Just Good Friends

Chapter 71

SAM's POV

~The Next Day~

We were in the last 15 minutes of our shift at S'barros in the mall. I worked the cash register all afternoon dealing with customers while Jake and another employee were in the kitchen making the orders. The number of customers went up and down like a rollercoaster; it was slow at the beginning, then a huge crowd came in before it slowed down again an hour later. Luckily, people were pretty chill today and I didn't have to check anyone's attitude. Every now and then, some impatient butthead acts like they run the place and demands the royal treatment, but that don't fly with me as long as I'm at that register.

"Hey, kiddos, you all did good today," our boss, Ms. Maria says while walking out of her office wearing a cute little suit jacket. "Since it's dwindled down a bit, I'm gonna handle the closing for tonight and let you all leave early."

I turn my back to the register and glance at Jake and the other male co-worker in the back. Our faces light up with delight and surprise at her words.

"Are you serious?" The male co-worker asked, already pulling off the apron from around his neck.

Ms. Maria smiles and looks between us. "Yep. You've worked hard, so go home and rest even harder. I've got it from here."

"Thanks, Maria," the male said while quickly cleaning up his workstation with a huge smile.

Jake hesitates but his dimples prove that he's just as happy about the news as I am. "Are you sure? I could sweep or something before I leave..."

"Nah, that's alright. All of you hang up your aprons and clock out. Go do something fun for the rest of the night--"

"Say less! I'll see ya tomorrow," the male co-worker says before throwing up a piece sign and running to the backroom to clock out. Ms. Maria chuckles after him.

"Sam, sign out of the register. I'll take over from here."

"Okay," I happily reply while doing what she says.

"Do you have anything planned for the night, Jake? Is your madre cooking anything good again?" Ms. Maria asks Jake as I prepare to clock out of work.

"Ah... actually yes. She's making her family recipe enchiladas con salsa verde..." Jake replies while taking off his apron.

"Ooh! If I'd known, I would be following you home," she laughs along with Jake. "Well, enjoy yourself and eat a second serving for me! Sam, what about you?"

I finish signing out of the register and face Ms. Maria with a grin. "I'm gonna eat with Jake's family today..." I glance at my boyfriend standing proudly beside our boss as he sends me a wink.

Ms. Maria scoffs. "Agh! You too? Welp, I can't even hate. That sounds like a lovely time. Have fun, you two," she says with a smirk and a pat on my shoulder. "Thanks for your help today."

"Thanks, Maria." Jake smiles as me and Maria change places. As I approach Jake, he comfortably slings his arm around my shoulder.

"And take care of Sam, okay? Treat her right."

"Oh, I will. And I do," Jake replies with a confident grin as he pulls me closer. Feeling a bit embarrassed at his sudden show of skinship, I slightly pull away and poke his side, causing him to flinch.

Ms. Maria notices our body language and looks as if she's about to jump for joy. "You kids are so cute, reminding me of me and my husband. I used to stay over his house more than my own at your age. I loved him dearly then and I love him still today," she says with a sparkle in her eye and an expression of admiration. Or is it longing?