Black Rose

Chapter 4

    The bell on the door rang as a cool breeze entered the diner. “Welcome!” I called out, carrying a tray of drinks to a table.

    “Here as always, Liana?” A familiar deep voice commented.

    It was Mr. Simpson, the nicest man in town. Also, the loneliest man in town. His wife and kids died in a car accident fifteen years ago. Now everyday he comes to the diner.

    “Sit where you like.” I told him, setting the teas and water glasses on the current table. After taking their orders, I made my way to Mr. Simpson.

    “Energetic as always?” He asked, chuckling. “You are just like your parents.”

    As he spoke, the bell rang again. “Welcome! Sit anywhere.” I yelled, still focusing on Mr. Simpson.

    “I’m glad I take after my parents.” I smiled, “Unsweetened tea?”

    With a smile, he nodded. I took the orders back to the kitchen. As soon as the swinging doors closed behind me, April appeared suddenly.

    “Oh my god.” She took both my hands. “There is a hot guy out there.” I leaned forward as she spoke. “Do you want to take this one or me?”

    I sighed deeply at her immaturity. “April, you scared the hell out of me.” I told her, taking my hands back. “I already have two customers. You need a love life, not me.”

    April slapped my shoulder. “Just because you said that, I’m not taking him.”

    I rolled my eyes before taking the orders to the cook. April stuck her tongue out at me as I walked back to the front. I scanned the diner for my third customer.

    At the last table in the corner, there was a body sitting with it’s back to me. “Hello, Sir.” I greeted as I pulled the notepad from my apron. I made my way to the table grabbing a menu as I did. “What would you like to drink?”

    My eyes traced a slim body that was leaned forward with arms resting on the table. “Just a water.” The familiar voice spoke.

    “Jamie?” I said, blinking and looking around. “What are you doing here?”

    With a grin, he turned his head just enough to make eye contact. “What? Am I not welcomed?”

    Forcing a smile, I slid the menu in front of him. “Of course you’re welcomed! Do you know what you would like to eat?”

    Jamie stared at me intensely before speaking. “I’ll know when you come back with my water.”   

    Nodding my head once, I turned to walk back towards the kitchen. I couldn’t help but mouth, “Oh my god,” as I pushed through the swinging doors. Instantly, April swung from around the corner.

    “See what I mean?” She winked. “He’s a cutie isn’t he?”

    “April, he works at my house!”

    Her eyebrow raised. “He ‘works’ at your house?”

    The words stumbled out of my mouth as I tried to talk. “He does work on my house like mowing the yard.”

    Her mouth formed a small, “O,” and she shrugged. “Well, looks like my chances are gone.”

    “N-no, your chances are not gone. It’s not like we’re dating or anything. It’s just that I know he purposely came here to bother me.”

    April pulled a strand of red hair behind her ear. “Whatever you say, Honey Bunny.”

    With an annoyed sigh, I quickly filled a glass of water and took it back out to Jamie. “Took you long enough.” He teased, as I softly set the glass down. “I thought you went up Jack and Jill’s hill to get some water.”

    A small laugh left my lips as I patted his shoulder. “Good one.” He flinched at my compliment. “Do you know what you would like?”

    He paused before looking up at me. “What desserts do you recommend?”

    “Definitely the strawberry shortcake.”

    Rubbing his nose, he nodded. “Then I’ll take two of those.”