Jacob’s Girl

Chapter Six

The morning was colder than a snowman's nose due to yesterday's storm, making the customers coming in look like chilly penguins. As I had some free time, my ex-boyfriend Ethan’s incessant calls seemed to have a direct line to my phone. Seriously, dude, take a break!

Then Cam, our cheerful waiter, strutted in with hot cocoa like she was on a mission. “Don’t worry, frozen warriors! Operation Warmth is a go!” She announced, giving a playful wink before disappearing. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the attempt to liven things up.

Last night memories were doing a wild dance in my head, like a chaotic cha-cha. It was a complete whirlwind. One moment, Jacob had me swooning with sweet nothings and kisses, and the next, he was crushing my heart.

I felt like a clueless fool. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes I made with Ethan. This Jacob guy is a real puzzle. This morning, things got awkward. He didn’t say a word, just left a note saying, “I LEFT FOR WORK.”

How could he say all those things to me yesterday when he had a girlfriend? Maybe I’m overthinking it but he made me feel like a fool. Or maybe I’m the fool thinking those kisses meant something.

Note to self, Elizabeth: More reasons not to trust men.

After showering and getting ready for my crappy job, and throwing on yesterday’s clothes, feeling utterly heartbroken. I was still lost In thoughts from yesterday when my attention was caught by the opening door and guess who waltzed in? Mr.Unignorable himself, sporting his fancy suit. Speak of the devil.

But oh boy, he wasn’t alone this time. He had two girls and another guy in equally dapper suits with him. And one of the girls caught my attention. She was a blonde bombshell, dressed to kill.

Leather pants, a pink crop top, a leather jacket, expensive leather bag. She looked like the queen bee, and I couldn’t possibly compete. My heart sank even deeper. She was all over Jacob like a leech, clinging to his arm for dear life. Could she be Kayla, the girl who called to ruin our romantic moment last night at his place? Wouldn’t surprise me.

The other girl was more professionally dressed, as was the guy accompanying them. I glanced at Jacob, his face was as cold and expressionless as the Arctic.

“Get off your high horse, Eli! I don’t pay you to stand around. We have customers waiting,” he snapped, jolting me back to reality and what I’m supposed to be doing. Just a waitress.

I straightened my apron, attempted to fix my hair, and made my way to their table. The girl had her head resting on Jacob’s shoulder, and I had to resist the urge to swat her hands away. Wow, Elizabeth, what has gotten into you?

“Um, hello, good afternoon. I’m Elizabeth, your waitress. What can I get for you?” I said, forcing a smile. That’s what waitresses are supposed to do, fake smiles.

My gaze involuntarily drifted to Jacob, but he wasn’t even looking at me. He was glued to his phone, and it stung even more.

The glamorous girl chuckled as if I had just cracked a hilarious joke. “What’s your most popular item on the menu?.” She asked, and I didn’t bother responding. She continued, “Well, I’ll have a steak with baked potatoes, lemonade with extra lemons and sugar. Cook the steak medium-to-rare,” she said nonchalantly. Lady, all I have is a notepad, not a magic wand.

The other two in their corporate attire placed their orders, and Jacob still didn’t glance at me. “Jacob, what do you want?” the glam girl squealed in a high-pitched tone.

Finally, he looked up, his face stern. My heart sank even lower. Does he not recognize me? Is he going to play that card?

“Grilled cheese,” he said, looking straight at me.

“Could you write that down? I want no mistakes,” Kayla said with a hint of disrespect. I was about to respond, but he cut in, saying, “She’s unforgettable.” He flashed me a smile, and for a moment, I felt a connection between us.

“Well, she better be,” the girl retorted. I felt insulted.

“Kayla!” Jacob scolded her, giving her a teacher-to-naughty student look.

“I’ll be right back,” I said, choosing to leave.

“Why doesn’t she smile more” Kayla asked, sounding completely indifferent. ‘Because I have to deal with you’, I retorted silently as I walked away from the table. I felt so embarrassed, that girl was a major turn-off.

Well, now he’s bringing his bougie girlfriend to rub salt in my already wounded heart.

As I walked away from the table, my mind was racing with a mix of frustration and curiosity. Who was this “bougie” girlfriend of Jacob’s? And why did he bring her here, of all places? It felt like a deliberate move to taunt me, to show off his new arm candy. But why would he do that? Maybe some things were already there and I’m the one putting too much meaning.

I took a moment to gather myself in the back of the Café. Deep breaths, Elizabeth, deep breaths. I couldn’t let this situation get the best of me. I had a job to do, and I wouldn’t let Jacob’s antics ruin my day.

When their order was finally ready, I mustered up the last shreds of my patience and brought their food over. I was about to bid them a quick “goodbye” and escape the chaos when the girl, as annoying as ever, had to comment.

“Ebiza?”

“Elizabeth.” I corrected.

“Whatever, Why did that other table get their food first when we arrived before them?” She complained. Oh great now we questioning the laws of physics. Maybe their salad didn’t require a five-star chef to cook it, unlike your well-done steak that could double as a hockey puck.

With a forced smile, I replied, “ Oh, sorry ma’am. Their order was different, so it didn’t take long to prepare.” Well, let the thermodynamics do its Job！ I mean, you ordered a hot meal, what did you expect?

She let out an exasperated sigh, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes internally. But then Jacob, probably eager to end our little back-and-forth, thanked me and then looked at me like he wanted me to disappear. Well, excuse me, Mr. High-and-Mighty.

I flashed a bright smile at the other two people at the end of the table who were deep in their conversation, trying to ignore the drama unfolding right in front of them. Oh, how I wished I could join them!

Just as I was about to make my escape, Kayla, the master of annoyance, chimed in again. “Excuse me, do you have napkins?” Really? Are there any restaurants out there that don’t have napkins? I resisted the urge to give a sarcastic response. Barely.

After the stressful encounter, I retreated to a corner, contemplating my life choices and wondering if men were worth all the trouble. Maybe I should just focus on food and leave the romance to fictional characters in cheesy movies.

I returned to the floor, determined to put on a brave face. With a renewed sense of purpose, I attended to the other customers, taking orders and serving their meals with a friendly smile. I couldn’t let Jacob and his entourage distract me from my responsibilities.

But now and then, my eyes would involuntarily drift to their table. Jacob seemed engrossed in this conversation with the glamorous girlfriend completely oblivious to the chaos he had caused in my heart. It was infuriating and heartbreaking all at once.