Page 2 of Shade
“Thanks,” I say, nodding.
“Roxanna, I’m going to need to have you close tonight,” Lucy says, looking at me.
I glance at her as I grab the tray to clean up the table.
“Yes, I can stay late and close,” I say, nodding.
“Good, I’m going to get going,” Lucy says, handing me the keys.
I take the keys and slide them into my pocket. I walk over to clean and wipe down the table.
Of course, I’ll take all the extra hours I can get.
I arrange the napkins, salt, and pepper. I push in the chairs, nodding.
I return to pick up the plates Frank has ready. He slides the plates on the countertop. I take them, walking over to the table with the teenage boys.
“Here you go,” I say, smiling.
“Thanks,” the boys say.
They grab the burger and take bites, and shove some fries. I walk away, rolling my eyes.
The loud sound of motorcycles has me stopping to look outside the window. The bikers ride down the street making all of the damn noise. I look at the black vests and at the devil image in the center. They look like trouble, and my gut twists. I take a step back and walk to the kitchen in the back.
Something about those bikers scares me. I can feel it in my gut that they’re trouble. My gut is never wrong.
Oh hell, I hope that they don’t come in.
Thank god that the night is over. I close up and walk down the street to my apartment. I don’t like walking home at night, but it’s only a few blocks.
I take long strides, scanning the area for any potential threats.
Yeah, I’m fucking paranoid!
I was attacked, but thankfully, they took my purse.
I should get a gun.
But how will I learn to use it?
A knife would be better.
Ha, that won’t work. The son of bitches will take the weapons and use them on me.
Geeze, I need to get a car.
Yes, after I get my new job.
I walk down my street to my apartment. I start to feel better now that I’m close to home. I walk up the stairs to my apartment.I open the door and walk inside, locking it. I don’t turn on the lights and walk to the bedroom. I grab my favorite oversized t-shirt and leggings. I go to take a shower, pulling off my clothes. I turn on the shower and brush my teeth while it gets hot.
I close my eyes, enjoying the hot water running down my back, erasing the sweat and the aches of working all day.
I lather my skin and wash my hair with the only extravagant luxury that I allow myself, my scented body and hair wash. It smells incredible, fresh, floral, and clean.
I get out, pat dry, and pull on my clothes to sleep. I walk out of the bathroom, and I go to the bedroom, rubbing the towel on my hair to dry it. I spread the towel over the chair and climbed up to the top bed. I like it up here because I feel it’s more private. I crawl onto the bed and rest my head on the pillow. I roll onto my side, closing my eyes.
I’m falling asleep when the damn loud roar of motorcycles wakes me. I push up, looking around the room.
