Providence (A Clato Story)

Chapter 3. $34.15

"Do you think Cato is attractive?" Thresh asked me while I was serving him his coffee. "He's okay" I said, not trying to act as if it was a big deal.

"Your face is turning red" Thresh laughs. "Does Clove have a little crush?'

"People tease me, and now you?' I said in a joking tone.

"It's pretty fun. Have you talked to him today?" He asks.

"Hold on, I have to go serve another table." I said as I walked off. Marvel, my coworker hand me a tray of brownies and two coffee's. Marvel winks at me and I rolled my eyes playfully.

He is such a natural flirt.

"This goes to table two" he tells me with a smile. "Thanks" I said taking the tray.

"I haven't talk to Cato today. I don't think he was in class today" I thought as I walked to table two.

I looked down at the plate as I walked. The brownies looked messy. Like chocolate messy. That's Marvel's way of doing brownies. They may not be perfect, but they're actually pretty good.

"So my father rented a yacht. I was wondering if you ever wanted to go on a ride for one" I heard Glimmer's voice bragging about Steven.

 You got to me kidding me. 

She would possibly make fun of the brownies and mention that they look like "shit."

"I could visit sometime" I heard his voice. All of the sudden I wanted to sink down and bury myself down in the cafe's carpet.

"Chocolate Fudge Brownies and two latte's?" I questioned politely, avoiding Cato eyes on me.

"You work here?" Cato asked, looking at me up and down. Ugh, he saw me with my coffee uniform. 

Unfortunately" I said, starting to feel the insecurities roll in.

Look man, I decided to raise my own money to go to college. Steven is rich of course, but I didn't want any of his money to go to me.

What is he doing here with her? Does he find her attractive? Of course, I knew it. I don't know why I would believe that any boy that gives me the slightest attention would like m-

"That's great to know, Now I know that I'll be able to get free coffee once in a whi-" Cato said, lightening up the mood. 

"Cato, She's getting paid to work, not talk"I heard Glimmer interrupted. I ignored her. Am I supposed to keep my mouth shut while I serve my customers? All I was know was that she wanted me to go away.

"She's right" I shrugged, trying not to anger Glimmer that Cato can recognize me." I have a shift to work"

"You don't seem busy" Cato said looking straight my eye.

"Yeah, but I-I can't just sit down and t-talk" I stuttered as I put the brownies and their coffee on the table.

"See? Clover, you deserve a raise" Glimmer laughs and faked smiled at me.

Clover. My dad used to call me that.

"Anyway, I have to go work" I said uncomfortably. " Anyway, feel free to call me up if you need anything for your date" and I awkwardly walked back to the bar counter, where Thresh was sitting.

I sigh as I place the tray back to its' place. I got a damp rag and started cleaning the dry coffee stains on the counter.

When I get nervous, I start cleaning. 

"Why are you cleaning all of the sudden?" Thresh asked with a concern tone to his voice.

"Manager is coming" I lied, wanting him to leave. Thresh would know why I was acting differently.

"Oh shit, gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow." he said, drinking the last of his chocolate milkshake and speed-walked to the exit.

Now you are probably asking why. Thresh is supposedly taking tutoring classes, but he hates it and always ditch out. My manager is his mother's best friend and I swear Kelly, my manager would snitch on Thresh's ass.

Ten minutes later, I'm regretting it. Thresh was my only company. I could go talk to Marvel, but he's working on something in the back and there's no one else to monitor the floor.

I was at the cash register, counting the coins ahead. I just need something to do.

"Hey, We're ready to pay" Glimmer said, as walking towards the cash register. I noticed her arm was clung with Cato's arm.

"Alright, I said, reaching the ticket from the clothesline. Old-fashioned, I know.

As I typed in the totals on the register, Glimmer's phone rang.

"Ugh, It's my mom I have to go outside for this" She rolled her eyes and walked out of the shop.

Oh yeah, that is Sapphire

Glimmer is known to hate her mother, which I've heard nice things about her. Apparently she likes to travel and didn't have "time" for Steve and Glimmer, which led to a divorce.

"That would be $15.85" I said with a smile, ignoring Glimmer's previous complaint.

Cato pulls out a bill from his wallet and hand it to me. It was a fifty-dollar bill.

Gee, thanks Cato. More work and counting.

"Your change is $34.15" I faked smiled, while holding the change for him.

"Keep it" he said, as if it was nothing.

My enthusiasm dropped to a surprised look.

"You do know that you're only suppose to tip 15% right? It shouldn't really be worth much."

"You are" Cato said smiling. " as a professional worker at the work industry"

That made my internal organs hurt, but I ignored the pain. 

"Thank you so much. That made my day." I said happily, starting to sweat.

"Anytime." Cato said as he walked to the exit. I looked back at the change. I need to add this to my college savings or possibly give some gas money to mom. I never give her gas money.

"Oh and Clove." he said, as he was mid-way pushing the exit door.

"Yes?" I looked up as I was still happy with my tip.

"It wasn't a date."