Don't Stop

I Think The Ring Lost Its Luster

          Waking up at at the break of dawn, to get ready for work, was not the way I pictured my summer. I only needed seven hours to complete my volunteer service. The NYC college loved my grades, and I had an interview with them, in less than two months. Smiling at the thought of having a great future, I packed an over-the-shoulder bag to carry my purse and car keys. Showering off yesterday, was a feeling of relief. I no longer felt dirty. Walking downstairs, I grabbed a granola bar before sitting on the living-room couch. Katie hadn't brought home Lucius last night, and ran straight up the steps without mentioning him. I flicked through the channels, before checking the time on my phone.

5:45am

I stood, dusting the crumbs off my jeans. Switching the TV off, I left to my car. There was a U-HAUL, moving truck, two apartments down. A guy, a little older than us, helped move furniture into the once "for rent" apartment. He glanced at me, before continuing to carry a lamp he had picked up. Getting into my car, I drove to Panera. It was cozy, and small. The brown building stood alone, many other stores  lined along the sidewalk, across the street. I smiled and walked around to the back. A sign for employees, instructed me to wash my hands and begin to warm the bread rolls. The store was empty, the clock sitting on a wall, ticked to 6:12. A teenage girl walked towards the front doors, keys dangling in hand. She unlocked the doors, walking in with a frown on her face. I continued heating up the rolls, when I heard a clash in the back, where the  kitchen was. We both jumped, peering around the back.

An awkwardly tall guy peered back, pushing up his glasses. He smiled, braces shining through his parted lips. I smiled back, even offering a wave.

"Dave here!" He said in a high-pitched voice. He looked about sixteen.

"Naomi" I said in an embarassed tone, he had an apron on, and a green hat. Looking to the girl who had taken out her phone, I read her name tag.

"T-Tish," I pronounced, she flashed me a dirty look, "When do the customers start coming in?" She looked a the clock, mumbling something unintelligent, she walked away.

"She's just a bitch," he trumpeted, I knew she heard him, but I agreed, "we usually begin at 7:15. The soups are already heated and the vending machines, stocked. Here." He said, handing me an apron and a dish cloth.

"Tables need a wipe down." he pointed out. I nodded and began wiping them down with soapy water. Two other guys walked in, greeting me kindly while strolling into the kitchen. As we all worked diligently, I wiped one of the last tables, the door clicked open behind me. A hand touched my hair, I swatted it away as I spun towards him.

"I knew I recognized that ass," he mused, smiling. "Looks like I'm your first customer of the day."

I watched as Dave fiddled with the cash register, while looking at us.

"I'm expected at work," I spat, remembering his exact words, turning around to continue. He huffed in agreement, squeezing my ass before walking to the counter to order. Several other people walked in, I lost Mr. Anderson in the crowd that had formed. Walking around to the kitchen to empty the bucket of water, I ran into Mr. Anderson.

"Why are you here?" He questioned backing me against the wall, obscuring us from everyone. I shrugged, and ducked under his arm, walking towards the kitchen, he followed.

"Employees only," I warned, pointing to the sign. He looked at it and sighed.

"I didn't leave you on purpose, I had to," he fussed, looking irritated. He shifted his gaze to me, and rested against the door frame as I dumped the bucket of water into the sink basin. He observed my every movement until I returned with a mop and bucket.