Brandi

When my sisters finally left, the day went on just about without a hitch. I got some great tips, had the nicest customers I could've asked for, and I felt good. I had a smile on my face the whole day after embarrassing Caine. And man did he deserve it! It amazed me how much men let their dicks control their better judgment. I remembered telling Caine on and on about how horrible my sisters were to me and with him being a psychologist, I thought, "hey, I can get a free session and vent my issues." And so far, I thought that was a good plan.

I never thought I'd end up helping him fall for Maria, but whatever.

It was almost two hours to close and I was itching to get out of here. But when my next customer came in, I didn't want to leave too badly anymore. In walked this man, gorgeous as can be with the most beautiful blue eyes, a muscular build, and an air of confidence surrounding him I could feel, even if he wasn't close to me. I had never been nervous around a man, and for some strange reason, I was nervous about this one. 

I didn't like this.

So, to avoid taking his order, I tried to pawn him off on one of the other waitresses, Carla. When she saw what he looked like, she more than happily obliged. Carla was pretty, she had brown curly hair, high cheekbones, a 100 watt smile, an hourglass figure, and plump lips with the most tantalizing hazel eyes. Not only did she garner the most tips out of the rest of the waitresses, but single men were known to give them her numbers easily. I wanted to see if she could work some magic on this one.

"Twenty bucks says I get his number in twenty minutes." Carla smirked

"You're on, Chica."

I watched her walk over with just a little too much sway in her hips. But hey, she made it look good. You know how men love a curvy young thing.

But as I watched the two, I noticed his eyes again. Something about those eyes were familiar. That couldn't be the man who helped me with my car the other night could it?

And if so, what were the odds of him coming here?

I decided after watching Carla and the man talk for ten minutes that I should at least start cleaning off the other tables so that we could start closing up, so I walked back towards the kitchen for a rag and to fill a bucket with soapy water. After I had done that, I went to go wipe the tables down. Every few minutes, I would peek over and realize that the man who came in didn't have any food, just nursed a drink. By this point, Carla was gone and was in the kitchen with the other waitresses.

I was on my last table when I heard the man call out for me.

"Excuse me, miss?"

Immediately my legs went to jello. That voice. Ugh, Jesus! The right amount of hoarseness and deepness. It even commanded authority as well. Just like the rest of him. 

Alright, get a grip Brandi! He's just a guy. 

I walked over towards him confidently wondering if he was finally ready to order.

"Yes sir, how may I help you?"

"Brandi? You're the woman I helped the other night."

"How did you know?"

"That accent. I'd know it anywhere." He smiled

I fought to contain a blush and I cleared my throat.

"Did you want something to eat? The kitchen is about to close soon so I wanted to make sure."

"No I'm fine. I actually came here for you."

My face grew hot.

"How'd you know I worked here?"

"Remember you still had on your uniform when I stopped to help you. The flashlight illuminated the logo on your shirt a few times."

"Oh. I guess you came to deliver that bill huh?" I smirked

"Actually, no, I uh was taking care of some business and I realized where I was. I just wanted to come in and check the place out, thought I could run into you and talk."

I guess he saw the look on my face because he backtracked .

"I didn't want to frighten you. I promise, I was in the neighborhood closing a deal."

"Oh really? Then what do you do?"

"I own a club downtown."

"Oh, that's cool."

"You don't seem so interested." 

"I've more than likely have been to it. Me and my roommates go to a new club every Friday."

"Oh really now? I doubt you've been to mine."

"And I bet I have."

"How about I take you Friday?"

"You're asking me on a date?" I smirked

"Why not?"

"I hardly know you."

"That's why people go on dates, to get to know each other." He teased

"But to a club though? I don't think that's a good idea for a first date."

"Look...why don't you think about it? If you change your mind, call me."

He slid his number towards me on a napkin, paid for his drink and stood, walking out of the restaurant. I stood there for a few more seconds and slightly took the napkin and put it into my pocket. 

I cleaned the table like nothing had happened and then, went into the back to join the other waitresses.

~~~~~~

A few weeks later, I and my roommates were heading out to a night on the town. Jonathan was even going to meet us there, along with Carla. I don't know, after that night in the restaurant, she warmed up to me more. Of course, I was twenty dollars richer since she didn't get the number like expected.

As for me, I hadn't called Josh and I wasn't planning on it. Thinking about it, did I really need any male attention right now? What I wanted to do was focus on my business plan to get my restaurant up and running successfully. For years I had been squaring money away from my checks since I was about fifteen. I had saved over ten thousand dollars in that ten years and I had told no one about it. I wanted to save up at least thirty thousand for the part of town I wanted to be at and actually buy out the person that owned the property. I wanted my restaurant to be mine and not have to pay a lease on it. But at this rate, I would be saving up for awhile. I was already twenty four and saving was getting harder and harder with what life was throwing at me. I knew eventually I'd have to buy a new car. And eventually, I knew everyone would be moving on. Jack and Evan were already talking of moving away to California soon if Jack got a postion with the firehouse he was eyeing. That, and Evan and him were engaged, and since we lived in Virginia, they couldn't get legally married here. So, soon it would be just me and Amber. And even I didn't know how long that would last.

Ellie was still away for another year and I knew when she go back she'd stay with me. But, what if that changed too? I don't know, all of this change was putting me on edge and making me a bit sad. But we were getting older now, this was inevitable.

Which is why tonight and nights just like it were so much more important to me.

I was putting on the final touches of my makeup when I heard skype ringing behind me. I knew it had to be Ellie, and hastily, I answered it.

Instantly the screen lit up and I saw her smiling face on it. She had lost so much weight and was glowing. My girl was killing it like she always did.

"Hey El! Long time no talk to."

"Well, you do work all night long. By time I call, you're usually not home. I miss you guys."

"We miss you too! How's the DR?"

"Beautiful. The people here in my village are so nice. And the kids are so cute! They teach me something new everyday." She smiled

"You seem so happy."

And for some reason, I got teary eyed. After everything that happened with Leo last year, Ellie got to a dark place and we almost lost her. But seeing her now, is something I'm so excited to see. You'd never expect the girl she was last year to be the woman she is now.

"Are you crying?" She asked concerned

"No chica, I'm just happy you're happy."

She smiled widely and was about to say something when a voice came from her background telling her in Spanish that it was time for school.

"Oop, gotta go teach these little monsters. Are everyone else doing okay?" She asked

"Everyone's fine. I'll talk to you soon."

"You know it."

We did our kisses and then hung up. I dabbed my eyes and fixed my make up where it smudged. After that, I joined everyone else outside.

"Bout time you got out here, I thought I'd have to come get you." Jack commented

"Sorry, I was talking to Ellie."

"How's she doing?"

"She's good. She looks happy." I smiled

"Good. I can't wait to talk to her tomorrow." Evan beamed

"It'll be tomorrow before we leave. Is everyone ready now?" Jack asked impatiently

"Yes Jack, we can go now sheesh."