Plugged In

Chapter 4

"Allison." my boss, Jacob, called my attention.

I turned to him after cleaning up the small spill on the counter.

"Yes?" I asked curiously.

He handed me the clipboard with the music night sign-ups. "Could you do me a favor and call all the names listed on here for next weeks music night."

"Yeah, no problem, Jacob." I smiled taking the clipboard from his hand.

"Thanks Aly, you're the best." he smiled. 

Jacob and I got along great, which was one of the many reasons I loved my job at The Stolen Muse. If there was ever a reason for me to quit this job it'd be because I was moving on to better things or if Mitchell finally pushed me too far.

I took a bar stool and sat by the telephone. I went down the list and wrote down which aspiring artists answered their phones to be able to perform next week.

I finally reached the last name on the list. Daniel. Hmm could it be? 

No. I doubt our lives could be intertwining with each others so much.

I dialed the number and waited patiently for someone to answer.

"Aly, as soon as you're done with that last call go to lunch."

"Alright." I nodded.

"Hello?" A voice answered on the line, sounding out of breath.

"Uh, hello, this is Allison c-" I was cut off by the person on the line.

"Allison? Wait how'd you get this number? Are you stalking me?"

My eyes went wide. "Uh, I'm sorry, eh." I stuttered.

I felt my cheeks heat up.

"No, this is a misunderstanding. I-I'm calling from The Stolen Muse cafe, uh, you signed up to perform at next weeks music night?" I felt uncontrollably nervous.

He laughed. "Seriously? Sorry, my friend Dylan signed me up for that."

"Oh, so...then you don't want to perform?"

"Oh no, I'll definitely be there. You can count on me."

He laughed again. "Oh and sorry for accusing you of being a stalker."

"Uh, d-don't worry about it, I guess?" I was confusing myself.

I mentally slapped myself. Allison! Get yourself together.

"Anyways, I'm writing you down for next weeks line-up. Be sure to arrive here at 6:30. Don't be late."

"I'll try my best!" he sounded excited.

I smiled slightly as I imagined his smile.

We hung up the phone. I got up from the bar stool.

Jacob was staring at me amused. "Who was that?"

I blushed instantly, "Uh it was a sign up." I held up the clipboard.

He chuckled, "It seemed like you knew them pretty well."

"Uh..."

"Go on break, Allison." he chuckled, shaking his head.

I hid my face behind my hair as I headed out the door.

I sighed as I realized I had forgotten my jacket. I felt too much pride to walk back in there now, though.

I wrapped my arms around myself and headed towards the diner down the street.

A small bell rang when I opened the door. I headed for an open booth and waited for the waitress to come around.

"Allison? Where is your jacket?" the waitress, June, asked.

I shrugged, "Uh I forgot it at work and I was already running late so..."

She shook her head at me, "You're going to get sick, walking around out there without a jacket."

She pulled out her pen and notepad. "So what can I get for you? How about a nice warm bowl of soup?"

I smiled, "That sounds nice. Thanks June."

"Alright sweetie I'll get the cook on it as soon as possible."

I stared out the window watching people walking around. As the sun started setting, the amount of people outdoors decreased.

June arrived with my soup a minute later.

"Careful honey, it's hot."

"Thank you." I gave her a smile.

I blew on the soup for a bit before starting to eat it. I finished it in five minutes.

I looked at my watch, I still had another ten minutes left. I leaned back in my seat and looked back outside. There was a group of boys walking down the street. A few had skateboards and were skating up and down the street. They looked like they were enjoying each others company.

I thought back to my old friends from my home town. I remember when I cut all ties with all my friends halfway through high school. I went through the rest of high school as a loner. That was part of the reason why I decided to go to college in a small town, where no one knew anything about me.

The group went into The Stolen Muse cafe. I looked back at my watch. I should head back and help Jacob.

I put a ten on the table and walked out, waving goodbye to June.

The cold air hit me a soon as I opened the door. I rushed to the cafe, attempting to get out of the cold as soon as possible.

I burst into the cafe. Shivers ran up and down my spine as the temperature around me changed.

"Allison, you forgot your jacket." Jacob stated as he made drinks for the group of boys.

"Uh yeah I know." I mumbled shyly. 

He shook his head disapprovingly. "I know winters in California aren't as cold as they are out here but you have to remember to have a jacket with you just about all the time." he spoke condescendingly.

I sighed, "Yes, I know."

I grabbed an apron from the hook and walked behind the counter to help him.

"Hey where's Daniel?" one of the guys asked another.

"I don't know he said he was on his way." the boy shrugged.

"Oh there he is!" The first guy exclaimed. I looked out the door curiously but sighed sadly when I saw a young boy walk in with a skateboard in hand.

Why are there so many Daniels in this town? I thought to myself.

I finished the coffee I was working on and placed it on the counter.

"Thanks cutie." the young boy winked at me.

"Hey now. Manners." Jacob scolded the boy.

The boy laughed, "Sorry."

I shook my head and continued working.

Once the group of boys were served and had left we started to close down shop.

"So Allison, now that we're alone. I'd like to ask you a question." Jacob said as he put a chair on the table.

"Uh okay." I said putting away the dishes I had washed.

"So I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I've decided you've worked hard enough." he paused, watching my face.

"Okay."

"I'm giving you a raise, Allison."

I sighed,"Oh."

I laughed, "You were making me nervous."

He chuckled, "Yeah I could tell."

He put his hand on my shoulder. "You deserve it. Keep up the good work."

"Thanks Jake."

"No problem Aly, just remember if you ever need to talk about anything, I'm always here for you.

I nodded.