The lingering aroma of grounded coffee beans and the lo-fi music echoing softly through out the whole cafe was almost making me feel sleepy.
I yawned, but immediately closed my mouth when Elise nudged my side and frowned at me. No one would care really, who in the world would care about a waitress yawning in the corner?
"Cover your mouth at least, geez." She lectured, I merely nodded and went to work as the order for table fifty-two had been served.
After delivering the order, the door chime made a sound, on cue, I walked towards the entrance and as usual, greeted and asked the incoming customer.
"Oh, um, I'm actually here for the job interview?"
A man whose around my age towered over me, he was wearing a plain blue shirt and jeans. Taking off his hat, his semi-long haired that was half-tied up were shown. For a moment I was awestruck, but immediately got back to my senses.
Wait, did he say job interview? Was there an opening spot? Oh well, even though I'm an employee here, I have no idea about the happenings. Instead of just standing there and disturbing the other customers behind him, I guided him in our faculty room at the back of the counter.
Right just when we entered, we were immediately bombarded— I, rather, was bombarded with my colleagues, greeting the man as if they had already knew him.
"Jayson, OMG! You actually thought about my offer? I'm flattered!" Our sparkly manager, the one who always has a gum to chew and thick make-up to put greeted, kissing the man in his cheek.
So they do know each other...
As I was just about to step out of the staff room, our manager had called my name. Instantly making me show my working smiley face.
"Yes, ma'am?" I asked.
He linked his arm to the man and with his open palm gesturing to the good sir he said; "Why don't you go with him and make him get familiarize with our work atmosphere, hmm?"
"The fuck no...?"
'Of course I will gladly do so!'
I immediately covered my mouth as I have realized that my thought and what I was supposed to say we're mixed up. Uh-oh, I'm in trouble.
Silence filled the staff room, I looked at the back, my work friends shaking their head anxiously. I know, I know— me and my damned mouth!
"Azalea Rosavine Everly." I flinch at the call of my full name, nothing good comes from having your full name called. You know you're doomed. "Did you just curse at me?" He said gritting his teeth.
I merely pressed my lips together, shutting my awful mouth from mixing my thoughts with what I am to say.
As he was about to approach me, the man whom I had barely known— or rather my new colleague stepped up and grabbed my hand. "Ah, you'll show me around, right? Let's go."
I sighed deeply as the anxiety building inside of me had subsided. I turn to my right and told Jayson, if that is his actual name, my gratitude.
"Don't mention it, I know how hot-tempered Venny is, but he knows no harm, so don't worry."
Venny? Is he reffering to our manager Amor? Now that I think about it, that 'Amor' is merely a nickname he told us to call him while at work, but never really told us his real name.
"Do you know our manager?" I couldn't help the ask.
"Well...you could say that, we've known each other since childhood." He answered as I showed him every part of the cafe.
***
My shift ended along with the setting of the sun. I bid farewell to the café employees as well as to our new recruit. Unlike them, I was not a permanent worker. Just a part-timer.
Although, I've been considering going permanent, that is if my strict manager would consider bringing me a permanent employee contract, I doubt he would though.
While waiting for the 7pm bus, my phone vibrated. I looked at the callers ID before answering it.
[Girl let's go to a bar, like, right now! Where you at?!]
I put my phone a few inches away from my ear. This woman and her loud mouth— wait, bar? Don't tell me...
"You broke up, again?" Why am I not surprised, it's a common thing. There's only two reason why this woman would suggest to go clubbing; man-hunting or to ease her broken heart. Usually it's the latter.
There was a long silence at the end of the line before I hear an awkward laughter.
[Wha~t? Of course not...] She trailed [Yes, yes we did. That's why you need to help your best friend mend her heart!]
I sighed, who am I to resist? I don't have anything in my schedule after my shift anyway, I'll probably just rot in my cheap apartment.
"The regular club?" I asked.
[Yaaaas girl, the usual! So where are you?]
"At a bus station near my work place. If I'm not mistaken, the club is just a few blocks away from here. I'll just meet you there."
[Alrighty, pretty Lindsay out!]
With her usual endline, our call ended.