ANDY MILES

His voice, dangerously low

"Mia!"

Mia jumped out from her own thoughts. The mug fell from her trembling hands as she snapped her head to the door. It was Mr. Chris, the bar manager. He wore a disapproving look on, his lips pressed into thin line.

"I'm sorry Chris"

She said. Her pleading eyes on him. It wasn't the first time, he had caught her go off like that. The number of complains from customers within a short period was driving him to the edge. She most times forgot to attend to customers who placed their orders and waited.

Mia watched his hands go into the small pockets of the baggy brown jeans he had on as he drew closer

"I will tell you this Mia. I know you're going through some emotional shit right now but this is my business and I don't joke with it. If this happens again, I will have no choice but to let you go"

Chris was sternly calm.

Mia swallowed hard and nodded. Her head hung low. Chris stared at her for a moment longer.

"Get yourself together. I'm waiting for you at the counter"

He walked out the door, right after.

She shuddered. Her shaky hands held the metal flat top that served a a counter in the kitchen store. She quickly wipied the tears off her eyes. Her eyes were puffed out and reddened with bags under them as she stared at herself in the mirror. Mia took in a long breath. She slowly picked up the apron from the couch and watched herself tye it around her.

Her mind craved control at that moment. She couldn't afford to lose the job and to disappoint Chris. She already has but she wasn't going to continue. She whirled and got her phone, yet no calls from Andy. With her eye closed, she escaped a breath.

Sliding the phone into the apron, Mia walked out the door.

Chris had a contending look for her when his eyes met hers. His lips curled up into a smile for her. He knew she was always going to come around. Mia drew close. Chris had a strawberry parfait up on the counter.

"You see that man over there?"

Mia followed his pointed finger. His eyes wandered to the small booth, just around the corner. The melanin guy sat alone staring into space. The black, well scissored suit he had on screamed of some good money.

"The black one at the booth in the damn black money suit?"

Chris chuckled

"Exactly"

Mia turned back to him, a hint of smile on her cheeky face

"Give him this" Chris slipped the small paper bill under the parfait "and that's his bill"

Mia looked over her shoulders to glance at him one more time, Chris was creased up waiting for her assed up line

"You know Chris, he looks like a rich kid that's heartbroken and wants to run away but he can't. He does look smart"

She shrugged her shoulders taking the mini tray and the bill from the counter

"I don't know, he might be on drugs too but then, he's eating such healthy diet"

She heaved

"Well this is it"

She winked at Chris who laughed and made her heel steps to the booth.

Daniel had his eyes up at her as Mia came by with the parfait on a tray. She placed it down in front of him and the bill

"That's the bill. Ring the bell.." his eyes shifted to the bell he didn't know was there. "When you're done. Me or someone else will be at attendance"