Unexpected you

Chapter 37

Shit! I can't believe that I missed the damn bus again and my boss is expecting me in less than thirty minutes. I knew this would happen the minute I walked towards the front door, and Sofie began to yell and cry. Normally, I sneak my way out of sight, but today I felt the need to hold her before leaving. Afterwards, she was all eyes on me—and I could not find the strength to leave. I wasn't supposed to be at work today anyway, but they are short staffed and I can't say no to my boss. He's always been  super flexible with my schedule, and that's important since Sofie has had lots of appointments. Her asthma has been acting up lately, and I'm averaging visiting Dr Collins once a week.

Jimmy—please let the boss know that I'll be there as soon as possible. Everything okay Chayenne? He questions. And I immediately know that he's worried about the possibility that Shawn might be the reason why I'm late. He and I have become close friends, and lately, I've opened up to hm about all I had gone through. The few shots of tequila at the bar the other night, really helped me open up. Yeah.... I just missed the damn bus is all. Ok, I'll let him know right now—he just walked in.

When I finally arrive, I notice a line halfway down the block. OH WOW! It's going to be a busy and long day, but I actually don't mind. They help distract me and make my day go by quickly. I never understood why people stand in line for two hours just to eat. But in all fairness, this restaurant is excellent, and the sangria is quite famous.

After a few minutes, I'm finally able to squeeze through the crowd and make my way behind the bar to retrieve my order pad and pen. CHEYENNE! Great—you made it. Sure did boss, where do you want me? For now, you can help clean off the tables and reset them for new customers, but at six thirty, I'll need you in the main dining room. We're hosting an  engagement dinner. Big group of thirty two coming in. Thirty two? Yes Cheyenne, thirty two! And you know that you're the only one I trust to handle that. I'm on it boss! I say and walk away to set up tables.

    Reservation for Taylor, Dave Taylor. I hear a man in a black suit say. Ah Mr Taylor—yes, we've been expecting you. Is your entire party here, sir? Yes, we're all here. Did I just hear the name Dave Taylor? God I hope that's not the Dave Taylor I think it is. If it is, I truly pray that he isn't here with his entire family. Furthermore, I hope that he isn't the one who reserved the table for thirty two people, because I'm assigned to that party.

I haven't seen Lucas in over a month and a half, and I wouldn't know how to get through the night If he were also here. It would be worse than the time he came into the downtown location with a date.

Sure enough, no less than two minutes later, my fears become reality. Fucking hell! Jimmy—I'm going to need two shots. You mean one shot Cheyenne. He says with a chuckle. No... I mean two shots! Jimmy grabs me by the arm and drags me behind the bar. You okay Cheyenne? He asks as he pours my two shots. No, but I will be. I quickly answer, and pray it's true.  How am I going to tend to this table? I finally got to a point where I could sleep at night without waking up in the middle of the night crying, and I'm afraid that if I see Lucas again, my sleepless night will be a problem again. But this is my job, and so I guess I have no other choice.

I swallow my shots, quickly and fully, and begin my dreaded walk towards the table. The first person to notice me is his mother, and I can tell that she recognizes who I am, by the look in her eyes. She doesn't say anything. She immediately looks down the table towards her son, who is engaged in a conversation and hasn't noticed me at all. Would you like to start off with drinks? I ask. Immediately, Lucas looks up and locks eyes with me, but I quickly look away. If I don't, I could easily collapse to the floor from the rush of pain from seeing him again.

Everyone orders a drink and a dish except Lucas who has opted for a beer and nothing else. He isn't eating tonight, and I can tell by his appearance that he probably hasn't been eating much, because he looks like he lost weight. I haven't had a good appetite as well, and at a recent doctor's appointment, I discovered that I lost ten pounds in just one month.

When I make my way towards the bar to place my orders, I take a moment to catch my breath. My heart is pounding so hard and I can already feel the tears threatening to fall down. Cheyenne. I hear a soft voice behind me call out. When I turn, I see none other than Lucas's mom who places her hand on my shoulders, then looks back. Obviously to ensure that no one in her family was looking.

I don't mean to disturb you while you're at work, but can we have a quick word? I'm sorry but I can't—not now. It's extremely busy here and my boss wouldn't appreciate me taking an unscheduled break. Do you think that it's possible to get you to come by the house tomorrow? Lucas leaves for work around eight, so perhaps you could come around nine? I'm suddenly shocked and worried. Why would she want me to come over?

At first, I don't know what to say, but when I remember that she was the one who asked me to stay away, I nod my head and say. I'm sorry but I can't do that. I turn and walk away. Five minutes later, I'm completely surprised when she's standing just outside of the kitchen door. Please Cheyenne, I really need to speak with you. Please! After seeing the desperation in her eyes, I say the only thing I could bring myself to say. Okay.... I'll be there around nine thirty.

The night dragged on and on, and every time I had to approach Lucas and his family, I begged the lord to bless me with just a little more strength. Unfortunately, each and every single one of my prayers went unanswered. The knot in my stomach grew bigger and bigger as the skies grew darker, and the pain got worse and worse. By the time my shift was over. I had to run to the ladies room and vomit every single bit of food I had consumed that day. I hoped that if I ever saw Lucas again, that I would be comforted by the fact that he was doing well. But he doesn't look okay. And the one and only time that he allowed his eyes to look into mine, I saw the broken man that he was. I hate myself for being the one who broke him, and I don't think I will ever forgive myself.