Tessie D

I wasn’t supposed to work last night, but Alex called the house while I was at school and asked me to come in to cover Deidra’s shift so that she could study for an exam. Momma gave me the message as soon as I walked in the house, so I changed into my uniform and drove back into town.

It was a slow shift but I still made good tips. Everyone is really nice at the restaurant, even most of the customers. I love the feeling of working. Not just the money. I mean, I love the feeling of moving around, staying busy, feeling productive. I walk back and across the restaurant hundreds of times each evening, but I can literally feel my legs extend and stretch with each step. I’ve never walked like this before in my life, with a purpose. I can stack and carry the plates and I know that I’ll never drop them. I weave through the tables with tea and water pitchers, refilling drinks. I know that it sounds stupid, but it feels so good. I’ve only ever sat at a desk at school or sprinted laps in gym during PE, which is awful. 

But, this feels different. I could go on for hours and hours moving through the restaurant, and the best part is that I’m getting paid to do it.  

I still haven’t given Momma or Daddy any of my tips. I know that I should. They’ll need the money soon, and I haven’t forgotten the reason that I needed to get the job in the first place. I just don’t want to yet. 

I think it must show—how happy I am—because Alex said something last night. I was sweeping up my area after we closed and Alex came up beside me and watched me for a bit. I felt a little self-conscious at first, him watching me work. 

“You missed a spot.” He said, pointing to a piece of napkin wedged under a table leg. I bent down and picked it up, crumbling it in my pocket. He continued, leaning against one of the tables, “Do you like working here?” 

“Yes, sir. I do.” I bent over and kept sweeping. The broom was a small and short, like something made for a child. I could manage it with one hand, but I was suddenly aware that I was bent over in front of him. I shifted my position that that he was looking at me in profile. If not, he’d either be looking down my top or staring at my butt. 

“Can I tell you a secret?”

I stood up straight, “Yeah, sure. I guess.” I didn’t know what else to say. I had never had a man ask to tell me a secret before. 

“I heard that Benny wants to ask you out.”

I didn’t know what to expect him to say, but it certainly wasn’t that. “Oh, really?” 

“What do you think about that?”

The surprise must’ve shown on my face because Alex laughed. “Why do you look like that? Wouldn’t you like it if he asked you out?” 

I hadn’t really thought of anyone at the restaurant being interested in me. Most everyone were college students or older. I was still in high school. It didn’t make sense that an adult would want to go out with me. I told Alex as much, but he just shrugged.

“I think that might be exactly why some guys would want to go out with you.” I didn’t know what he meant by that, but I felt my cheeks grow warm all the same. “Besides, you know how pretty you are.”

Alex kept looking at me with an odd expression on his face. It was like his mouth and his eyes were not in sync. He was smiling with his mouth but his eyes were darting around my face like he was trying to work out a puzzle. It made me feel awkward and self-conscious, so I stared back at the floor and kept on sweeping. 

“So, are you almost finished?” Alex asked. “I’d like to get out of here soon.”

“Yes. Yes, sir.” I finished up my closing duties as quickly as I could. Still, something felt off, like I had done something wrong but I didn’t know what. I’m trying not to let it dampen my mood.