Chapter 2

The next morning when I headed downstairs, there was a man I've never seen before. Like come on. Sure, my system was getting accustomed to sudden changes. Let's say I just graduated high school, moved across the country, and got a new job. You know, just a hypothetical. At least I prepared for all that. But walking into the kitchen and seeing some random dude chilling first thing at 7:30 in the morning? That's just not fair, guys.

He was sitting next to Liz at the table, sipping coffee while on his laptop like a natural inhabitant. I wish I could say he looked out of place in his business attire, but Liz was clad in a white blouse, slacks, and cute wedges. So yeah, in my pajamas and messy hair, I looked like a bum compared to them.

My disheveled appearance isn't what grabbed the guy's attention though. When he saw me enter the kitchen, he smiled in amusement and shock. "Oh my god, Liz, you could have prepared me! She looks nothing like you! Look at that thick dark curly hair. You guys are not related, there is no way."

Might as well roll with it I guess. "Damn right I don't look like her. I would never dye my hair blonde," I joked.

"Hopefully you don't cook like her either. Constantly, I tell your sister to put some oregano in the eggs for flavor, but nope, she never listens. Or to at least buy fresh bacon instead of prepackaged tasteless garbage. For the few times she does cook."

"That sounds about right," I said, sitting down with a banana muffin. (I loved banana anything – and you are more than welcome to interpret that however you want).

Liz caught my gaze. "This is my co-worker David, the mooch that lives next to us."

"Oh, it's nice to meet you! I'm Josephine," I smiled. Thanks for the heads up, Liz. Would have loved to know he enjoyed early visits to our side of the wall. Or shit, maybe it was a late-night visit instead...? He put my theory to rest though.

He turned the laptop towards Liz. "Look at that. Your client would love that finished basement. All that needs to be replaced is that gaudy carpet." Then he looked to me. "By the way, since my bedroom is on the other side of yours, you may want some ear-plugs. I tend to raise a little hell with the men I bring home."

Liz laughed. "Oh yeah right! Jos, don't listen to this liar. You could press an ear to the wall and the only thing you may hear is his cat running around. And that was even before he was in a serious relationship," she added teasingly to him.

"Shut up, she doesn't need to know I'm in a committed relationship. It's hard for me to even admit."

"He's a dull and quiet old lady, Jos. Don't worry."

I scoffed in relief. "Good because I was scared for a minute."

"Old lady? You're one to talk since you look twice sister's age."

"She is 18 and only 11 years younger than me," Liz defended.

"Only," he snorted.

From where we were sitting around the table, we could hear mom getting ready on the second floor above us. Liz was going to drop her off at the airport on her way to work. Until then, she continued trying to include me in her conversations with David. Despite feeling like the third wheel, I could appreciate her efforts. It was nice knowing she wanted me to feel welcome and included.

Once her lively friend David left for work, Liz made a point to say, "I hope you're okay with him being over here sometimes. It's usually just for coffee in the mornings. Sometimes we carpool together depending on if our schedules line up that day."

"Does he have a key?"

"No, I always just unlock the backdoor for him." Looking to the clock again, she rolled her eyes. "Mom sure hasn't changed at all, has she?"

"Not at all. You'll be lucky if she's even dressed at this point."

Liz shouted towards the stairs. "Mom! We have to get going!"

After several minutes, and being rushed a few more times by Liz, she finally came downstairs. "I'm ready now. Geesh."

That was Liz's que. "I'll be in the car. I grabbed your bags," she said as she walked out.

With a sad smile, I met mom at the door. "Hopefully you have a smooth flight home."

"It will be nothing. I am a master flyer. You just focus on school. That's all I want you to worry about," she said sternly, giving me a big loving hug.

"Call me when you make it home, okay?" There was a high chance she would forget.

"Sure sweetie. Be safe." Without another glance, she was out the door. Not before calling back to me jokingly. "Remember the rule: don't get pregnant."

"Because that was always an issue with me," I chuckled.

Then, I was alone. I let out a deep breath – both in relief and sadness. Though we don't really say it, we would miss each other. Mom and Liz were very alike though, so I took solace in knowing the only thing she's thinking about is wine, getting home, and catching up on her stupid soap operas.

