Just the Tip (A Papa's Pizzeria fanfic)

Special Delivery

Y/N POV

     "Roy, what are you doing home so early?" Louie adjusted himself and shifted away from me quickly. I looked up from the ground and at Roy—had he seen us?!
     "It's Sunday, you know we close early," his voice was flat and monotone. It was hard to read him and I couldn't tell how he felt. It's so unlike him not to be reactive; he usually wears his emotions on his face, but now, here he was giving me nothing. "I'm going upstairs."
     The tension was unbearable and there was no way that I could stay here any longer. The awkwardness was thick and could be felt in the air. I got up and apologized to Louie and called an Uber. As I waited outside, I thought about the next time Roy and I would meet; the thought alone made me sick.

Papa Louie POV

     I watched as Y/N got up from her seat and left. I stared at the imprint she left behind on the sofa; I could still sense her in the air. As I looked down at my hands I thought about how she slipped from my hands so easily. I was so close. I took a deep breath and headed upstairs. I paused in front of Roy's door, my hand frozen in midair as I was about to knock. I contemplated—what would I even say? What am I apologizing for? She's my friend too...but I know he also likes her. Without even thinking, my hand turned the doorknob and I could see Roy at his desk completing some work.
     "I know you're there." Roy slowly got up from his work and stood at the door frame. "What do you want? I'm busy."
      I hesitated, but for the sake of staying on good terms I said, "I'm sorry...about earlier. I overste-"
     "Please, stop," Roy interrupted. "Y/N is her own person and she's free to kiss whoever she  pleases." He spat those last words out and there was a hint of discontent in them. "Now, please, just go." I backed up out of the doorway and he slammed the door behind him.

Roy POV

     The following day, I got ready for work: wake up, brush my teeth, get dressed, and begin my commute; same old, same old. Although today was different, the memory of yesterday wouldn't—no, couldn't—leave my mind.
       Why, Louie?
       Was I not good enough?
       What is it that I'm lacking?
     I shouldn't think like this. I need to remain composed, besides Y/N has the right to like who she likes. Well, it's not like I like her anyways...right?
      Ding! I'm already at the pizzeria. I didn't even realize I was that deep in thought. I headed to the 'Employees Only Area' and put my things in my locker. I tied my apron around my waist and got to work taking customers' orders and assembling their meals.
     "What would you like?" I was prepared to begin writing down Janana's order when I noticed the person behind them—Y/N! We both made eye contact and telepathically agreed to meet each other in the back where Y/N was gesturing with her head.
     "Just the ushe." Janana always did this; she'd say she wanted the usual and then list exactly what she wanted every time. "Crispy crust, olive oil, papa's cheese blend, 3 banana peppers, 6 artichoke hearts, 3 mushrooms, and cut into 8 slices, please!" I mimed her words as she spoke and wrote it onto the order pad. I assembled and tossed her pizza into the oven and headed to the back where Y/N was already waiting for me.
     "I hate to do this, but can you make this quick because J's pizza's in the oven."
     "Of course, I just wanted to give you this." She handed me an embroidered card and a small gift bag decorated in the same way. Thank god it wasn't as awkward as I thought it was going to be. I guess we both decided to pretend nothing ever happened. Maybe I could live with that.  "Anyways, I gotta go, see you soon." Before leaving, she planted a small kiss on my cheek and with that she was on her way. I raised my hand to the spot where she kissed me and let it linger for a bit.
     "What's that smell?" Just then, a thick, dark cloud of smoke entered the room. I forgot about J's pizza, but when I went to take it out of the oven, Papa Louie was already standing there filled with disappointment. 
     "Roy, what's going on lately," Louie said as he took out the charred Italian pie that was completely blackened due to my ignorance. "You've been so distracted as of recently. I'll have Bert from the Freezeria cover for you today. And yes, you can still take your tips from this morning." I grabbed my personal belongings from the locker including Y/N's gift. I noticed she had signed the card in calligraphic lettering that read, 'To: Louie.'
     My heart sank. She came all this way to make me give her gift to him. I looked down at the gift bag and back at Louie making a call on the telephone to the Freezeria. I guess I have to give it to him.
.
.
.
      Or, maybe I'll hold onto this for a little while. Besides, he seems too preoccupied right now anyway. I walked past the rows of tables and booths into the cold, crisp, spring air.