Kill of the night

Chapter 13

April 25th
Melbourne

Josie

"Morning Claire"  I say as I walk through the cafe door which rings behind me.

She looks up from the cash register and smiles at me, "Morning Josie, ready for another week of work?"

"By your side? Always" She laughs flattered.

After I hung up on Harry yesterday, I haven't heard anything from him since. Sabina and Maya ended up driving me back home after the massage, which by the way, was the most relaxed I felt in my life. I thanked Maya and said goodbye to both of them. It was a surprisingly good day, I wasn't expecting to go do any of that. My plans were to lie in bed all day regretting my decision at the party, but that took a turn.

I change into my uniform and go to the cash register. The morning has just started but the cafe is already filling up. I've served 13 people, three of them arrogant who only knew how to complain, five of them left me a good tip for my table service, but none of them sat down in front of me and ordered a macchiato and a blueberry muffin.

I'm finding it very strange that none of them are here today. Usually they alternate, on some days Maya, Sabina and Nicolas come, on others Jordan and Miller come accompanied by Luka and Victoria and on others Harry comes. Just him.

It's almost 11 am and still no one has come, I'm even tempted to send them a text asking if they're gonna take too long. Nobody told them to spoil me. I continue to work but always with my eyes on the phone screen and my ears on the door bell. People come and go but none are the ones I want to see.

I stay at the register, serve food to tables, help Renata in the kitchen and Claire with paperwork until it's time for me to get off duty.

They didn't show up. 

I have no reason to be hurt or even remotely angry because they have their lives, it's ridiculous that I feel guilty that they didn't come today...but I can't help it.

Grabbing my things, I shake off these irrational thoughts and leave to go home. Victoria ended up sleeping over at Luka's for another day but I don't care, I'm glad she's happy, I just wished I didn't feel so alone when she's gone.

What if we adopted a cat? or a dog? Those would always be there for when me or Vicky needed company. True friends.

I'm in my own little world, crossing the road when the air is knocked out of my lungs. I land my feet on the asphalt to avoid falling forward and let out a terrified scream, I hear quick footsteps behind me and hands holding my shoulders still, "My God Josie, are you okay?"  Claire's sweet but scared voice asks.

I almost just got run over. I swear I looked both ways and there was no one on the road, the car appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as quickly. I'm still trying to catch my breath when Claire runs her wrinkled hand over my face, "My dear, it didn't hurt you, did it? Do you need medical attention?"

I shake my head coming back to full consciousness, "No—um no Claire, I'm fine, it was just a scare" I sigh with my eyes closed.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay? I can try to call someone to take you home"

"That won't be necessary, but thank you."

She nods and squeezes my hand to comfort me, "Be more careful"

"I will. Have a good day, Claire" She goes back inside and as soon as I'm back alone on the sidewalk I sit down on the floor, not having the strength to stand anymore.

It's when my eyes are focused on the ground that I notice a small piece of paper flying through the wheels of a car parked next to me. I reach over and pick it up, it's full of oil and dirt marks but it's impossible for me not to be able to read what's on it when it's written in red pen.