After Saturday night, Emilia could not stop thinking about Isaiah. No matter how hard she tried. There was next to nothing to do on Sunday besides chores, so Emilia came up with things to do to keep her out of her own mind. She had to admit though, his smile is adorable.
The rest of the weekend is quiet, and her Sunday night shift at the diner is smooth, except for her occasional run ins with Javier, but he doesn't seem to bother her as much. That's a plus.
~
Monday evening comes around and Emilia decides to make a run to the grocery store after work. She just needs some small things to pull together dinner for the week. After grabbing all of her items, she stands in the express check out line, but it's not very express at all. Instead of waiting there, she decides to go to self check-out. The line is a little longer, but seems to be moving pretty quickly. While waiting she checks her phone to pass the time. It's her turn, but before she could move, a lady cuts in front of her, taking her spot. Emilia is about to call her out, then she hears her name called.
"Hey, Emilia, this one is open."
She turns to the speaker and notices Isaiah checking out and next to him an open register. Emilia nods and walks to the register.
"Thanks, I was about to give her a piece of my mind," she places the crate down and begins checking out. Isaiah chuckles a little.
"I could tell. I saw it in your face," he smiles, but Emilia's face turns red. "Don't worry, I would've done the same," he adds to try to reassure her. Emilia was a little embarrassed. She didn't want to seem like a hot-head. Instead of responding, she continues to scan her items. Isaiah finishes up and grabs his receipt.
"Will you be at the diner this weekend?" he asks shyly.
"Yeah. I almost always work the weekends."
"Cool. See ya," he waves quickly and leaves the store. Emilia is not sure how to respond to that. Does it mean he's going to come back to the diner? She wonders. Her transaction is complete and she heads home to make dinner for herself and Moises.
~
Much to her dismay, Isaiah did not show up Saturday or Sunday night. Emilia was actually looking forward to seeing him. His absence didn't ruin her weekend, necessarily, but it did bum her out. While they have only been friendly in conversation, she couldn't help but feel at ease when around him. Talking was natural for him and she always felt safe in his presence. Safe to be herself and not anyone else. The same way she felt around Esther is the same way she feels around him, and she craved more of that.
Nah.
She tries to convince herself not to get involved with guys anymore, even if they are nice.
~
Tuesday comes around and she has a shorter shift at the diner. Upon entering through the back door, she sees Esther with a small smile on her face. They don't exchange words, but she knows Esther enough to know something is up. Emilia clocks in, grabs an apron, and sees why Esther was smirking. Isaiah is at the diner sitting in a booth by himself with a book and a notepad. Seeing that he already has his milkshake, she finds a different table to serve. As soon as she opens her mouth to greet her table, she notices him lift his head from his book, but she pays him no mind. After taking their drink orders, she glances at his table and his head is back in the book again. In haste, she grabs the drinks for her customers and leaves them to decide on food for a few minutes. Emilia goes to the back to restock items for up front and she locks eyes with Esther, who is standing on the other side of the kitchen. Esther is on her way to the front, but her eyes stay on Emilia. As they pass each other, Emilia could sense she wanted to say something so desperately, but decides not to. Esther simply glides through the double doors to the front of house. Emilia sighs softly and grabs napkins and silverware. She also wanted to talk to Esther, but didn't know what to say. She knew an apology was owed, but didn't want to hash it out at work. Maybe after work?
Emilia remains in her thoughts as she enters the front of house. Her table is ready to order, and she is forced back to reality. She promptly takes their order and puts the ticket in the window. While passing his table, she notices Isaiah's milkshake cup is empty but hasn't been taken away. Instead of grabbing it, she leaves it for his server to grab. She definitely didn't want to seem desperate for his attention. To avoid his gaze, she turns her back quickly and finds an empty table to wrap silverware in. The diner is always a little slow on Tuesday evenings, so she has time to sit a second and work on menial tasks. After about ten minutes, the food is ready for her table, and she serves her customers. When she steps away, she notices the empty cup is still on Isaiah's table. She resolves to retrieve it.