It was my first full day here and I had the house to myself. Talk about paradise. Sure, all I did was relax and spend the day unpacking the rest of my things, but I had no other major concerns. Let me tell you, it was definitely strange. I didn't have to worry about anyone but me now. Liz didn't even get home until after 10 that night. Not like I minded. Though I liked spending time with her (and wanted to get closer), I was fairly independent.

That didn't mean I didn't want to meet people or make friends. That was the only exciting prospect of working at Sullivan's.

My boss, Vince, seemed fun and caring enough. When I went in and picked up my uniform the next day, he was very easy-going and reassured me I would love working there. Of course, he had to say that. The guy owned the place.

From when I walked through the front glass doors, there was a wide range of seating. Against the far back wall to the right was the bar. Left of the bar, and against the same wall, was a hall to the kitchen. It was pretty standard. The uniform was also pretty standard. Red short-sleeve polo with either black slacks or shorts.

However, I learned my lesson about shorts on my first official day on the job.

The shift went smoothly – when it came to the actual work. I barely needed any training since I've been a waitress before. However, I never wore shorts while working before, so I also never knew how many men were pigs. I caught several guys from the bar staring at my long legs. It didn't bother me until one kept making excuses to talk to me, which was annoying. So, slacks it is from now on. Should have known being awkwardly tall made me completely irresistible.

When it came to my co-workers, everyone made me feel welcome. For the most part. Most of them were under 30 and seemed like down-to-earth people. But... there was always that one person. You guys know what I'm talking about. There is always that one bitch you can't stand that comes with every job. Here, that bitch was Madison.

"You always need to make sure everything looks good on the plate before you take it out. If not, you'll need to take it back to the kitchen."

"Was something not okay that I took out?" I asked, confused.

"No, I just wanted to remind you," she said in her ditsy voice.

"Oh, I appreciate it, but you don't have to worry. I'm not saying I know everything, but I've actually been a waitress before," I smiled and said with reassurance.

"Every place is different, sweetie." She rolled her eyes. "It's okay, you'll learn."

Sweetie? This chick looked younger than me.

A few people already warned me about her abrasive and condescending nature. Zack, the bartender that night, gave me a quick rundown of everything, including her. I guess she had a tendency of bossing people around and correcting the smallest things in order to feel superior. I was hoping they were exaggerating, but by the end of the night, I fully agreed. Thank god I was only part time. After working tomorrow, I would be off for a few days. I still haven't seen the ocean yet, so that would be priority one! God, I couldn't wait. Just one more shift to go (as if I actually worked a fuck ton already).

***

Liz had already gone to work by the time I headed downstairs in my baggy pajama shirt and shorts. There was a pile of mail sitting on the round dining table, but she set one envelope aside where I would notice it. My name was scrawled in black ink across it. Huh. I never get any mail. Must be more college bullshit.

The second I picked it up, I had to raise a brow. There was something inside that wasn't just paper. Opening it carefully, I pulled out a card and a necklace. Not just any necklace though. My grandmother's necklace. She loved jewelry, and this dull ruby pendant surrounded by tarnished silver was one of her favorites. She always wore it....

"What?" I mouthed. Carefully setting down the necklace, I opened the card.

Josephine,

Congratulations on the big move! You've grown into such a beautiful young lady and I am so proud of all you've done and all you will do. We now live far apart, so I want you to have a piece of me with you. Always wear it and know I have so much faith in you!

Love, grandma.

A tinge of warmth and sadness came over me. Though it pained me to leave mom, grandma was a whole different level. She was warmer and didn't have as hard of a shell – which made me more protective and open with her. I can honestly say I would talk with her more than any other family back home. She was spunky like mom, but had a more gentle side. So for her to give this to me, when she wore this all the time... it meant so much. It was definitely aged, but that made it almost better.

After clasping it behind my neck, I sat down and gave her a call. Honestly, I had to be cautious though. Every phone call to her seemed like a gamble now. I called her a few days ago after I got settled in here and was reminded just how bad her dementia was getting. She forgot that I was even moving last time we spoke. Thankfully, today was much better for her memory – or at least it started that way.

"My sunshine girl! How's it going? You survive your first few days in that fancy new house?" her voice chimed over the speaker.

