innocent | h.s au

one

It all took place one night at Cleo's. I was waiting and cleaning tables for the day. It was about halfway through my shift. My hair was a tangled mess and I had multiple stains on my uniform.

"Rowan," I heard the manager behind me. With a quick eye roll, I turned around.

Emily, Cleo's manager, was faced towards me with both hands on her hip.

"I need you to wait those boys over there, now please."

I nodded and headed over to the three of them.

They were all tall, compared to me of course. Hair colors varied from blonde to brown between the three.

"Hi! I'm Rowan, and I'll be your waitress for this evening. Would you guys like a booth or table?"

Blondie answered me with "booth, please."

I lead them over to a decently cleaned table and handed out menus.

"Can I start you guys off with a drink?" I pulled out a small notebook and pen.

All of them except for curls answered.

I cleared my throat, obvious to get his attention.

"Sir, what can I get you?"

He continued to look down but answered.
"Iced tea."

I nodded and told them their drinks would be out in a moment.

I put the lid on the last drink and grabbed them all, attempting to bring them to the table.

Not much longer after I put down their drinks and took their order, the curly-headed brunette made his way over to me in long strides.

"Where is the restroom?" He asked quite loudly. Even though I saw him coming towards me, his voice made me jump back a bit.

I pointed to a small corner of the small cafe. "O-over there, on the left."

He nodded and headed over to where I had directed him.

I walked into the kitchen to see if their orders have been finished. Just by my luck, they were.

"Here is a cold cut on flat bread, two bagels with cream cheese, and a blueberry muffin." I handed the boys their orders. It threw me off a bit that all of them looked pretty tough, but they came into an ascetically pleasing cafe.

The blonde thanked me as they dug into their food.

I went back to the counter and added up the cost for their purchases. As I was adding it up, I looked up from the register and Curls was looking right through me. A cold chill ran down my spine as we kept eye contact for a few more moments. He looked down and I shook my head, going back to the register.

About five minutes later, the three came up to the counter to pay.

"And how much will it be, beautiful?" Blondie asks. I looked down and felt heat rise to my cheeks.

"Niall, chill out on the compliments, d.amn." the other brunette slapped the back of his head. So it Niall was the name.

I looked down at the total. "It'll be $9.15."

Curls took out some money and slammed it on the counter, which caused me to flinch. He smirked at my reaction. "Keep the change."

I nodded and put it in the register. "Thank you."

"Go ahead outside, I'll meet you there." He turned back to Niall and the other hazel-eyed boy. They turned and went out the door.