5.1-Tips

Lola-On the evening of Friday, the 23rd

I leave the pick-up window feeling slightly uneasy after my conversation with Mr. Mason. The feeling morphs into a simmering rage as I approach Nathan’s table. Nathan and Daniel have their plates of food and a total view of the new girl’s bust.

My eyes bulge, taking in Brandy’s disgusting behavior as Brandy stands purposefully, showing her cleavage to the table. They exchange banter as she fidgets with her hair, twirling around a finger. Daniel slips a straw wrapper between her mounds, and Nathan laughs as she flicks it at him.

I scoff in disgust. First, Brandy steals my tips, and now she has the nerve to flirt with my boyfriend. She’s so fake with those pouty lips and platinum hair. It shouldn’t be a turn-on, yet Nathan is smiling at her, annoying me. It’s perfectly acceptable for him to flirt, but I got abused over a simple hug.

“Brandy, you can head back to your section now,” I snap on my approach, “I got this!”

I would much prefer to smack her for all the crap she has put me through today. But hold back my anger, glaring at her instead. She only smirks at me like I don’t exist.

“Just trying to help,” she claims, winking suggestively at Daniel.

“Yea, come on, Lola, let her stay,” he says childishly, tugging at my dress as I pass, but I ignore him.

“Thanks. But we’re good here, I got it,” I sit beside Nathan, getting comfortable in the chair.

“Hey babe, you came back for more,” he greets, wiggling his brows.

Nathan leans in and curls an arm around me, getting a good feel of my breast. Even though I’m not too fond of it, I allow his groping as it makes my point for Brandy. Giving Nathan a peck on the lips, I grin, taking a fry from his plate. She rolls her eyes unamused.

“Suit yourself,” Brandy scoffs and leaves.

She whips her hair over her shoulder, sticking her nose out. Stupid cunt isn’t even wearing a hair net, as I see some strands stick to her red lacquered lips. Her hips sway dramatically while she walks away to her tables.

“I fucking hate her,” I groan, making Nathan laugh.

“Is that right?” Daniel says, eyeing Brandy.

He’s following each movement she makes, looking hungry for more than food. It’s creepy, but Brandy also returns his stare, bending over more. I turn away, revolted, ignoring them and their antics.

“Can you take me home later?” I ask Nathan.

“Sure, babe. What time?” he asks, still glancing over at Brandy.

“I’m off at six-thirty,” I replied, drawing his face back to me.

“I can be here, but I might be late. You know how traffic is,” Nathan smirks at Daniel.

“I know, and I can wait,” I say, eating a fry.

When hearing, “Order up, Lola,” I lean in to hug Nathan kissing him before heading out. I skip to the window happily, grab table two’s order, and head over with a chocolate chip cookie and a smile.

“Here’s your meal, and I brought you this. I’m so sorry again about your date. Chocolate chips are one of my favorites,” I say with pride.

The lovely customer’s blue eyes follow my every move, now ignoring her phone. When she spies the meal, she beams, licking her lips. The words that follow her smile are all the more enchanting.

“Thank you, beautiful, and don’t worry. I see now it wouldn’t have worked out,” the customer scoffs, tossing the phone to the side.

She must be referring to her conversation with her absent date. I know that feeling of being blown off, and my heart aches for her. I give her a sweet smile, and in return, she blushes, making me happy.

“I hope you enjoy your lunch, and the cookie is on me,” I say while biting my lower lip and looking away to hide my flushed cheeks.

“You are too lovely for this, Lola,” she grins bright-eyed.

I’m sure she’s only being friendly. With a sure hand, I place the wrapped cookie on a plate for her. She stares, never breaking eye contact, that hypnotic gaze mesmerizing me. I’m so lost in this mysterious woman that I don’t notice Nathan waving for my attention.

“Babe! I’m calling you,” he bellows while snapping his fingers.

I slump my shoulders, feeling embarrassment wash over me, knowing the customer can hear him. I’m trying not to let my smile falter by adding water to her glass. My attempt not to fumble and make a mess is successful.

“Can I get you anything else, Miss?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you. This meal is lovely, and so are you, Lola. Besides, I think other tables need you now,” she shoots Nathan a disgusted look and returns to eating.

Before I walk away, the lovely lady flashes a wink at me. Knowing she’s happy makes me flutter inside. However, it fades when I see Nathan’s face. He looks upset he had to wait for me, but I am at work, and he knows that.

“Fucking finally. We have to go. Do you want my fries?” Nathan offers while giving me money for the food.

“Of course,” rolling my eyes at his outburst, I don’t bother with a kiss and pack up Nathan’s burger instead.

Daniel moves his hand up my dress as I do, but I smack it away. I give him a stern look now, and he huffs, disappointed. I ignore Daniel while Nathan puts on his hat. He then swats me hard on the ass as he gets up. The sound echoes loudly, making me redden with embarrassment.

“Good smack, bro,” Daniel says, giving Nathan a fist bump as they leave.

“Nathan, please behave. You too, Daniel,” I fuss.

Neither of them cares about my plight walking out of the diner laughing. Glad they are finally gone, I finish the fries while cleaning up and discarding the dishes. I turn to table two, seeing it’s empty, and feel sad.

I move to clean up the table. I didn’t notice the elegant businesswoman getting up, but her cash payment was under the coffee cup—twenty-five for the food and fifty for a tip. Damn, I sure didn’t expect that, and not even Nathan left me one. A total stranger is more generous than my boyfriend.