Getting hot at the coffee shop

10

Once back to the counter, I found that not only was the customer gone but Leo was nowhere in sight either. The lobby was empty so that was good at least. I grabbed my apron from where I had tossed it and pulled it back over my head. I was just finishing tying it when I heard loud muffled voices coming from behind me. Easing over to Christopher’s door, I was able to hear more clearly. They were in a heated argument.

“I don’t understand why you brought her in here to begin with!” I heard Leo’s voice tinged with anger and annoyance.

“You needed to have some help out there” Christopher began but was cut off before he could finish.

“Bullshit! You only wanted someone out there because you didn’t want me to be alone. You hired her to be a watchdog.”

“Now you know that’s not true. I’ve watched these last few weeks as you’ve struggled to keep up with your job and your personal life all at the same time. If you never take a break then your body doesn’t get the rest it needs and we both know what happens when you don’t get enough rest.”

There was silence on the other end and for a moment I thought the argument was over but then I heard Leo’s icy voice begin again.

“Don’t act like you give a damn about my problems. All you did by bringing someone in here, especially someone like her, is add to my problems. I don’t need help from anyone, especially not her. She doesn’t even know how to do anything!”

I felt my blood pressure rise at these words knowing that it was his own fault that I didn’t know how to do anything. How self involved was this guy that he thought he could do anything he wanted with absolutely no repercussions?

“I hope you know she yelled at me in front of a customer.” He let the words hang in the air and once more it was silent in the office.

I crouched closer to the wall waiting for Christopher’s response. Even though Leo had deserved it, I knew that acting that way in front of customers was frowned upon. I held my breath waiting to see if I was going to be in trouble for my outburst.

“And what did you do to cause that?” Came the reply finally. He sounded tired of the conversation already.

Leo scoffed. “Why would you assume that I had anything to do with it? Maybe she’s on the rag and is having one of those feminine outbursts that they can’t seem to handle during that time of the month. She’s already went to the bathroom twice today upset. Maybe that’s further proof that that’s what the issue is.”

My face reddened more. I hated men that acted like every single time a woman was angry, it had to be because she was on her period. As if we couldn’t be pissed off by the stupid s**t they said and did. I wanted to get up and bust into the office and defend myself but Christopher’s words stopped me in my tracks.

“Don’t come in here spouting off that bullshit. Shannon is a very nice girl and it seems to me that you’re the one with the problem. From here on out I expect you to take the time to train her properly or you will deal with me.”

“But-“ Leo began but was immediately cut off.

“You heard me, now get out of my office and go do your job.”