"Hey, sorry this is just sitting here," she grabs the cup. "I don't know who your server is, but they are not doing a great job."
"Esther," he replies simply, looking up from his notebook. Emilia scoffs. Of course. "But it's not problem at all," he gives a smile and Emilia's cheeks get hot. How is it that he could make her feel such a way with just a simple smile?!
"I'll tell her to pick up the slack," she shifts as to keep his eyes off of her face. Emilia then glances at his book and notebook. "Studying?"
"Yeah. Advanced anatomy. A real page turner," he sighs and Emilia laughs softly.
"I can tell by your excitement," she replies, smiling. His eyes find hers and for a moment the world stops. He breaks eye contact after what feels like an eternity.
"I needed a little motivation, so I decided to get a milkshake to help my studies along," he admits. "I have a serious sweet-tooth."
"Maybe you should see a doctor about that," she quips at him and he laughs.
"It's bad that a medical student should have a sweet-tooth, right?"
"No, you just know what you like. Need another?" she raises her eyebrows.
"Oh, no. One's enough. Thanks."
"Suit yourself."
"I hope you don't think I'm a stalker."
"What-- a stalker?" Emilia is shocked at his words.
"Yeah. I keep running into you and I tried to come here on a night I thought you didn't work. But here I am," he gives a shy smile.
"Oh, it's fine. I didn't think you were stalking me. Is that why you asked about my shifts?"
"Yeah," he answers with a short breath.
"Oh," her eyes veer to the table, then to the floor.
"But, if it doesn't bother you, you might see me here more often. You know, so I can study," he closes both the books.
"I'm not bothered at all. No me importa," she assures him.
"Cool," he gives another smile. "I think I'm gonna head out, though."
"I can ring you up. It was just the milkshake, right?"
"Yeah," he gives her cash.
"Okay, be right back."
"No worries. Give the change to Esther, or split it maybe?"
Emilia smiles. "Sure thing. Thanks."
Isaiah grabs his books and leaves the diner.
Emilia puts his empty glass in dish and looks at the money in her hand. She debated on whether or not she should split it with Esther. She did serve him, so it wouldn't be fair not to.
At the end of the shift, she helps close the front and exits when the lights are turned off. With the money in hand, she approaches Esther as she walks to her car.
"Hey, Esther, hold on a sec," Emilia says to keep Esther from getting in her car right away. As she approaches, she holds out her hand with the money.
"What's this for?"
"From Isaiah. He told me to split the tip with you."
Esther looks at her hand and timidly grabs the money, then a wide smile appears on her face.
"What?" Emilia is perplexed.
"You're welcome," Esther replies cooly.
"For what?"
"Leaving the cup on his table," her smile is now devious and Emilia can't help but smile in return. She even blushes a little. "I left it on his table knowing you would grab it and look what happened," she holds the money up. Emilia lets out a short laugh.
"I should've known."
"Yes, you should have."
A short pauses ensues.
"Esther, I want to say-- I shouldn't have said those things to you. I shouldn't have yelled. I know you're a great friend and that you want what's best for me and Moy. The stress got to me and I should have never done that. I'm sorry." Emilia sighed softly, feeling better after her apology.
"I forgave you a long time ago. Thank you," Esther opens her arms for a hug and Emilia happily accepts. She feels whole in her friend's arms and she is happy to be there again. They let go of their embrace.
"So..." Esther begins.
"So..?"
"When are y'all gonna go out?"
"Girl, please! I don't even wanna think about men right now."
"Okay, okay," Esther puts her hands up. "I'll stay out of it this time."
"No, it's fine. I have a good feeling about Isaiah."
"De verdad?? " Esther's voice rises in pitch.
Emilia blushes and laughs. She missed her friend.
translations:
no me importa- i don't care
de verdad- really? for real?