Page 12 of All Your Firsts

“Hi, can I get another one of your breakfast sandwiches, and... shit, what did he say he wanted?” I say as I look at the menu as if that will help.

“Sorry, I forgot what he wanted. I have to go back to the tattoo shop and ask him. Lucky me.”

“Vic, Samuel, or Richard?” she asks.

“Vic.”

“I got you,” she says as she punches something into her computer.

“Thanks. You’re saving me,” I say with a smile. I’ve been complaining nonstop about how mindless this job is all morning, but if I admit I forgot his order, I’m sure he’ll give me shit and never give me anything to do. “Oh, what’s my total?”

“I’ll put it on Vic’s tab.” She shoos away the money in my hand. I place it back in my pocket and consider it the tip for my services. “In that case, I’ll also take a chocolate chip cookie and a bag of baked chips.”

While waiting for my order, I finally have a chance to take in the sights of the shop. The walls are a shade slightly lighter than canary yellow, immersing the room in a serene but cheerful atmosphere. A stunning flower and rose arch gracefully hangs above the register, showcasing various shades of yellow. The flooring features a captivating damask print, blending the hues of baby pink, yellow, and teal. An abundance of pillows adorn the cozy couches, inviting comfort and encouraging engaging conversations. The sound of the grinder and the hiss of the espresso machine blend with the murmur of patrons enjoying their day. Sweet Escape truly lives up to its name and reminds me of sunshine and sunflowers.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks,” I say as I grab the bag of food.

“I put food in there for Samuel too, but Richard gets nothing.”

“I haven’t met a Richard yet.”

“Richard is Axl’s first name, but don’t you dare let him know I called him anything but Richard.”

A huge smile graces my lips as I think about my encounter with Axl this morning. The hickeys and the alcohol practically dripping from his pores.

“Ex-girlfriend?”

“Something like that.” She scrunches her nose. “What are you doing over there? I saw you grabbing breakfast here this morning.”

“I’d say I’m Vic’s assistant, but I feel more like his servant.”

“Quit.” She shrugs as if it’s nothing.

“I kind of need a job.”

“I’ll hire you.”

“But you don’t even know me. I’ve never had a job.”

“Are you a murderer or a kleptomaniac?”

“Uh...no?”

“Are you asking or telling?” She quirks her brow.

“Telling. Sorry, that question threw me off.” I laugh.

“I’m just messing with you, girl. Can you be on time?”

“Yeah.”

“Then you’re hired. Angie just went back to school last week, and I could use an extra set of hands for the morning rush. Besides, everyone has to start somewhere, and being someone’s servant isn’t it.”

Right away, I find myself liking her. “I’m Rosie, by the way.”

“I’m Jess.”

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