Tidal Waves (L.H.)

Two

                 

The sound of waves crashing on the shore can be heard over the constant roar of customers talking inside the restaurant.  The bell that signals that an order is ready chimes every few minutes and waitresses hurry past, some with a tray full of food.  The scent of the salty air hits my nose and I start to relax a little.  I make my way to the back room where the lockers are, and I tie the tan apron around my waist.  Then, letting out a sigh, I head to the front and clock in, beginning my shift.

            "Hey, Sky!" Mark beams.  Mark is the manager of The Shack.  Behind him, Chris is already taking an order from an older couple that happens to be a regular.  I give him a quick wave then start my rounds.  I've been working here for over a year now and everything comes pretty easy for me.  Thankfully, today I only have ten tables instead of the normal fifteen.  Usually when school starts back, Chris and I's workload doubles; but I guess I won't be here for that to happen. 

            I take an order then run to the kitchen to type it into the computer.  As I wait for the ticket to print, I see Thelen and a couple of his friends walk in and sit down at one of my tables.  I stuff the ticket into my apron and walk over to my new customers.

            "Decided to call it a day?" I ask with a small grin.  Thelen returns my gesture and sets the menu down. 

            "Hardly.  We got hungry and decided to come annoy you for a while," he says smirking.  I roll my eyes and take out my notepad and pen.

            "What can I get you guys?"

            "Actually," one of the guys speaks up, "we were just leaving."  He motions to the other friend and they both slide out of the booth.  They say a quick goodbye to Thelen and walk out.

            "I guess it's just me then," Thelen shrugs.  "I'll have a chicken sandwich and a water, please."  He flashes me a toothy smile.  Without a word, I take his menu and go to place his order.

            So far, it's a pretty slow day so I decide to go back and chat with Thelen.

            "Couldn't stay away, could you?"  I scoff at his remark and sit across from him.  I guess you could say Thelen and I have a weird relationship.  We dated a year and a half ago but mutually ended it.  Ever since then, we've stayed pretty close.  Most of our interactions involve either making fun of each other or talking about surfing.  Or both. 

            "Do you know what today is?" he asks leaning back, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

            "Uh, Friday?" I reply sarcastically. 

            "Yes, but no.  It's the end of summer."  I place my head on my hand that rests on the table and look out at the sea.  Even though summer doesn't officially end for another few weeks, the local kids put on a huge party every year around this time.  Today has been planned for months now.

            "Are you finally going to go night surfing with me," Thelen asks hopefully.  I turn and meet his gaze.

            "Of course," I say with a sad attempt at a smile.  Thelen notices my mood and leans forward so his face is close to mine.

            "What's wrong?"  I shake my head.

            "It's nothing," I say quickly.  He lifts one eyebrow and gives me the "I know you're lying" look.  I sigh, "I'll tell you later."  With that, I jump up from the table and hurry back to the kitchen, where I pick up a tray of food and take it to the correct table.