Angelica

One

" One moment! " I shout as I tie my hair up. I look in the cracked mirror one last time before I head out of the bathroom and look into the peephole.

I internally cringe as I see Frank , my landlord is standing there in a stained tank and a pair of shorts. He scoffs before beating on the door once again , making me jump back.

" Angel! The rent! " he shouts.

Shit!

I quickly run to my room and grab the small box and key from my closet.

I unlock the box and open it before I grab the money.

I hide the key and the box again before I make my way towards the door where Frank is still yelling my name.

I unlock the deadbolts on the door before looking down at Frank.

" Here." I say shoving the money into his chest.

Since I am a bit taller than Frank, he looks up at me with narrowed eyes before walking away.

I roll my eyes before I close the door and lock it behind me. I walk down the creaky wooden stairs and out of the run down building.

Rick's Diner, otherwise known as my job comes into view after a mere twenty minute walk. I plaster on a smile before I walk into the diner and clock in.

I've worked at Rick's for almost a year, it's not the best job but it pays the rent.

" Angel! Serve table four this instant! " Rick shouts as he throws a pen and notepad at me.

Once he turns around, I flick him off before I bend down and pick the items up.

With a deep breath I begin making my way towards the table and start my day.

——

Nightfall comes quickly as the diner was quite busy today. With the place emptying out and my co-workers leaving, Rick let me know I would be closing.

As I wipe down the remainder of the tables, the door behind me chimes.

" Hello, welcome to Rick's Diner. Please sit where you'd like and I'll be with you in just a moment." I say as I finish wiping off the table.

I hear nothing other than footsteps and shuffling. I turn to see four men dressed in fancy suits are conversing in a language that is unknown to me.

I grab a couple of menus before placing them down in front of the men. I grab my notepad and pen before I look up and I see all but one man is looking at me.

" My name is Angel and I will be taking care of you guys tonight. What can I get to drink for y'all? " I ask.

" Four coffees, black. " a man says with a thick accent.

Spanish maybe?

" Okay , four coffees coming right up for you guys!" I say with a smile.

I head over to the coffee pot and pour the men fresh cups of coffee before heading back over to the booth.

" Are y'all ready to order? " I ask as I place the cups down.

" Actually, we need to speak with your boss. " a deep voice says. I look over to see the man who never acknowledged me once is now looking at me with boredom written across his face.

Did I do something wrong?

" I'll be right back then gentleman. " I say before walking away.