Strings (1 of 2)

Monday comes sooner than I would like after an amazing weekend with Nathan.

It is strange to think we met about a month ago already. It feels like yesterday that I saw his concerned dark eyes glowing at me at the back of the hotel. In another sense, it feels like I have known him much longer, as cliché as that is. We have a bond that will be difficult to break when I move. I hate to admit it, but it was a bit lonely waking up without his arms wrapped around me this morning, something I have grown used to - and fond of.

But I am also eager to start working today. Jake gave me the lunch shift for my first day to get used to things and I can't wait to begin. 

This will be good for me - something to do for the summer and pass the days until I move, maybe make some new friends, get paid. I don't need the money, but it will be nice to have some of my own. Money that I earned with my own two hands that no one just gave me.

A part of me is worried I won't be good enough. I have zero experience with any serving job - any job for that matter - and I don't want to fail at the first one. Especially not after I told my parents and Anna... and Dean. They all seemed genuinely happy and proud, I don't want to let them down. 

I bite the inside of my cheek nervously as I walk over to the restaurant in black jeans and a black t-shirt, as close as I can get to what I remember Jake wearing when I was here a few weeks ago.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I fumble around in my back pocket to grab it. My nerves increasing my nausea as I get closer and the building is now in sight.

'You got this, babes!' A text from Jade reads and I smile, replying a quick thank you. I'm surprised she remembered, she is usually quite airheaded.

Another text appears as I hit send on my reply to Jade.

'Good luck x' 

My smile grows as I reread Nathan's message a few times. I can't help the butterflies forming at his use of 'x'. He has never done that before...

'Jakey better keep his hands to himself...' his next text reads. Is he five? Jakey?

I roll my eyes and reply as I walk up the entrance path to the restaurant.

'Relax... I think he is gay.' I reply and quickly type another. 'Oops, never mind, he just grabbed my ass... definitely not gay.'

I giggle and slide my repeatedly buzzing phone in my pocket as I open the door. He is so easy to mess with, it's almost not fun anymore.

No, that's a lie. It is always fun. I wish I could see his face right now.

"Hey Jake!" I beam as I walk up to the counter to meet his smiling face.

"Emily! Wow you came early and dressed in uniform already? Good first impression." He says and winks at me, making my nerves settle.

"I aim to please." I smile. "Thank you again for giving me some shifts. I'm very excited!"

"I can tell." He replies and chuckles as I blush a little. "But no, really, it's no problem. We need the help here for the summer and you are a good pick for the hostess role."

I nod eagerly and grin. "So how do I start?"

Jake motions for me to come behind the desk and join him. He walks through the job duties with me slowly and patiently for the next hour before the restaurant opens. He is a good teacher. Very kind.

He shows me the steps for using the computer system and what to do when customers come. Basically, I just have to remember to keep track of the tables being filled in the program and the number of people at each. It doesn't seem difficult, much easier than serving.