It was another monotonous afternoon of serving chicken lettuce wraps and egg rolls. The dining room was gradually emptying as the masses of satisfied customers waddled out the doors. The clock nearly struck 4 o’clock as we anxiously awaited the arrival of the night shift. I cashed out my last table. Ripped off my apron. And bolted for the exit. Freedom at last.
“Arthi! Wait up!”
I panicked. I glanced behind me hoping that the voice was not associated with management or anyone that had the authority to make me stay longer.
Fortunately, it was just Chris. His charming smile and his laid-back vibe seemed to relax me a little bit. I let him catch up.
“Damn girl! What’s the hurry? Hot date tonight?”
“Ha, no. I just really had to get out of there today. Too many picky women. Too many screaming children. Too many assholes. And not enough tipping. If you’re gonna treat me like garbage… at least pay up at the end.”
“I feel ya. Well, hopefully tomorrows a better shift. In the meantime, how bout we go grab some margaritas at juan’s? My treat!”
Who am I to turn down a margarita? Especially a free one.
We made ourselves comfortable on the patio of Juan Jaimez, an upbeat bar just down the street from Chang’s. The sun shined bright and warmed our aching bodies. The sound of rush hour traffic filled the air and the aroma of savory tacos brought on some serious hunger pangs. I leaned back in my chair. Closed my eyes. And with that first sip of Juan’s classic, refreshing margarita, I let myself go…
The sun felt so good soaking into my bare skin. I drifted in and out of sleep with the sound of gentle waves playing in the background. The air was still with a cool breeze that seemed to present itself at just the right moments. My heartbeat was steady. My breathing was easy. I didn’t have a care in the world. Oh Mexico. Don’t let me let you go.
“Arthi? Arthi? ARTHI!”
“Oh my bad.” I shuttered.
“That margarita musta hit the spot, eh?
I guess you could say that…
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Arthi-
ReplyDeleteSounds like someone is in desperate need of some time off from work- I absolutely cannot stand it when people don’t tip well. Also use to waitress, and it is one of the biggest problems for sure. You wrote another excellent story- in every piece, you always describe the setting so well.
The detailed thoughts you put in were perfect, such as the personal ones (Who am I to turn down a margarita)… very cute.
Happy rough drafting!
Mimi
Hey Arthi,
ReplyDeleteYour first paragraph made me hungry with the mention of chicken wraps. I'm a good tipper, so you wouldn't get mad at me, although i am a picky eater so you probably would ha.
I like how you "let him catch up" in the story. It shows that your interested but try not to make it obvious. It was a cool story, and I've never had a margarita, so I hope it tastes as good as you make it sound when I try it. Maybe this weekend when I'm hitting hte slopes in Park City.
Have a good spring break!
Ali Z.