"Yeah, it's been a life of luxury. That's one good thing about Liz working a lot I guess. I get it all to myself and can eat all her food," I said lightly.

"So how's the new restaurant gig going?"

"My first day was yesterday. So far, I learned I can't wear shorts without guys staring."

"Must be a small town where they aren't used to seeing any ankle," she joked.

"I don't know about that. One girl absolutely loves showing skin. Everyone there is great and nice except for her. I'm not excited to see her today, but I shouldn't judge her yet. I only worked with her yesterday. Maybe she was just in a bad mood," I said lightly.

"Oh, well it's good to have hope. But I doubt it."

"Really?" I laughed.

"Stop turning the other cheek, Josephine, I am sure she is a bitch and one every day."

"I have a feeling you're right," I chuckled. I missed how funny she was. She was the kindest person, but she knew how to make anyone laugh. Her sweet and innocent aging voice made her daring attitude that much more hilarious.

"The way to deal with her is simple. She keeps it up, show her who the boss is. You might even have to drag her out back and teach her a lesson."

"A lesson?"

"There was one time I laid out Mrs. Fender across the street with the good ole 'one-two' to the face. She hasn't messed with me since."

"No, you did not," I laughed.

"Well... I could have. I've thought about it enough times."

"Oh whatever! You take her meals and cookies all the time," I threw back at her. "Back when you were still driving, you even chaffered her around town."

"Doesn't mean I always wanted to."

"Oh, that reminds me. Someone picked up your prescription, right?"

"You're not my drug dealer anymore, sweetie. Don't worry. Patty took care of it."

"You know how much I like Patty," I mumbled, rolling my eyes.

I was as concerned about her wellbeing as much as I was mom's. Grandma still lived on her own, but I was her proud chaffer and would sometimes run her errands. She became really reliant on me when she would start forgetting things. Now that I moved, she had to rely on other family and friends. I just hope they're as responsible and take it as seriously as I did.

"Anyway grandma, I just wanted to let you know that I got an awesome gift in the mail this morning. I'm already wearing it too and don't think I'll ever take it off," I smiled.

"Oh you did? That's great honey. What is it?"

"Your necklace, remember?"

"What necklace?"

Closing my eyes, my giddy mood came to a pause. "Remember? You sent me your necklace."

"I did?"

"Yeah, you sent me one of your favorite necklaces and got me a card."

"I don't think so, sweetie. Are you sure it wasn't from someone else?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure," I said with a light voice and chuckle despite my watering eyes.

"Huh. How strange."

It's been almost a year since her dementia got bad, but there was no getting used to it. Made me feel even more guilty for moving away. But she was one the few that knew school wasn't my main reason of wanting to come out here. She knew I was miserable at home, so she always pushed me to put myself first. It was still a concept I struggled with.

Her sending the necklace to me wasn't a mistake. She was in the right state of mind when she wrote that letter. I just had to remember that. Grandma was still grandma. She proved that before our call ended.

"I will talk to you soon, sweetie. You worry about having fun instead of worrying about me or your mom, okay? We are adults. Kind of."

"Oh, I know, sometimes I just can't help it," I chuckled, blinking away my tears.

"Well, I love you honey. Have a good time at work tonight!"

"I will! I love you too!"

***

Staring into the mirror after I showered, I grimaced at the daily struggle of my hair. I don't know what you guys think, but curly hair was not worth having sometimes. After brushing through my loose coils and letting them dry, I pulled my brown hair up into a ponytail away from my face. It allowed me to easily apply my make-up next – except to my brows.

My eyebrows never needed make-up, they were that thick. Hell, I was always plucking the shit out of those monsters. Though they made me a little self-conscious, everyone always said they made my blue eyes and light complexion stand out. Then again, they might have just felt bad for me.

After putting on my slacks and shirt, I experimented with the polo buttons. My goal was to deter the drunk losers from checking me out tonight. Which made no sense to begin with. I was nothing special. I considered myself average-looking aside from my 5'9 height. Sure, I did have a small waist and nice bust, but so what? Since some of the guys were regulars, they were probably just enticed because I was new.

With the five buttons, I tried to find a good balance between 'cleavage' and 'Amish.' Buttoning three didn't seem bad. As if that one extra button compared to before would do anything. If they keep openly staring after this, it might be time just to kick their asses. You know, because that is totally something I could do.

