Tip Toe [Sequel to Could only Imagine]

Chapter 6

Even with Gabe and Alex walking by my side, going to work was still nerve racking. We came a bit early so Alex and Gabe can remind me of the things that they had thought up after I went into my room. We sat down at a booth, and ordered. We made sure to be on the side that I would be serving on so that way if I need to tell them something or they need to tell me something we have an excuse. I am not sure if I would need an excuse, but it is only my second day so you can never be too careful. 

"So, if Cole sees me, I will say that we were separated during the slavery thing and I was let free, but I don't know what happened to you," Alex reminds me. 

"I know I know!" I grown. I don't like talking about it, and we have gone threw this whole thing already twice. 

"I'm sorry Emily, I just don't want to forget. I am more reminding myself than you," Alex apologizes.

"I forgot to ask you Emily! What did you tell him your name was?" Gabe asks suddenly. I am so glad he did too. If Cole sees them talking to me and hears them calling me Emily, he will put two and two together. But is that a bad thing? I don't know. 

 "Um.. It was Sophie," I tell him after thinking about it for a second. I look at my watch. "Time for me to get back there I guess. 

"Good luck!" Gabe says. Alex elbows him in the ribs.

"You will be fine. You don't need luck!" Alex says.

"And you guys promise that you won't tell Cole who I am?" I ask. That is one of my biggest fears. I don't know why it is a bad thing. I guess I am afraid that he is over me. It already seems that way though.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," they both chant. I can't help it. I laugh. (A/N- if anyone got that reference totes to  you!!) I hug them both and go behind the counter to get my apron. Instead of getting it from the hook, the girl Kim from yesterday hands it to me.

"Hey Emily! Second day?" She asks, though it is kind of obvious. I guess that she is just being formal, so I nod. "You can look at the list by the aprons to see who has the other side of the tables, just a tip!" She gestures to a list on the right side of the apron hooks, and walks off. I go and check. "Dalton Rapattoni". Where have I heard that name before? Was he one of Cole's friends? I hope not. Hoping for the best, I put on my apron and start taking customers. 

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With half an hour of my shift left, I feel confident. My luck has been great. I found out that Dalton is a nice guy, taking my side of the tables when I had to go to the restroom. I did the same for him. Cole also hasn't made an appearance, and with every tick of the clock there is less of a chance that he will. I actually have a smile on my face when Alex and Gabe call me over.

"Hey Em, we have to go," Gabe starts nervously.

"Our producer called, and we have to get to the studio quickly," Alex finished. "I'm really sorry. If you really want us to stay-"

"Don't worry about it," I interrupt her. "There is only about half an hour left, I'll be fine!" For once, I wasn't lying. I felt confident that I would be fine. I mean why wouldn't it?

"If you're sure," Gabe says. I nod and take their bill. I would offer to pay for it, but I've lived and traveled with them long enough to know that they will have none of it.  

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At 15 minutes until the shift is over, most of my customers are gone. I'm hanging out in the kitchen when Dalton comes in.