confused.

She slowly rolls my skirt higher, and I widen my eyes. "Claire, I... do I need to?" I ask lowly, and she nods.

It's fine! I'm fine. I look fine. Perfect.

I sigh as we walk down the steps, and she quickly brings me to the bar stand as I make the few drinks she needed help with. We're both quite small, so she sets the step stool in front of the back cabinets.

She grabs the tray. "You set?" she asks, and I nod quickly.

It's loud as heck.

"Tropical Zen," I hear behind me. A girl's voice. I smile to myself as I shake the ice quickly. As I pour the drink into the glass, I turn back around to face her.

"Here you go." I smile as I take the five bills. Five dollars for a dang drink?

"Are you new?" She tilts her head, and I nod. "Where's Zenday? I like her." She pouts, sipping her drink. "I-uh, not sure. She couldn't stay all night," I say, making a few more drinks for others.

She hums and looks around.

Two guys—men? Males? Whatever.

"We want the firecracker." If a voice could sound like thunder, this would be it.

I nod, biting my lip. Grabbing the ice, I hear shuffling. I turn and see them lean closer across the counter with the no‑name woman.

"Y-yes?" I ask, shaking the orange liquid. "Did you get our order?" one of them asks with attitude. "Y-yes, sir." I mumble, turning around and grabbing the glasses.

I walk around to the fridge, quickly grabbing the frozen lemon slices and popping them into the drinks.

"Guys, don't!" I hear.