Honestly, I was closer to kicking Madison's ass after I got to work. Even though this was only my second night working, there was no reason for her to nit-pick and shit on me.

I was grabbing an order of cheese sticks from the serving window when she came up to me. "Hey Josephine, could I give you some advice?"

"Sure! I just need to take this to my table first." Mind you, I was being super nice!

"Just real quick. I've been watching you tonight, and I noticed you've been stiff and short with some people. You need to be more relaxed and playful with your costumers."

"So if someone is rude or checking me out, I'm supposed to be relaxed and fun?"

"You can be polite at least like me," she said condescendingly.

All I wanted was to come to work, do my job, and go home a good noodle. She was making it very difficult to be a good noodle. Instead of responding, instead of showing an ounce of frustration... I just walked past her to the dining area with the food.

"You're right, Madison. I'll be so polite, I'll go home with one of these creeps like your whore ass probably does. That should be polite enough," I mumbled to myself. Smiling when I reached the couple's table, I set their cheese sticks down. "There you go! Have we decided on anything else or did you folks want a few more minutes?" I asked – in a nice manner like I always did to people that didn't disrespect me.

Once they placed their dinner order, I headed back to quickly give it the kitchen. Then, since she didn't piss me off enough, Madison showed her dolled-up face again to me.

"You have another group that just sat in your section. Now really, loosen up. I can even lend you some of my old make-up sometime to really make you pop and stand out."

Be good. Good fucking noodle. "That's nice of you, but no thanks."

Before I could greet my next table, I walked up to the bar with a scowl where two beers were waiting for a different table of mine. Jesus, I didn't know how much more of her shit I could take tonight. It wasn't even her words, but that degrading tone that killed me. Grabbing a beer in each hand, I turned to take them to one of my tables.

And I spun directly into a man walking out of the bathroom.

"Oh!" I exclaimed as both beers splashed onto him and the floor. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry."

He stopped in place with a deep sigh.

Flustered, I spun back to the bar, slapped the messy glasses down, and gave the ridged man some napkins. Ugh, there was a huge wet splotch on his polyester shirt! "Sir, I am so very sorry for this," I repeated.

"It's... it's alright," he mumbled in annoyance as he tried drying his shirt.

Appearing to be in his late 20s, his fair-skinned expression showed he was disillusioned. Like he had better things to deal with. His darker blonde hair was well-kept, but a few thick locks curved down towards his scrunched brow. His brawny shoulders made him even more intimidating. Intimidating or attractive? Whichever one it was made this moment more embarrassing.

I rubbed my forehead in distress. "I'm so sorry, I'm such a klutz and should have been paying better attention."

Not sparing me a glance, he walked away, still half-heatedly dabbing at his shirt. Oh nice. He even sat down at one of my tables too, so he probably just arrived. Fucking wonderful.

"You alright?" Zack asked from behind the bar.

"Yeah, I'm going to clean this up."

"Don't worry, I'll get it. I'll take care of those beers too."

"Oh, um, thanks!" Great. Now I didn't even have time to stall before facing the man again. Why did he have to sit in my section?

Seeing he was across from another gentleman, I grabbed two menus and neared them. The guy sitting across from him was a younger man – in both appearance and attitude. His wavy brown hair was carefree, like his eyes. He had the same square facial structure and jaw as the man across from him. Except he easily smiled.

"Hi, I'm Josephine, and I will be your waitress this evening," I said in a light voice, setting down the menus before turning to the man I embarrassingly poured beer on. "Again, I am very sorry about what happened a moment ago, sir."

The younger man's face lit up in humor. "Oh, you're the one that did that?"

Damp-shirt man looked to me blankly. "Can I have just a water?"

"Of course. Because of my klutzy mistake, I'll even take the water off your bill," I smirked, immediately wanting to slap myself for such a stupid joke. "And what can I get you to drink?" I asked the other man.

"I'll do Maker's Mark on the rocks."

"Jamie."

"You know what? Let's make it a double."

"Jamie. We're working tonight."

The nice one, Jamie, gave me another charming smile. "Pardon my brother. He's boring and no fun. A dull ice water for him and a double Maker's Mark for me."

"Okay. May I see your ID?'

