meet me at midnight.

16.

"It's so pretty." Desiree said, holding my hand and looking at the eternity ring.

Outside, the gloom of early January had set in. I'd returned to college to start my second year and Desiree had returned back to work today after a long trip away to see Theo's family.

"It is," I smiled. "He said it was a promise he intends to keep."

"Ooooh girl," She said. "He's in deep."

"W-well, so am I." I said.

She let go of my hand, spinning herself on the bar stool. It was Wednesday afternoon and we had two tables of customers. We'd passed the lunch rush and were in a limbo until people started finishing work.

"Yeah," Desiree said, stopping spinning. "But he's a Scorpio so it's all or nothing, do or die. Scorpio's are intense."

"And me?" I asked.

"You're a Libra," She said. "Soft, cozy and friendly."

"Oh, that's cute." I smiled.

Marie breezed past, smiling at us. She had cooled down after Christmas. She'd been struggling with what to buy her husband and kids, but seemed to have calmed down now.

"Right, table 4 is getting ready to leave," She said. "Desi, if you could take their bill."

"On it, boss lady." Desiree said, rushing over.

"Daisy, a new table has just been seated," She said. "Would you mind getting their drinks order?"

"Yep, absolutely." I smiled.

I got up and made my way into my section, weaving through the seats to the booth by the window. Three girls were sat in the booth. I stopped at the table.

"Hey, welcome," I said. "What can I get started for you today?"

One of the girls looked away from the window and I felt my nerves spike. It was Hannah. She looked at me and a slow smile spread across her face.

"Well, what a surprise," She said. "Daisy, was it?"

"Y-yep, what can I get started for you?" I asked.

"Oh my God, is this the one that's with your ex?" The girl opposite asked.

"Yeah, it sure is," Hannah said, ignoring my question. "He did a downgrade."

I wanted to run away, but didn't want to give Hannah the satisfaction, but I wasn't sure what to say or do.

"Can I take your order, please." I said, keeping my voice steady.

"Aw, what's wrong, choir girl?" Hannah asked. "Has he cheated on you yet?"

I stared at her for a few seconds, trying to compose my thoughts. Cheat on me? What did she mean? I wanted to ask, but didn't want to give that satisfaction either. Instead I turned and rushed away. I could hear their laughter as it followed me towards Marie. She looked up from the register and noticed my face. Her eyes turned frosty and she slammed the register shut and walked over.

"Excuse me ladies, but if you're not going to order anything then I'll have to ask you to leave." She said.

"Whatever." Hannah said.

They slid out of the booth and headed to the door. I watched them go and Hannah glanced back at me, offering a wave. I took a shaky breath and tried to compose myself. Marie walked back over, patting me on the shoulder.

I went to the staffroom to calm down. I checked my phone and shifted nervously. I had an hour and a half left of my shift. I started pacing back and forth. The door opened and Desiree walked in. She grasped my shoulders and sat me down.