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I sat at the diner humming to the Old Jazz that played through the speakers, it was comfortably quiet and there wasn't a lot of customers like usual instead seats were littered with a few old couples— this is what I loved about working here, the peace the quietness it reminded me of my childhood without the bad parts.
I tapped my nails against the table— my mind drifted to my father he was currently rotting in jail and as much as I hated him it pained me to see him hurt when I first heard the news, I wasn't even sure how he got my contact number and reminded myself to ask him the next time I see him.
Snapping out of my thoughts the sound of the Chinese bells jingling above the door caught my attention followed by a scatter of deep voices piling into the diner "Hello, good afternoon welcome to Mama's Ave what can I do for ya'll today?" I stood slightly annoyed as I was ignored before clearing my throat "Hello?" I spoke up a bit louder than before and was met with a sudden silence.
Suddenly all eyes were on me and I shifted myself to try and ignore how uncomfortable I felt. "Welcome to Mama's Ave. Eat out or in?" I asked again with a quieter tone "In."
A familiar voice spoke up and I looked up meeting eyes with Irie "Oh—yeah sure follow me." I moved towards a more larger table and placed the menus I had picked up on the way down.
The men had already went back to chatter but somehow it had gotten louder than before "just let me know when ya'll ready to order." Walking away I cringed at whistles and barking and slid into the kitchen. I was met with concerned eyes from Abishola "What the hell was that?" She scream whispered "Them is Thugs?" I shrugged at her question I wasn't sure what exactly they were and honestly I was too smart to question them in case they were.
"I'd hope not— We don't need the Shop ransacked again." I replied nodding she agreed and I rolled my eyes at the VERY loud men calling for me I laughed at Abishola's face annoyance written all over it; putting a blessing over me Abishola and giving me small but stern talk she pushed me out the kitchen and wished me luck and I definitely needed it.
Walking out to tend to other customers trying to avoid the large group I chatted with the old couple that sat on the complete other side of the diner. I listened as they complained about the gang problems in the neighborhood and not even hiding the fact that they were disapproving of the men. Pretending to listen but honestly tuning out I snapped my head around hearing my name.
What do you do when a sexy ass black man is staring about 6ft from you staring you down like he could just eat you up in a matter of seconds? I would let him, I wouldn't deny that he made me nervous, he had a intimidating look anyone would be but that just made him more attractive. Giving reassurance to the couple who looked up at me in concern I swiftly turned around and walked towards him.
"You couldn't help but bring your friends to my workplace?" I questioned him as I stood in front of him arms crossed "It was an excuse to see you. I wouldn't consider them my friends." He replied a hint of humor in his tone, nodding I peeked at the table who sat hushed clearly trying to listen to our conversation and shook my head chuckling
