Page 27 of Twilight of Embers
“That’s all I need. When can you start?”
“Now, if you want.” Relief coursed through me. One less thing to have on my worry list.
“Perfect. Come on back, and I’ll show you the lockers.”
I followed Fiona down a narrow hallway until she paused at a closed door.
“There’s a code to get into the staff room. Three-three-two-eight. Memorize it or put it into your phone.”
I pulled out my cell and plugged it into the Notes app, just in case.
Fiona led me inside and opened one of the six lockers. “You can use this. There’s an apron inside. Don’t need to wear anything fancy for work, but no T-shirts with profanity or miniskirts where I can see your underwear.”
I choked on a laugh. “Is that usually a problem?”
She rolled her eyes. “Some of these kids today. Makes me feel old.”
I understood the sentiment. Sometimes, being faced with Delaney made me feel decades older than my fellow students.
“Get that apron on, and I’ll show you the ropes,” Fiona said.
I quickly slipped my backpack inside the locker and donned the turquoise apron with Spark’s written in cursive letters across the front.
“Ready,” I said, turning to face her.
“You’re quick, I’ll give you that.”
I met Fiona’s stare. “I’ll work hard. I promise.”
“We’ll see,” she muttered.
I thought I’d won her over with my résumé and need for a job, but maybe I still had work to do.
Fiona showed me around the diner, listing off table numbers and how the floor was split into sections. “It’s gonna pick up real soon. That three o’clock hour is full of students, and it’ll stay busy until we close at nine. On weekends, we stay open until midnight. Get a nice business from students trying to eat away their drunkenness. You up for working weekends?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said quickly. I’d take all the hours I could get, and then I’d be spending the rest of the time in the library.
“Glad to hear it. Won’t need you every weekend, but I’ll work you in here and there. Rotating schedule.”
I nodded. “I can make it work whenever you need me.”
“Fair enough. There’s your first table.” Fiona nodded at a table of unfamiliar students.
I got to work, losing myself in the familiar rhythm of taking orders and delivering food. Fiona was right about the busyness factor. More and more students piled in through the doors. Most of the tables filled quickly, other than a single reserved table in my section.
I wiped down another table that had just been vacated, trying to make room for a group waiting to be seated, when movement caught my eye through the window. A black Mercedes G-Wagon pulled into a spot right in front of the diner.
Nothing about the vehicle was run-of-the-mill. The windows were so dark you didn’t have a prayer of seeing inside. The tires were slightly larger than normal, and the spokes were completely black, as well.
I half expected Secret Service agents to pile out of it. I was wrong.
The driver got out first. Easton still had his hair piled into that light brown man bun with gold woven through it. His face was set in a scowl as he slammed his door.
At least I knew his scowls weren’t for me alone.
The passenger door opened, and Knox jumped out. He didn’t have his usual grin in place, but he wasn’t pissed off like his brother, either. He just looked stoically gorgeous.
I forced my gaze away, giving the table one last swipe and motioning to the group waiting by the door. As they sat, I took drink orders and handed out menus.
