September 9th, Friday.
Wiping down the last table, I walked behind the counter and dropped the wet dishtowel in the bucket with soap and water. I washed my hands in the sink and made sure everything was decent in the empty diner. I glanced at the larger circular clock mounted on the wall.
8:53pm.
Tonight was my very first night closing the diner, I had to wait until exactly 9 o'clock to lock the doors. I sat down on the stool behind the cash register and pulled my book from my near-empty backpack.
Flipping to where I left off at, I twisted my lips to the side and let the words capture me and pull me in. Reading is a newfound joy of mines, it taught me everything I know today. Most stories is relatable and some motivate me and give me hope. I've struggled with reading comprehension for as long as I could remember, but I kept reading. When I started to understand what I read, I couldn't stop reading. The books I read is always African-American, spiritual, poetic, chicklits and non-fiction. I tried other genres but don't care too much for it. The book I was currently reading was an African-American chicklit. You could tell nobody read this book in a while cause it was dusty and some of the pages was stuck together.
I was deep into my own world, reading word for word. I ain't even noticed a customer walked in until he started to repeatedly ding the bell by the cash register, causing me to put my book down. My eyes first landed on the clock, it was 8:57.
Then I turned to the customer and inhaled sharply at the goddess in front of me. He stood at 6'5, average build for his height, muscular built but not crazy muscular. His rich, dark brown skin was enticing, his plump lips and dark brown, slanted eyes. He had a thin mustache that was connected to his beard, forming a rectangle around his lips. His hair was faded around the sides and his sideburns were thin. This man was immaculate.
"Welcome to BR's Soul Food Diner, I'ca get you something?" I asked, standing up.
"Just some hot chocolate with cream." He said in a deep and smooth voice, pulling his jacket off and sitting on the stool.
I turned around and looked for what to do. Usually, I'm serving tables but the girl who usually closes had got sick. So I was filling in for her today. Twisting my lips to the side, I looked around before finding what I needed and making his drank. I did it to the best of my ability before handing it to him. He gave me the money and I put it in the cash register.
"What happened to the other girl that be here at night?" He asked. "She got sick, she might be here tomorrow." I shrugged.
I noticed he wore a construction uniform, he picked up a backpack, that I ain't noticed, and pulled out a book and a notebook.
9:00pm.
I walked towards the door, turning the lock and locking it. Since he was in here before 9, I have to wait until he's done so we can leave. But nobody else can come in. Returning to my seat behind the counter, I picked up my book and started reading. I made sure I didn't get too deep in the book this time. Turning the last page, I sighed and closed the book, finishing it.
I'll take it back to the library tomorrow, since I'm off. I work part-time over here. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, I work 10-4 and make $7.38 per hour.
Putting my book back in my backpack, I glanced up to see the guy with his eyes glued to his textbook. He took a sip from his drank before setting his cup down and licking his lips. I decided to quit staring and avert my attention elsewhere.
Instead of sitting down, I got up and started making sure everything was locked and straight. I went to the back where the kitchen was and locked the back door then checked the boss' office door. I swept the kitchen floor for the second time before putting the broom down and going to the front. I washed and dried my hands before sitting back on the stool behind the cash register.
