ILLICIT AFFAIRS | WLW

Cold As You

After the tense meeting with Catherine, Blair allowed the beaming sun of this Thursday afternoon to rake down upon her skin as she ventured onwards onto her next task of the day: her job. The crisp autumn air filled her lungs, and she tried to shake off the lingering anxiety from her interaction with Catherine. The walk from campus to her apartment and then to the establishment she worked at was short, but it still allowed a few precious minutes to clear mind.

The Jukebox Junction, a diner seeking to evoke the classic, nostalgic feel to the 1950s through its iconic elements and aesthetic décor of the era. It was a charming anachronism settled among the modern buildings of the town; its bright neon sign flickering invitingly, and the sounds from the jukebox to be heard before even stepping inside. The establishment was adorned with checkered floors, red vinyl booths and vintage posters. Although it was mainly known for its lively atmosphere, it was also known for being a cozy study area when the casualness of coffee shops had closed, with many students also flocking to its infamous burgers and milkshakes.

The only downside? The uniform it demanded. For Blair, she wore a light pink waitress dress with a fitted top and a round neckline. Its collars were white, a matching apron tight around her waist; its sleeves puffy and laced with a white trim. She was also demanded to wear a pair of white socks and white Mary jane shoes to complete this nostalgic look. Her dark blonde tendrils were snatched back up into a loose ponytail, a pen slid in her hair too.

Blair pushed through the glass door; her presence signalled by the soft jingling of the bell above. The familiar sights and sounds of the diner were comforting, a stark contrast to the rigidity of her academic life.

"Hey, Blair! Ready for another shift?" called out Edward, one of the managers, as he balanced a tray of drinks.

She replied with a smile and tied her apron around her waist, "Always."

She moved behind the counter, checking the orders and greeting the customers with a friendly smile. It wasn't long before the evening rush began. The diner buzzed with activity as students filled the boots, chatting animatedly and placing their orders. Moving from the counter to the floor, Blair picked up her notepad and pen, ready to take orders from tables. The evening wore on, and Blair found herself lost in the rhythm of work – taking orders, serving food and clearing tables. Her routine offered a welcoming distraction from her earlier stress. Her mind tried its hardest not to drift back to the earlier meeting with Catherine. The stern look on her lecturer's face and the feeling of inadequacy weighed heavily on her still.

More than halfway through her shift, Blair noticed a group of students she was familiar with walk in. They waved at her, and she returned the gesture with a smile. Among them was Ann, who gave her an encouraging thumbs-up from across the room.

Blair walked over to their booth, her notepad in hand and sliding the pen from her ponytail, "What can I get you guys?"

"Hey, Blair! We'll have two burgers, a veggie wrap, a grilled cheese, three strawberry milkshakes and a diet coke." One of them ordered.

"Coming right up," Blair replied with a nod, jotting down the order and heading back to the counter.

As she placed the order in the kitchen through its open gantry, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Ann standing there, looking concerned.

"You okay? You seem a little off," Ann said softly.

Blair sighed, leaning against a nearby counter, "It's just work."

"Uh-huh," Ann spoke, a mocking tone in her voice. "Yeah, you're going to have to come up with something better than that by time your shift ends."

Blair practically winced as she rolled her eyes and ushered her friend off, returning back to the duties of work.