Desire

Chapter 4

This chapter is probably the longest one. I decided to head a different direction with the story, let's see how it goes. I hope you guys like it, so leave your comments below on your thoughts. Vote, Fan, please! Enjoy!

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“May I take your order?” A bitter smile plastered on my face.

It was hot, about 90 degrees out. I literally felt like slipping out of my clothes and diving into a pool. I could feel my clothes sticking to my body, consuming the sweat my body was producing. Well, that was exaggerated, but the AC was only helping so little.

“I’ll have a bacon cheeseburger with a milkshake.” The old man smiled broadly at me, as I jotted down what he said to me.

I had taken this job about a year ago after moving in with Veronica. Not wanting to depend on her every time I needed money, I told her I’d take this job. Of course she didn’t agree right away, but she knew there was no way she would change my mind. Sure she was playing the role of a parent now, but that didn’t excuse me from having a job.

I wanted the job too.

It wasn’t easy during school; I got paid less since I worked shorter hours. But it kept me busy for the summer, you know? In the year I’ve spent working here I made a friend. We’d gotten pretty close, closer than I had wanted us to. It was kind of hard avoiding having a relationship with anyone here when Ian would stick his nose into everything. He’d take to me even when I would be completely oblivious to his existence. Before I knew it, Ian had walked right into my life.

Though I had told myself that I wasn’t here to make friends—and I had limited myself from ding so, I realized that some people are just meant to be in your life, and it won’t always be up to you to decide who’s in and who’s out. You can’t always choose your friends. Ian happened to be one of those friends.

“What time are you leaving today?” asked Ian.

“6.”

“Mind if I come over? I know Veronica won’t be home until later tonight. I don’t want my best friend staying alone for so long.” He suggested, flinging his arm around me.

“She’s coming at 8, it really won’t be that long.” I shrugged his arm off my shoulder, only to have it wrapped around my waist.

“I’m coming anyway.”

I turned to face him, “You’re not obligated to come, Ian.”

He raised an eyebrow, “I want to, plus, we both know you want me there.” He smirked.

I bit my lip to keep from smiling. Even he knew I wanted him there.

“Whatever.”

“I have orders to take, and you should be in the kitchen.” I added when he laughed, pointing my finger at the door that led to the kitchen.

He gave me a little shove, before he pushed open the kitchen doors.

I made my way to other customers waiting for their orders to be taken.

“May I take your order?”

A little girl beamed at me, her eyes overfilling with exhilaration, as she set down her menu, ready to order. I noticed her two front teeth missing, making me grin in return. She reminded me of myself when I was younger.

“I’d like the Mac & Cheese…” she placed her pointer on the picture on the kids’ menu.

“Alright, and to drink?”

She pouted, hinting that she hadn’t chosen anything yet.

“She’ll have apple juice,” her father spoke for her, “Is that alright, Lindy?”

She beamed once again, nodding her head.

I looked over to her parents, waiting for them to order.

It was funny. Merely years ago, I would sit at this very restaurant with my parents eating lunch. Ordering the same thing every time, no matter what else the menu offered.

Mac & Cheese.

It felt like I was reliving those moments, but this time from a different perspective.

“I’ll be back with your orders.”

*

“Ready?” Ian sang in my ear, as I took off my apron.

“Yeah,” I grabbed my tote bag, pulling out my keys and shoving them into my pocket. “Let’s go.

The sun was still out, but thankfully the temperature had cooled down. A shower would be the first thing I’d do when I got home.

I pushed passed a couple people before reaching the door. Opening it, I heard a loud bang that startled me. I turned to see a girl with her hands pressed against her forehead. I stared at her, my eyes wide as I realized I had slammed the door in her face.

I gasped, clamping my hand over my mouth, “I’m so sorry!” I apologized.

In the distance, a guy ran towards us as Ian and I looked at the young lady helplessly.

“Karlie, are you alright?” the man asked, holding the lady’s face in his hands. She smiled moving back, “I’m okay, and don’t worry about it.”

The man now turned to face Ian and I. My lips slowly parted as I recognized him as the guy from the Mini-Market. He studied my features, until it cam to him where he’s seen me before. An amused smile played on his lips.

“Of course.” He chuckled.

“What?” I furrowed my eyebrows, baffled by his remark. Before he could answer, Karlie asked, “Do you know each other?” I could feel Ian’s eyes on me as well. My eyes snapped to Karlie.

“No.”

“That’s the ham-fisted dork I was telling you about.” He told Karlie. Shocked, I turned my attention back to him, “Ham-fisted?!”

Karlie giggled, while Ian, on the other hand, would drop to the ground any second now.

“Aw, why don’t you join us for dinner?” suggested Karlie. I hastily shook my head, “No, no, no… I mean, Ian and I were just leaving.” I fished my arm around Ian’s waist, trying to move him, but he wouldn’t budge.

“Oh c’mon. It’s the least you could do, you slammed the door on my face.”

I blushed.

Ian shoved me towards the door, “Why not?”

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At first I wasn't really going to focus much on Lacey's friends or a job even, but I decided that it would fit. Tell me what you guys think, leave your comments. Ask any questions you want. Vote, Fan! Thank you!