"Could you two come in on Saturdays?" Chili decided Maddie and Rafe made a good team. "You know, you're here when Maddie's here, you might as well get paid." Chili smiled at both of them as she set out their hot chocolates at the back booth.
Yes, she knew she was supposed to be employing those with struggles to get back on their feet, but sometimes, it was too much when it came to customer service. She saw how pleased the old timers were to have such young faces around.
Rafe smiled as if he'd been waiting for this moment. Maddie not so much. As if this was her domain even if Rafe was the one who cleaned most of the tables without even asking.
"Just from seven to two," she told the both of them.
"Really?" Rafe sounded as if that wouldn't be right. "Won't you need us a bit longer and a bit earlier?"
"Oh, we have the help, they can do this much," she shrugged. "Besides, you two are still in high school and I know you have a life other than just studying."
Rafe bit a grin. Maddie was still as serious as she ever was.
"So, you'll both wait tables and you know, do what you've been doing." She said she planned on the new help to clean up most of the tables, but sometimes they would probably clean too.
"Brunch is trending these days," Rafe nodded. He still helped at the bakery a few days a week, but it was mostly prepping for the new day in the afternoons and of course, unloading supplies. He wasn't exactly a frontman in his job. "This will give me a good opportunity." He nodded with a sigh.
Chili said she was glad to hear that.
"You and Axton still together?" Rafe wanted to know as she walked away. A cough got caught in Chili's throat. She looked back at him as if he didn't need to know.
"Rafe," Maddie whispered and gave him a scolding look.
"Yes, this is true." Chili nodded, thinking it was best to be open about it. "I mean, we see each other. A lot. But he doesn't live with me."
Rafe looked at his chocolate and took a sip. It was as if Chili had said too much to the wrong person.
Oh dear
ReplyDeleteBlues Hendrix
ReplyDeleteHello Ellie!
I came to wish you a happy Sunday!
All the best. Blues Hendrix 😊
Great text about reality🙂
ReplyDeleteRafe hanging out when Maddie's there :) Oops that question got a reaction...
ReplyDeleteUy las cosas se complican. Genial fragmento. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteOh my. He put his foot in his mouth there!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's interesting.
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because it's Monday that things get complicated!!! Maybe it's blue monday hahaha!!!
I wish you a very happy and creative week!
Oooooo....what's going on with Chili and Axton? It's kinda funny how Rafe just said what was on his head and asked.
ReplyDeletePS That's good to hear it's warming down there now! Same here....still cold but not as bad as before so yay for the little joys of life:D And as always, thanks for the heads up on these shows. Don't Dare To Dream sounds interesting for sure!
Have a great week ahead, Ellie:)
Oh, Rafe, always putting his foot in his mouth! I like to think that Maddie keeps him at least a little in check. As always, the last lines are perfection:
ReplyDelete"Rafe looked at his chocolate and took a sip. It was as if Chili had said too much to the wrong person."
Chili and Axton are definitely in the fragile stage -- but then, those relationships sometimes end up being the strongest.
I can understand your ambivalence about the writer's group. It's hard to share your work when you don't know how it'll be received. For what it's worth, though, I think of you as a serious writer. 📓😃📓😃