Page 14 of I Hear You

I look around the diner some more and notice she seems to be the only waitress working and more than half the tables are full. I wonder if someone called out sick or if maybe they’re hiring. I make a mental note to ask before I leave. My pancakes and bacon are placed in front of me a few minutes later, and I dig in. These have got to be some of the best pancakes I have ever eaten in my life, and I devour every bite.

When the waitress comes around with my bill, the diner has slowed down quite a bit. I take the opportunity to ask if they’re hiring.

“Is it that obvious?” She giggles. “You know someone looking for a job?”

“Me,” I say.

“Oh, we rarely get kids your age wanting to work here. Do you have any experience waitressing?”

“Tons.”

She looks at me, pondering for a minute. “If you’re up for the early morning and late-night shifts, the gig is yours.”

“Absolutely! I’m a student over at Pinehurst and my classes are all midday, so it’s perfect! When can I start?” I ask, trying and failing not to sound overly excited.

“How about you come in for the nine to midnight shift tonight and Bev can train you. I’m Joy, by the way. I own the place. It’s been in my family since it was opened in 1956. What was your name, sweetheart?”

“Madison. Madison Cartwright,” I say, leaning over and shaking her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Madison. Let me grab you a uniform before you go. And breakfast is on the house.” She winks and heads to the back.

I can’t believe it. I did it. I found a job on my first day looking. At a place where I can see myself enjoying my time. Maybe I wasn’t fooling myself. Maybe this is where things turn around and I can find some peace and maybe even a little happiness.

I take my new uniform and head back to campus, stopping on the way home at the drugstore. I want to pick up some snacks for my room and a few toiletries. I don’t usually wear a ton of makeup, but knowing I have a job now, I spend a little extra money on a new tube of mascara and blush to treat myself. At any rate, looking a little more put together wouldn’t hurt.

I’m browsing the magazine aisle just to kill some time before the rest of my walk home when I hear a familiar voice, which is strange since I don’t really know anyone in this town. I walk toward the end of the aisle and peek around the corner, curious, and that's when I see him. Henry is standing there all toned, suntanned, and gorgeous. Just like I remembered him from yesterday. He’s at the register buying a bag of chips and a soda. The girl ringing up his items isn’t even trying to hide her infatuation. I can’t blame her. He is literally the definition of a total hunk.

He’s wearing running shoes, joggers that leave very little to the imagination, and a tight white T-shirt. The sleeves on his T-shirt are higher than yesterday's shirt, revealing more of the tattoo on his arm. It looks like the tattoo is script but I’m way too far away to read it. I’m dying to know what it says. I want to run my hand up his bicep and push his shirt up to reveal the rest of the tattoo and then run my tongue along the words and… Oh my god what is wrong with me? I have never fantasized about someone this often; let alone someone I don’t even know. The register girl is handing him his receipt and I duck back into the aisle before he can notice me.

Once I hear the door chime and know he’s gone, I make my way to the checkout. I’ve gotta get out of here and get home before I say or do something stupid.

Music is on full blast when I walk into our dorm room. Taylor is dancing around the room, still in her pajamas, singing along loudly. She beams when she notices me and holds out her hairbrush microphone to me, still singing along. I drop my bag next to my desk and laugh at her incredibly infectious spirit. She turns the music down and plops down in her desk chair.

“You were out and about early this morning,” she says.

“Yeah, I uh, went job hunting.”

“Oh yeah, any luck?”

“Actually, yes. I start over at Main Street Diner tonight!”

“Oh, you’re gonna love it there! Did you meet Joy? She’s basically everyone in town's extra Mom or Grandma. Oh, and you have to try their onion rings, they are to die for!”

“Yeah, Joy is who hired me. I’m excited. I loved the vibe of the place and they seem like they’re busy, so hopefully the tips will be good.”

I rummage around in my drawers for a T-shirt, turning my back to Taylor to switch out my button-up for something more comfortable.

“So, did you have fun last night with your friends?” I ask, turning back around to her.

“Oh yeah, but I totally wish you would have come.”

“Next time,” I promise her. “I think I’m gonna get ahead on some of the reading for classes on Monday and then take a nap before my shift tonight at nine. I’ll be there until close, but I promise I’ll be quiet when I come home.”

Taylor’s cheeks blush.

“Oh my God. I forgot to apologize. Did we wake you last night? I had a few drinks and I know I was probably totally loud. I didn’t even ask if bringing guys back to the room was okay. I feel awful, I am so -”

I cut her off laughing.

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