Page 53 of Gin & Jewels
“What’s wrong with you?” Keith asked as he drove us toward Jeff’s.
“Nothing,” I muttered.
“How much did you make today?”
I sighed. “None of your business.”
Keith, of course, didn’t get a job. He swore he was looking, but I knew the truth. Why would he get a job now when he had me? What he didn’t realize was that even before Brad showed up, I wasn’t going to give Keith a dime. I only needed to work one more week to get my first paycheck and make enough in tips to get back to Vegas.
“I need money for gas. I’m driving you back and forth to work every day.”
“Fine,” I huffed and dug into my purse for a few bills to give him. “Here.”
“And you’re buying dinner.”
“Whatever.”
The next morning, I was antsy. I didn’t sleep well, but the lack of sleep wasn’t holding me back from what today would bring. Unless, of course, Brad didn’t show. I didn’t want to think that. I couldn’t think that. After everything, I had to hold out hope that things would finally go right for me.
“Ready?” I asked Keith as he sat up on his air mattress.
“I really wish you would drive yourself.”
I paused for a moment. This could be my chance. I did know how to drive, and I could make it so Keith didn’t need to pick me up, but as I thought about telling him that I would drive myself, my palms became sweaty, and my heart sped up. I just couldn’t do it, even if it meant freedom. “Well, I don’t want to, and I’m going to be late. Let’s go.”
He stretched and yawned before getting out of bed. “Let’s go, and give me ten bucks for coffee.”
“Ten dollars?” I whined.
“Yeah, I need breakfast. Price for driving you.”
“All right. Let’s go.”
I walked into Dovie’s five minutes before my shift started. The opening waitress was already waiting on a few tables. “Morning, Jane.” I waved.
“Morning, Krystal. You seem to be in a good mood.”
“It’s going to be a good day.”
“Yeah, it is.”
I went into the back, put my purse into my locker, and put my apron on. Then I got to work and waited for Shannon to arrive. I didn’t have to wait long. When I saw her walk through the door, I waited to see if Brad followed. He didn’t, and my shoulders fell.
I rubbed the back of my neck as Shannon tied her apron around her waist, and then I went to grab the coffee pot for a customer. “Hey, Shannon.”
“Morning, honey.”
“No, uh, son today?” I asked nervously.
She grinned wide. “So you’re interested in my son?”
My cheeks flushed. “How could I not be?”
“Well, lucky for you, he’s coming in for lunch again.” She winked and walked away to grab the table that just sat.
Every time the door opened, and the bell above it sounded, I looked up. Shannon saw me a couple of times and smiled at me. She thought she knew the reason, but she didn’t—not entirely. I was anxious and excited, and every other emotion that made my palms sweat. Finally, the bell sounded again, and when I looked up from the table I was waiting on, my gaze locked on the man I wanted to see. I muttered anexcuse me, and then I rushed to him, my arms going around his neck when I made it to him.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I confessed into his neck.
