I refused to cower under the intensity of his heated glare and kept my voice strong as I spoke, Alright then. Four black, strong, and fresh coffees coming up in about five minutes. In the meantime, here are your menus. I’ll leave you to look them over while I get the coffee brewing.
I turned to go but was stopped as a large hand wrapped firmly around my wrist.
What is your name ? The man’s face held no emotion as he spoke.
I looked down at him and pointed to the name tag that sat just below my collar with my free hand.
Lea. I held his gaze, Yours ?
I watched as a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, None of your business.
He let go of my hand and turned his attention back to the front of the diner.
Well, None Of Your Business, I’ll be back in a few minutes with your coffees and to take your orders.
As I walked away, I heard a low grumble come from the table as the first three men let out the laughter they were holding in.
I walked behind the counter and dumped the old coffee grounds in the sink and rinsed out the pot and filter, blowing out a deep breath as I refilled the reservoir with water.
You okay there, Pumpkin ? Jack asked as he restocked the utensils and napkins.
Yea. I rubbed the back of my hand across my forehead.
You want me to handle ’em ? Jack was like an over protective father, always looking out for the four of us that worked for him.
No. I can take care of them myself. I tried to blow a stray piece of honey blond hair out of my eyes. I’ve dealt with worse.
I turned and gave Jack a small smile as I set the glass pot back onto the brewer and wet a rag. I proceeded to wipe down the counter and stools, staying busy to keep my mind from wandering to things best kept in the past. As the coffee finished brewing, I pulled four cups from the cupboard. Once filled, I placed the cups on a tray and made my way back to None’s table.
If he doesn’t show, then we, None quit talking as I walked around the corner.
I ignored his blatant stare while I balanced my tray in one hand and passed out the steaming mugs with the other, Four fresh, hot, and black coffees.
I sat the tray on an empty table after setting None’s coffee in front of him and pulled my pencil and notepad from my apron pocket.
Have you all decided what you would like ?
Four ham platters with the eggs over easy, None answered.
Bacon or sausage ?
No.
Toast, grits, or oatmeal ?
No.
Jelly or Jam ?
No.
So why the hell are you ordering the platters then ? I asked as frustration started to set in.
None Of Your Business raised an eyebrow as the other three men tensed and became deadly quiet.
I believe that I am the customer here, am I not ? None’s tone was cold.
I put my hands on my hips and tapped my foot. This was not the first time I had heard this argument.
Yes.
Then I will order what the hell I want, when the hell I want, any way the hell I want, and you won’t question me about it. Am I making myself clear ?
I narrowed my eyes and met his hardened glare, And it’s my job to make sure that what you order is right the first time around, therefore I will question you, do I make myself clear ? The three men at the table shot an unreadable look at None as I continued, Besides, haven’t you ever heard the expression Don’t piss off the people that handle your food.
Lea, Jack walked around the corner, a rag slung over his shoulder, is everything okay back here ?
I glanced at Jack over my shoulder. Peachy keen, Jackie-O.
I turned back to the table, Four ham platters with eggs over easy, minus the jelly, jam, grits, oatmeal, toast, bacon, and sausage coming right up.
I smiled sweetly as I spun and walked toward Jack, noticing that he hadn’t taken his eyes off None.
Everything Okay, Jack ? I asked quietly as I reached his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
He turned and looked softly at me, Yea, Pumpkin, everything is fine. He held his hand out for the order and frowned as he looked it over.
That’s what all the fuss was about ?
You could say that.
Jack shook his head and went behind the grill, mumbling as he walked to the fridge.
Jack, are you ever going to retire ? I asked as he took out four ham steaks and twelve eggs.
He shook his head, And miss seeing your lovely face for twelve to sixteen hours out of my day ? I smiled at my boss and friend. I’ll make you a deal, Pumpkin, his eyes filled with fatherly love, when you start working less and having fun more, I’ll take some time off.
I shook my head and chuckled, knowing that was basically his way of telling me that he wouldn’t be selling out any time soon.
Okay. Jack. You have yourself a deal.
Jack looked at me and grinned as he rang the bell letting me know my order was up. I sent a playful tusk his way as I grabbed the tray and coffee pot and made my way back to None’s table. Once again, he quit talking as I rounded the corner.
I passed out the platters and topped off the coffees and turned to leave. Lea.
I stilled and took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face before turning to face the four men. Yes, None Of Your Business ?
Anger and then amusement passed through None’s eyes. Syrup and ketchup.
I looked at him and raised an eyebrow. What about them ?
I watched as he curled and uncurled his hands into fists and drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. Would you, please, bring us some syrup and ketchup ?
It would be my absolute pleasure. I turned and headed toward the pantry.
Seems like you’ve met your match, Carter, an unfamiliar voice stated.
We’re here for business, not pleasure. None’s voice was tight and edged with anger.
I gasped and dropped the bottle of syrup as I listened to the four men. I held my breath as it landed on top of my foot and rolled off, thankfully still intact.
Maybe so, but even you have to admit Boss, she’s given you a run for your money, a third voice replied.
The fact that she hasn’t backed down from you has you both pissed and intrigued, Boss, a fourth voice spoke up.