The Foster Girlfriend

Atlas

Authors Note: The previous chapter occurred about four months before this one.

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'Today really can't get any worse' I thought to myself as I tried to make my feet move faster. I tried to duck and weave between the chairs of adults with their crying babies with the food on my tray raised high over my head. Being a server really took it out of you, but I honestly wouldn't trade it for anything else. Except on a day like today.

I had forgotten things all day and I couldn't help but feel so out of it. I had forgotten the drinks for table 5, table 6 still wasn't cleared off, and I kept passing the same old woman who continuously tried to get my attention for some more coffee. I really didn't know what was up with me today.

I finally reached my table and started to hand out their orders, mixing up everyone. The woman looked rather annoyed as she and her other three companions started to play pass the plate to fix my mistake.

"I'm really sorry ladies I just am really out of it today I guess. Is there anything else I can grab for you?" I was hoping to at least get some kind of tip from them. The woman just shook her head as if dismissing a small child.

'Alright then lady' I thought to myself. I walked back behind the counter and surveyed the room again. The diner really made you feel like you went back in time. The red colored booths and checkered wallpaper made it seem straight out of movie. There was even a jute box positioned in the corner, near the entrance.

"Okay stay focused girl," I lectured myself and tried to remember again what I needed to do.

"Madi, you're running around like a chicken with its head cut off, what can I help you with?" I looked to my left where my wonderful boss stood looking slightly concerned.

Flashing a smile I replied sweetly, "Stop trying to steal my tips Gabe."He laughed at me and just patted my head. We loved messing with each other. He honestly became like the dad I didn't have when I started working here. He was my friend and a shoulder to cry on when things went wrong. A lot in my life seemed to go wrong, especially lately.

"If you want to take out the coffee and make some rounds you'd really save my skin,"He just rolled his eyes and grabbed the coffee and started to make his way back around the counter.

After what felt like ten years, it was finally 9 pm and I could start closing things down. I was beyond tired but working a 12 hour shift does that to you I guess.I started walking around all the tables, checking the napkin holders and salt shakers refilling them as I went.

Gabe stood at the counter, using a white rag and disinfectant to clean up the counter and barstool seats. It always usually went like this. We would always end the day together in the silence, cleaning and and getting ready for the next day of chaos.

Today Gabe didn't feel like sticking to our tradition, "So Madi, I have this friend. She has a son about your age.."

Gabe didn't even get to finish before I cut him off.

"No," I bit out harshly.

"But you didn't even let me finish," He replied back, almost pouting.

"I don't need you to finish. My faith in the male species has been crushed. You know what happened. Besides," I sighed, "It's only been four months since that day and I just don't feel ready."

Gabe cleared his throat," Well first off, I would like to say that this member of the male species is pretty great. Second, I just want you to be happy and I can tell right now that's not that case. I'm not getting any younger Madi. You're 23 and I need grandchildren."