“Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long day.”
“That’s the truth,” another server calls. “My feet feel like they’re going to fall off if I sit down.” Donnie. That’s his name. He’s cute. Messy blonde hair and brown eyes are set in a face that always seems to be smiling. He screams boy next door.
“Don’t mind Donnie. As a drama major he’s always being dramatic.”
“My feet are in the same boat.” They ache tonight like nobody’s business.
Christa wipes down the last table and looks around, satisfied the closing shift is done. “I think we’re good to lock up and go home.”
“Get your things, ladies, and I’ll walk you out.” Donnie rings out his cleaning rag and collects everything to take it to the utility room in the back. “I’ll meet you at the back door in five minutes.”
Christa and I put our own cleaning stuff away and go collect our things. Ever since the hockey players started eating here a few days ago, the place has been packed. They bring in a crowd all their own. Add to it, all the boyfriends at the house have started eating here as well, there’s hardly an open seat.
Some of the players from various teams did talk to Jenny, our manager, about offering some healthier food. They explained to her that’s why they didn’t come here since many of them are hopeful to play professional sports. She took it seriously and the next day, new menu items were available that were much healthier. I was impressed with how quickly she moved, but then again, given how full the place has been, I wouldn’t want to miss out on that either.
“I’m dreading when the cold sets in and we have to climb into cold cars. As safe as this place is, I still wouldn’t trust starting my car and leaving it outside running. We are in Minneapolis and crime is not non-existent.”
“They’d take one look at mine and run in the other direction.” My little car is old and on its last legs.
She laughs. “Mine too but let’s hope yours gets us home.”
My phone rings and I pull it out, recognizing the ring tone.
“Luc, you okay? Did you get hurt?”
“No.” My best friend’s voice is soft and musical. You’d never guess she was almost six feet tall and a basketball player. “Joseph called me tonight asking who your new boyfriend is.”
“Why don’t you have his number blocked?”
“Same reason you don’t,” she says tiredly. “I’d rather know what he’s up to than get surprised. Did he call you?”
“Yes, he called. I didn’t speak to him, though. Hutch did.”
“Hutch? Is that your boyfriend?”
“Maybe,” I mutter. “I’m not sure yet.”
Her tone softens. “You’re scared.”
“Yes, not sure I can trust my own judgment.”
“Don’t let the asshole screw up your chances of finding something good, Daisy. Is this Hutch a good guy?”
“I think so, but I thought Joe was too.” I walk a little bit away from Christa for some privacy. “He’s so kind, Lucy, and I really like him, and I’m afraid I’m on my way to falling for him. He makes me feel safe.”
“Did Joe ever make you feel safe?”
I think about that one for a minute. “No, no he didn’t.”
“Then there’s your answer. Let your guard down a little and get to know this guy. I’m always here if he needs his ass beat.”
I laugh. She’d do her best too. She told me later she decked Joseph right in front of his uncle and the sheriff never said a word.
“I’m getting ready to head home from work. Call me tomorrow and we’ll catch up.”
“I’ll do you one better. I’ll be there next week to play in a charity game. We can go out and you can introduce me to Hutch.”
“Really?” I squeal, excited to see my best friend since kindergarten. I really, really miss Lucy.
