Crimson

Rewind

      The visits started a few months ago. He came with his friends as I was clearing up the table he was about to sit at. The afternoon heat was heavy as I wiped my stray sweat away from my face.  He started to approach me. His height gave me butterflies. He must have been over six feet. The outfit he wore this afternoon was similar to what he wore for the past four days. He had on his dark jeans, black tee and heavy black riding boots. 

      "Jane, table for five" Sam yelled out. Sam was the manager of the cafe restaurant. I finished clearing up the table, when his eyes met mine and he was walking towards me. When I am rushed, I tend to get clumsy and when I am flustered, I tend to lose all coordination. My face was about to plant on the the ground- he caught my arm. 

      I breathed heavily and looked up. His eyes were piercing grey, like a sleek silver. He held me by the arm and did not let go. I blinked as stared into his eyes blinking a few times. The heat rose to my cheeks as he stepped into my personal space. The tattoos on his knuckles were in Roman lettering and he smelled faintly of the ocean. Like a clear Summer sea breeze.

"You alright?"he grumbled. I nodded my head and started to reach for the cleaning cloth off the ground, but his fingers beat me to it. Our hands slightly touch and the vibrant electricity came between my fingers.

Sam approached us and apologized for my clumsiness. I could not look at him as embarrassed as I was already. The group of men started to take their seats as I was taking the dirty dishes to the back. I heard murmmers and chuckles over my shoulder. 

Great Jane, now you've really made a fool of yourself.

"It's the fifth time this week, they're always here when you start your shift. I don't like this Jane. This isn't a hangout for club members" Sam whispered. I peered over my shoulder as the group of men stared at us from their seats.

After the second visit, Kira named him Mr. Tall and handsome. I started adding more features to that name. It was starting to grow on me. I don't know his name, but I knew he was intimidating. 

Kira was another waitress that worked at the diner. She was a hopeless romantic, even after two heartbroken relationships and one divorce.  

Mr. Tall handsome with a beard and knuckle tattoos stared straight at me the longest. 

 "They probably need a coffee pick me up from their long bike rides" she whispered.

"Or maybe he wants your number"chimed Kira with a smile.

I shook my head and shooed them away. Number or not, they were the most respectful groups I have ever served at the diner.

Kira and I rocked paper scissored and as always my paper totally lost to Kira's scissors. I took a deep breath and plastered on her big girl smile as I walked back to them. The men chuckled. Mr. Tall handsome with a beard silenced them with a spearing look. 

"Hi, what would you like to order today?"

Life changes in a split second. Which second would you choose?