Strings (1 of 2)

Chapter 24 - Day One

After he leaves to check on the kitchen, I take some deep breaths and sit down to relax before the lunch rush begins shortly. I appreciate Jake being so helpful, it lifts the stress of my first day tremendously.

I take out my phone for a second to check my texts before Jake comes back. Several annoyed texts from Nathan show up and I roll my eyes. He is so dramatic, my text was obviously sarcastic earlier. Like Jake would ever touch me, let alone grab my ass.

I really don't know how Nathan could think Jake is interested in me. I've known him since high school and he has never made a move or hinted at it at all.

I turn to look back towards the kitchen to make sure Jake is not coming back yet. When there is no sign of him, I dial Nathan's number and wait as it rings.

On the fourth ring the call picks up.

"What?" His voice growls into the phone.

"That's how you answer phone calls?" I ask, annoyed at his tone.

"Oh sorry, I thought someone else was calling." He replies after a second. 

He sounds distracted, like he is talking to someone else near him. But his voice is too muffled to make out what they are saying.

I stare at the desk in front of me silently, waiting for him to say something else to me... but he doesn't.

"You sound busy. I'll call you later on my break." I say and move the phone to hang up.

"No wait!" I hear him yell and I move the phone back to my ear. "Sorry, I was talking to someone I work with." He sounds clearer now, more focused.

I exhale a breath I didn't know I was holding and tap my fingers across the desk.

"I just wanted to tell you I was joking before. He didn't touch me." I admit and he chuckles, making me smile.

"I figured as much after a bit." He replies and I giggle.

"You love to mess with me." He says and I can tell he is smiling. This is the Nathan I like.

"That I do." I joke as I hear Jake's voice getting closer. "I have to go. You are still picking me up right?"

"If you bring me breadsticks." He says and I grin.

"Deal."

I hang up and shove the phone in my back pocket right before Jake appears in front of me.

"So, ready for your first shift? Any questions?" He asks and I can tell he genuinely wants to help if I do have questions. 

I smile and shake my head. "I think I'm ready to go."

"I think so too." He says and our first customers walk in.

---

My shift passes quickly, thankfully it is quite busy for a Monday lunch rush. There have been no hiccups and no angry customers yet, which makes it easier.

Now that it's 3pm there is a little lull and Jake asks me to fold the napkins and silverware together. It's tedious but an easy task to focus on to pass the time before my shift ends at 4.

"So it is true..." A familiar voice says, startling me. I didn't even hear the door open...

I recover quickly and place the fork I'm holding down on the desk.

"Very true." I reply and grin as I look up to Dean's smiling face. 

He stands in front of the desk in a grey suit with thin white stripes and a white buttoned up shirt under his jacket. The small dark circles under his eyes make him look tired, but he is still as handsome as ever.