Her boss, on the other hand, is going to be the reason this place fails. He's an asshole. I've already watched him yell at two employees and tell one patron that they're wrong about the way the eggs are cooked, and to either eat them or get out.
“All right, here ya go.” Anna sets the plate down in front of me.
“It smells amazing.”
“It does. I haven't tried it yet, since today is my first day.”
“It looks like you've been doing this for years. You're great with the people.”
“I worked occasionally back home at this small diner my friend's family owned. Well, when I had the time anyway, and the farm was running slower. I did at least one or two days a week during most summers.”
“Well, you're a natural for sure.”
“Anna,” her boss snaps as he comes up behind her. “Excuse me,” he says to me as he wraps his hand around her upper arm and pulls her to the side. “Did you bring those people an omelet without offering them the special?”
“I don't remember. I thought I offered it.”
He grins. A sick and uncomfortable grin. “Well,” he says, lifting his hand to her elbow and softly caressing her arm. “They're claiming you didn't. I'll give you a pass because it's your first day, but that's it. You only get one.”
“Of course.” She pulls her arm away and tries to take a step back.
He grabs her arm again, pulling her in closer. Too close. I know the look in his eyes. It's the look that says if you'll let me fuck you, I'll let you do whatever you want. He licks his lips and lets his eyes drop to her chest.
My fists clench at my side and I'm ready to launch over the table. He shouldn't be touching her like that. He shouldn't touch any of his employees that way, but especially her in front of me.
Anna clears her throat, yanking her arm free again, this time taking a big step back. “If you'll excuse me, I have customers to attend to.” She gives him a stiff shoulder and comes back to me.
“What the hell was that?” I ask.
“It's nothing, don't worry about it.”
“He shouldn't put his hands on you, Anna.”
“It's fine, Dash,” she says, her voice stern. “I can hold my own, don't worry about him.”
I look over at her boss again, and he's staring at her ass. His eyes catch mine and he darts them away, then heads back into the kitchen. I don't like it. And I definitely don't like him.
But I keep my mouth shut, not pressing the issue any further. It's her first day and I don't want to cause a problem for her.
I finish my breakfast, going well over my break time. I don't really care. My job is merely a place holder for the moment. I'm not going to be there forever, and if they fire me, well, I won't beg for the job back.
Jed won't fire me.
“This was really good,” I say as she hands me the check.
“Good, I'm glad.” She smiles and brushes a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “I didn't charge you for the coffee, but I couldn't comp the food.”
“You didn't have to give me any breaks on it. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me.”
“Don't worry about it. It's just a coffee. I doubt he'll notice.”
“I'll leave you a good tip, then.”
“Please, don't.” Anna holds out her hand and shakes her head. “We're roommates. I don't want to take your money.”
“You don't have a choice. Plus, you're a waitress. Tips are how you make any money at all.”
“I know, but I don't feel right taking money from you.”
“It's not up to you.” I pull some money from my wallet and lay it on the table. Standing up, I reach out and softly grip her elbow. I run my thumb over the same area her boss touched and wipe any trace of him away.
I don't want to leave her with his touch on her mind. I want to leave her with mine. She looks up at me, her lashes dark and long as they spread across her lids like butterfly wings. Her cheeks are rosy from running around the dining room and being in the heat of the kitchen. Her skin is a little shiny, and the beige eye shadow spread across her lids is wearing away.
“See you at home,” I say, letting my fingers linger on her arm before turning to leave.
I can feel her watching me as I go out the door. I like that feeling. I like the way her eyes dance. I like the way she tugs her bottom lip into her mouth when she's thinking. I like the way her breathing slows, and it seems like she struggles to breathe when I'm close.