I didn't get very far. My search for the man at table six came to an abrupt end just as I hit a human wall. I bounced against the round stomach of Joey, my boss and my protector. Joey's eyes sparkled with amusement at my agitation. Rarely did anything bother me because in this town the tranquility and peace of all was a priority and for Joey that was the law. "What's wrong, little one?" He handed me a large paper bag. I took it by the handles and followed Joey into the kitchen. Maven was cleaning tables, she shot me a curious look and I just shrugged. Tony was cutting potatoes on the corner when we entered the kitchen, he was dancing to a popular song. I had fun watching Tony dance and hearing him sing was pretty much the glory, he had a nice personality most of the time. Joey placed the bag he was carrying on the table that was used to assemble the dishes and I did the same.
"Is there something for me?" I asked hopefully. He always said no or was silly about it, but there was always something for me.
“Not this time, kiddo.” He winked at me as he unloaded the items from his bag. Vegetables and frozen goods. Mine was just the same. I felt a pang of disappointment in my chest when I saw that Joey was telling the truth. This time he hadn't brought anything for me. Sometimes he would buy me candy, cookies, or small toys to entertain me during my breaks or before I went home to sleep. "Where were you going in such a hurry a few moments ago?" There wasn't a trace of anger in my boss's voice, just a hint of curiosity.
"I was going to chase a handsome man." I laughed after saying it. It was true, I didn't have to lie. The man at table six was stupidly handsome. He might as well be a model and he was just passing through. Or maybe it was a mobster running from old enemies. A husband who had abandoned his wife. A bank robber. You could be anything in the past but once you set foot inside this town, you were someone new. "Before you arrived a customer ordered a lot of food for himself. It's amazing how he managed to finish it all. Everything, Joey!" my boss raised his eyebrows surprised by my story. "And when he left, he gave me a generous tip." I ended up in a way of summation.
“He gave you a tip?” Joey crossed his massive arms against his chest. “What were you doing serving tables?” he squinted down at me, I heard Tony laughing at the whole exchange in the background. “Did Maven trick you into switching places?”
“Nope. I went to his table, yes.” Oh, now I was hesitant into speaking. “But I went to apologize for insinuating he’s a glutton.” When confusion dawned upon Joey’s scarred face, I provided the extra detail I tried to avoid… sharing. “He overheard me and called me over.”
“Oh, Aviana…” he shook his head in reprimand. I winced for I hated when Joey gave me that you f****d up look. I didn’t feel or think of it as a f**k-up.
“It just happened! It’s not like I meant for him to hear my private conversation with Maven!”
“You were judgmental, Aviana.” He sighed rubbing the back of his neck. “And you know we don’t do that here.”
“I want to give him back the money, Joey.”
“Just accept it.”
“Sure, it’s completely normal to tip the woman who insulted your great appetite during lunch time with five hundred dollars.”
“Oh, no, no, no. I will give back the money to him. That’s not normal at all.”
“No, I can give it back tomorrow. He will probably come back for either lunch or breakfast.” I flashed him with a wide grin. “This is the best place in town to eat.”
“You’re damn right!” Tony yelled proudly from his spot in the corner.
"I wanted to ask you, if you could give me permission to go buy dye and color my hair. I would be back for the night shift. The red has started to show and ... you know." It was unlikely that anyone would recognize me here or that my family and friends would find me in Quiet Gate but having a different hair color made me feel safe. As if I were another person. I should probably invest in wigs instead of continuing to damage it. Joey watched me with concern and understanding for my distress. All he did was nod his head and wish me good luck. After that I hugged him and kissed his cheek rough with scars. I said goodbye to Tony and grabbed my things before running out the back door, which led to the alley where we had a small store with canned goods. I looked up at the gray sky and appreciated the constant presence of the heavy clouds that sheltered us from the sun all the time. At night, as if by magic, they left to let the moonlight and the stars pass through. You didn't have a view like that in the city. Here, away from everyone, away from noise and away from problems, life was better. Here it rained a lot and it was always damp and cold. It was the perfect weather to snuggle up at home and hide under the covers. The sad thing was I couldn't afford to miss a day of work. I had been saving all these years here at Quiet Gate so I could travel the world and eventually come back here, to the only place where I could feel safe after Aaron's death.
I trotted out of the alley until I reached the sidewalk. I stopped to think if it would be a good idea to go after the man at table six. It was strange to keep calling him that ... I didn't know his name. Maybe when I paid him back, he would tell me his name. I decided to turn right and walk down the street humming a song I couldn't get out of my head. I couldn't remember the name; however, the melody had been permanently etched into my head. It didn't take a long walk for me to get to the convenience store. This store belonged to Joey's sister. An extremely active woman, petite - who compared to her brother, she was not - daring enough and with an excellent eye to spot the next big sale in online clothing stores. There was something else about Carla, something for which she was well known here in town ...
“Aviana, darling!” she called out from behind the counter with a bright smile. “Have you heard about the new guy?” Carla also loved to gossip.
“Yup.” I sighed making my way towards her. “I’ve heard.”
“I saw him last night while I was closing and I thought to myself, he’s easily the most gorgeous man I have ever seen.” She whispered and scanned the store to make sure we were completely alone. Which… we were. She just wanted to add the dramatic effect. “He came in this morning looking for a toothbrush.”
“Wow! He must be human if he’s after one of those.” Carla smacked my arm. “Ouch!”
“Young lady! Watch your mouth. I will forget you work for Joey.”
I laughed it off and went searching for my dye. It wasn’t the first time she threatened to take my discount away. An incredible 5%! I’d certainly miss that one. I found my way to the beauty aisle and stopped to stare at the box dye section. I knew it wasn’t very good and I would probably be better off ordering something online however… I refused. I didn’t want anyone to find me. Not even the sss people. I always spent a lot of time looking at the different options and only three brands on the shelves and always ended up buying hair bleach and my usual box of ash blonde. I heard the door hit the small bell hanging above it and suddenly the cold air came in along with him. The man at table six! I bent down so he wouldn’t see me. What are you doing? I needed to pay this man back and get on with my life. He headed straight for the aisle in front of me. That one was full of shampoo, soaps and basically personal hygiene items. Apparently, he had forgotten more than a toothbrush. Even with my head down I started to move along with him, I could see him through the articles and luckily, he didn't seem to notice me - until he looked up and spotted me spying on him.
I gasped and immediately crouched down while covering my face. Great hiding spot! Good job! I groaned out loud, cursing at my stupid curiosity. With all the dignity I could muster I dared to stand up straight and finally face him however he was no longer there. I moved a few articles and started to walk sideways. I yelped when I bumped against something- someone. When I veered, he was there with his arms crossed against his chest. He regarded me with what it appeared to be mild annoyance.
“I…” was at loss for words. What could I possibly say to him now that would excuse my weird ass behavior?
He tilted his head. He genuinely was waiting for me to apologize.
In a flash I reached behind and dug into my back pocket for the envelope and threw it at him and took off. I practically sprinted out of the store while I yelled, “I am so sorry!”