He handed me his ID. Seeing he was 22, I handed it back. "I will be right back with those. I promise I won't spill these ones on you guys," I laughed.

Well, that awkward moment was over (of course, after I made it more awkward with my stupid jokes). At least they didn't switch tables to get a less dorky waitress. Regardless, I gave Zack their drink order with a sigh. As I waited for the drinks, bitch face came back up to me. It was a class-A bitch face too with her straightened brown hair, youthful make-up covered face, and the condescending glint in her eyes.

She bluntly sneered, "Did you seriously spill beer on someone?"

"Yup, I did. Because I'm clumsy. That's how I am," I said simply, shrugging.

"This is what I mean. You don't even want to try to better yourself here."

"Okay," I scoffed, amused at her ridiculous words.

"Would you like me to take over some tables for you? Would that help? Clearly you can't handle it."

"Don't you have enough tables to ignore already?" I asked while mimicking her ditsy voice. Taking the water and glass of bourbon Zack set down, I swiftly moved past her.

The stiff and jaded brother looked up and caught my eyes as I neared them. Not with annoyance. Not even interest. It was just an observing gaze. Gotta say those brown eyes didn't look half bad when they weren't trying to stab me. He looked back to his brother by the time I set their drinks down in front of them.

"It's Josephine, right?" the younger one asked.

"Yes it is," I smiled.

"You must have drama with another waitress, huh?" he chuckled, glancing past me towards the bar. "She's staring daggers at you."

I pursed my lips in amusement. "I don't have drama. She does," I chuckled lightly. "I don't know why exactly, but she likes to instigate things. She is probably not use to people talking back to her."

"Don't worry about her. Karma will catch up to her," he said, sipping his drink.

"Well, karma couldn't come sooner," I joked, clasping my hands together. "Anyway, have you two decided on anything to eat or are you guys alright with the drinks?"

"We're fine for now," the dirty blonde said flatly.

His answer freed me up to focus on my other tables. However, the two of them did intrigue me. Truly, I wasn't sure why either. Every time I glanced over to them, they seemed invested in whatever they were talking about. They even had a file and a couple papers they were scanning over.

Thanks to my comment, Madison went from being a 10-year-old brat to a seven-year-old brat as the night progressed. She wasn't scared to bump into my looming figure and rolled her eyes openly at me. Yes, her immaturity level was laughable. It certainly made me laugh anyway.

Then karma finally arrived.

While I was heading towards one of my tables, Madison was weaving through the dining room. She had a large tray of food balanced on her shoulder with her hand. Not sure what caused it. If it was someone's purse or a chair. But all of a sudden... she tripped and fell right to the wooden floor. I saw it from my side-vision. The glass dishes, the food, everything she was carrying, smashed onto the ground next to her! Thank god she at least was okay and didn't look seriously hurt.

The ear-screeching interruption was followed by silence in the entire place. I found my hand clasped over my mouth in surprise. I'm ashamed to say that hand hid a forming smile. She grunted, promptly stood up, and retrieved to the back with a scowl. Part of me felt bad – until she refused to clean up her mess afterwards.

"Looks like that girl got a little of what she had coming," Jamie said after paying their bill.

"Yeah, you could say that. Usually, I'm the one spilling and breaking things."

"I never would have guessed," the older one added.

"I am sorry again. I can almost guarantee it wouldn't happen again if you come back."

He actually half smiled when he stood. "Worst things have happened."

Before following him out with his leather file-folder, Jamie tossed some money on the table. "I'm sure I'll see you around. Congratulations on moving here too. It's a nice little town. Anyway, have a goodnight," he said, giving my arm a light touch.

I stood there confused. Huh. I didn't recall telling him that I just moved here. Obviously, I must have though. I was also taken aback when I noticed he tipped me 20 bucks. 20 freaking dollars for hardly anything. I didn't recall blowing him in the bathroom, so I guess it was possible for nice guys to exist. Well, at least one nice guy. His older brother was rather standoffish.

Yet it was his older brother that stayed in my mind. Not sure why. We barely spoke, he wasn't exactly nice, and there wasn't anything special about him. He was good looking, but so were a lot of people. I just couldn't place it. Then again, it wasn't often I spilled beer all over someone only to then be their waitress.