The Comet Cafe

Chapter~17

"You're impossible," I joke to Alex. He's set on holding the plate I need above his head, and he's so tall that even when I jump I can't grab it. 

"Why can't you just take it, Jules?" He asks, joking that he doesn't know what's going on. He pouts, faking concern. I jump trying to grab it again, but don't even get close. He laughs.

"Alex," I whine. "if you don't give me that plate, the customers will not be happy. And neither will Darrell."

"Darrell practically worships me," He says and I frown. He's got me there. Alex brings in so many customers with his music and good looks. If our boss didn't have him, the restaurant wouldn't be the same.

"Just give me the damn plate." I demand, sort of getting sick of his foolery. Even though I could never get sick of Alex.

"If you give me a hug." He negotiates with a smirk.

"Really? That's what this about?" I ask him and he nods. I sigh. When I came into work today, I was really pissed because when I signed up for classes, they took out the study hall I was supposed to have. I was kinda overreacting a little. But, I'm taking a bunch of AP classes this year and desperately need that study hall or else I'll never get any of my work done. I argued with the administrators at my school for probably 20 minutes and couldn't get them to change their mind. Then, I had to rush through Chicago traffic to get to the Comet Cafe. I didn't even get here on time! I was almost an hour late. I quickly got into work, not even telling Alex I was here or anything. He came up to me, asking what was wrong and all that, but I had to to tend to another table and ran off. I guess he's still upset about that.

"C'mon, Jules, you know you wanna," He wiggles his eyebrows repeatedly. I can't help but giggle. He sets the plate down on the counter finally and wraps his arms around me. I do the same around his neck.

"What's wrong?" He murmurs into my hair.

"School shit," is all I say. He doesn't say anything else, just hugs me tighter. His hands are low around my waist and that makes my heart beat like a machine gun. I hesitantly pull away.

"Thanks," I say, looking down at my feet and not letting him see my bright red cheeks.

"Hey, Jules," He puts his index finger under my chin and forces my eyes to meet his. My breath stops at his intense gaze. "I don't like seeing you sad." He frowns and keeps his arms on me.

I smile at his kindness. "I'm fine now. Really. I was blowing something small way out of proportion."

"You sure?" He persists. I nod. "Okay, now go back to work you cute little lazy shit!" He pushes me by the shoulders out of the kitchen.

I'm stunned at his cuteness. I can't move. Alex Brannon just called me cute. Well, he also called me a lazy little shit, but he called me cute. A gorgeous guy compliments you and you're supposed to just go on in life? I don't think so.

"What is it?" He asks, dipping down to my height again. His eyebrows are furrowed in worry.

"I, uh, um," I stammer. "I forgot the plate!" He laughs and opens the kitchen door for me like a true gentleman while I grab the damn plate and I take it out to the sink so I can wash it.

My shift was all day today, so by the end, I am so tired. I just want to go home and fall into a sleep full of Alex saying I'm cute. But, no, I have to stay and clean while everyone else gets to go home.

I'm wiping down the front booths when the chef walks out and says his goodbyes. I turn back to the table, ready to use it as a bed if I need to. I get done with the front bit, but have to go to back and wipe down everything there. I bust through the revolving door to find Alex putting some dishes away.