Anger Management: Ruby Jobe Series [BOOK 1]

Chapter One: "You've got to be kidding me!"

MY WHOLE FACE LIT WITH fury as I scrubbed at the stain left behind from the previous customers. The customers had a small toddler, and it seemed that the child's favorite past time was decorating the floor with his dinner. Tonight, the carpet was adorned with mashed potatoes, and the remnants of what looked like chewed up salisbury steak. Disgust flooded my face as I scooped the remaining bits of food into the small trash can I had brought along for the job.

I snuck a look at my watch and the small face told me it was closing time in ten short minutes. Hallelujah. I had been stuck here since seven this morning, making today a solid fourteen hour work day. A spasm worked itself into my feet causing me to sink into the closest booth. Dang, My feet are killing me, I had chosen my favorite pink Converse to wear with skinny jeans, and a tee shirt I'd gotten from a thrift store.

The all to familiar twinkle of bells caused an inward groan and a signature eye roll. People seriously need to respect the fact that we close in six minutes.

"Ruby, you have a very handsome customer at table eleven." My co-worked Josh waggled his eyebrows as he walked by handing me silverware, and a menu. He sashayed into the kitchen, and I heard him griping about something along the lines of "why all straight men must be so hunky"?
A soft smile tugged at the corner of my lips. Joshua has been my D.G.B.F, (designated gay best friend), since fourth grade. We've been inseparable ever since.

I pulled myself out of the booth and made my way through the diner. As I rounded the corner my jaw dropped unexpectedly, this man could have passed for a model. He had tousled brown hair, with a set of blue eyes that could have come straight out of the sea. Not to mention the fact that his muscles seemed to be, pulsing? The man, turned and gave me a faint worthy smile. There is no way he didn't see me gawking at him like I had never seen a male before.

As I made my way over to the table I felt his eyes following my every move.

"Hello, my name is Ruby and I will be your server tonight." I sat the menu and silverware on the table. "Can I start you with a-" The guy cut me off suddenly.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're beautiful?" The man sat with his head propped on his hands, in a thoughtful position.

I felt my eyes bug out unexpectedly. I tried to speak, but my mouth seemed dry, and my tongue felt like it was the size of Texas. The man chuckled at my obvious discomfort. "Your momma probably told you not to talk to strangers, huh? My bad, beautiful."

He stuck his hand out towards me. "My names Raece Oliver."

I shook the star struck look out of my eyes and took his huge hand into my own tiny hand, barely shaking it before rubbing my sweaty palms on my apron.

"I'm Ruby, obviously." I gesture to my name tag. Raece smiled once more, and picked up the menu, his eyes bright with amusement.

" I think I'll have the Big Poppas sirloin, rare please, with fries and a chocolate milk to drink." He carefully picked his words, handing me back the menu with care.

"Alrighty, it'll be around fifteen minutes." My blonde hair fell into  my face as I scurried back to the kitchen.  I felt the heat of his eyes on my back the entire walk to the "dungeon" as we call it. The Dungeon was the kitchen. Half the lights didn't work, and it smelled like burnt oil, and mold. Honestly, I'm dupe used we passed the health inspectors quota.

I slid the order onto the carousel, and hit the bell with my palm. Making the milk was easy enough. Cup, 2% milk, and chocolate syrup. You mix the items, and bingo, quality beverage completed.

The lights suddenly snap off. The building engulfed in darkness. I feel my heat thumping in my chest.

"Everyone remain calm, everything will return to normal in a moment." I shouted my comment loudly, my voice slicing the silence in half, but nobody responded. Dead silence. I heard foot steps coming from the common room.

"Hello?" I called out, gripping the countertop tightly. Hot, rancid breath tickled my neck. My hands flew to my mouth in horror. I screamed.

" I'm sorry, love nothing will ever be normal for you again, I'm sad to say. I'm mighty hungry, and you smell delectable." A male voice whispered. I physically could not move.

The last thing I remember is my neck being pierced by something sharp, and my body flooding with pain.