Chapter 7-UNEXPECTED
575 Words
“Everyone, quick announcement!”
The voice cut through the clatter of plates and chatter. Olivia looked up — it was Mr. Benson, the same manager who’d once nearly bitten her head off for showing up late.
He stood near the counter, arms crossed. “We’ve got a new staff member joining us. He’ll be working every shift, so get used to seeing him around.”
A few heads turned, and Olivia’s did too.
Ethan.
He stood beside Mr. Benson, wearing a clean apron and calm expression. His gaze met Olivia’s for half a second before sliding away.
“This is Ethan,” Mr. Benson said. “He’s starting right away, so show him how things are done.”
Olivia didn’t respond. She just turned back to her section and picked up her notepad, pretending not to notice Sarah’s curious grin.
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The shift was long and heavy. Orders came in faster than anyone could breathe, the air thick with noise and heat. Ethan worked quietly, blending in faster than expected — steady, polite, never raising his voice.
Later in the afternoon, Olivia stood by the counter, jotting down a list, when Sarah leaned beside her, smiling like she had a secret.
“So,” Sarah began, tapping her pen against the counter, “you’ve been awfully quiet today.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow. “It’s a busy shift.”
“Mm-hmm,” Sarah teased. “Busy… or distracted?”
Olivia sighed. “Sarah.”
“I’m just saying,” Sarah went on, her voice soft and playful, “if I had a new coworker who looked like that, I’d be distracted too.”
Olivia gave a small laugh, shaking her head. “You don’t waste time, do you?”
“Why should I?” Sarah said, glancing toward Ethan. “Tall, calm, polite — what’s not to notice?”
“Maybe start with saying hi,” Olivia said.
Sarah grinned. “Maybe I will.”
Olivia rolled her eyes, hiding her smile as she turned back to work.
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By the end of the shift, the restaurant began to empty out. The last customers left, chairs were stacked, and the clinking of dishes faded. Olivia was hanging her apron when Ethan walked by, slipping on his jacket.
He glanced at her. “You’re heading home?”
She slung her bag over her shoulder. “Yeah. You?”
“Same,” he replied simply.
They stepped outside together. The night air was cool, the street damp from an earlier drizzle. Neither of them spoke as they walked toward the bus stop. When the bus arrived, Ethan stepped aside to let her in first.
They sat next to each other, silent, the soft rumble of the engine filling the space between them. Olivia stared out the window, catching his reflection now and then but saying nothing.
When they got off, the street was quiet. Their footsteps echoed faintly as they turned the corner toward their building.
Then Olivia froze.
Someone stood by the stair railing leading to her apartment — Daniel.
His arms were crossed, his jaw tight, eyes flicking between her and Ethan.
Ethan glanced at Olivia, then back at Daniel. His voice was calm when he spoke.
“See you tomorrow.”
Olivia nodded once. “Good night.”
She turned toward the stairs, the sound of Ethan’s footsteps fading behind her — steady and unhurried, disappearing into the quiet of the building.
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- Writer
