Before the Horns - A Bob Velseb Story

Chapter 6

Boy oh boy was life so much easier with a little help. 

The day wasn't nearly as exhausting as usual, and Bob even had some extra time to chat! Sarah didn't talk much but her company was still nice at his lunch break either way. She'd even volunteered to fill shop orders for a while so Bob could have an hour to lunch rather than his usual 30 minute break.

One could only imagine his excitement when he spotted the boys come in for lunch, especially since he'd been in a lull of having to cook as people ate. 

Bob waved to John and Jack as they sauntered in laughing at some joke one had told outside. Jack's face lit up as he rushed to take his usual seat at the counter. John however, didn't seem quite as excited.

"Hey Mr. V! What're you up to, the line's looking pretty long." Jack asked, as he plopped down on a red pleather stool.

John sat coolly beside his taller counterpart, eyeing the new girl at the counter. "Hey that's the weird girl from yesterday isn't it?"

Bob leaned over the counter onto crossed arms and replied smugly, "Oh Sarah? Yeah, but I wouldn't say weird. She's helped me a lot today actually. She called me last night askin' if I'd give her a job. I gave it some thinkin' and decided I wouldn't mind an extra pair of hands around the place. It's runnin' smoother than it ever has, and get this! I got an hour off my lunch!"

"Called you? What do you mean called you?" John asked suspiciously.

Jack snickered and put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "He means she dialed Bob's number on the phone, pressed call, an-"

John waved him off, interjecting, "No, no I know what he means Jack, it's just- are you blind? Do you not find that even a little weird?"

Bob stopped wiping the counter down, throwing the rag over his shoulder. "Why would that be weird? She just-"

John interrupted again, "No, Bob I know, but just think about it for a moment. Where did she get your number? You met her yesterday, and even then she was acting weird. She's never been in here before, why ask for a job after only seeing the place for maybe five minutes tops?"

Jack hunched forward in the seat and replied, "Maybe five minutes was all she needed? Boys & Grills is pretty great after all. Plus, who wouldn't wanna work with a looker like Bob?" Both Bob and John shot him an arched brow, causing Jack to laugh. "What? Just trying to lighten the mood a little."

Bob chuckled, but John just waved him off again, speaking in a more serious tone. "Look, I'm just saying it's a little weird. I-" John cut himself off seeing Sarah wander over.

"Are either of you going to order something?" she asked, her tone flat and oddly intimidating.

Jack lit up, starting to list his order, before getting cut off again by Sarah holding up a finger. "If you're going to order something, come to the counter." she said turning back to Bob. "When I finish with these two, would it be alright with you if I went on a break?"

Bob stood back up again, pulling the rag off his shoulder. "Sure, why not?" he answered, "You've been doin' me a huge favor 'round the place and I think ya deserve a good sit down. Go on and take 15, I'll even get these two for ya."

"Thank you sir," said Sarah, as she trod off.

Charlie stepped into the backroom, watching Bob and the teens he always seemed to be talking to over her shoulder. She'd heard them talking about her, and was worried the little blond one was ratting her out. He clearly didn't know anything, but even a little suspicion from anyone could throw all of their progress away. She was just glad she'd shut them up before he got her new boss to thing about it too hard.

Sighing a huff of relief, Charlie decided to explore the stock room a little more. She pulled out her phone, snapping photos of the place, and taking detailed notes on what was stored where, how much was being stored, how large containers were, among other things. She even took a peek into the blast freezer behind the imposing metal door, but dared not enter without someone with her in case disaster struck. 

She turned to sit at the ugly little table with the uncomfortable chairs Bob had brought in, but nearly jumped out of her skin when she bumped into her manager. 

"Oh! Aw that's my bad miss, shoulda been lookin' where I was goin'!" He chuckled, extending a hand, "Here, lemme help ya up."

Charlie took a look at his hand, nudged it away with hers, and picked herself up on her own.

Bob pulled his hand back and stepped out of her way. He looked a little embarrassed and hurt that she hadn't taken his helping hand, but buried the feeling with a smile. "Didn't mean to run into ya, really that's on me. I just gotta grab somethin' for a customer and I'll get out of your hair," he grinned quietly.

Charlie watched as he sidestepped her and went to the back. "Looks like I need to add physical contact to the list..." she muttered quietly sitting in one of the back-breaking wood chairs. 

She just couldn't wrap her head around how strange that man was. He was so friendly to everyone, but clearly had something else going on. He was smart enough to run a business, but never thought of doing it with someone. He was so tidy in Boys & Grills, but made a mess of all his personal belongings. And he never stopped talking. Just yap yap yap all day. He always needed to run his mouth, even when it'd get in the way of his workflow. Even last night, he'd nearly been hit by a car coming to talk to her. The man was senseless!

She didn't understand what the others saw in him. She pondered it for a while, messing with her gold chain and watching Bob carry orders to-and-fro. Once her fifteen minutes were up, she returned back to the counter for the rest of the shift.