Time and Time Again(3)

I don’t know why, but that little fact surprises me.

He unlocks the car with the press of a button then opens the driver’s side door. “I do.”

Is he married? I ignore any disappointment I feel because it has no reason to be here.





My apartment isn’t in the best neighbourhood, but it isn’t in the worst either. It is a small, one bedroom unit. To most, it may not seem like much, but it’s clean and it works for me. I have some awesome neighbours too.

“I know these apartments,” Tag says, glancing up at them through the window. “Knew a girl who lived here.”

I could only imagine how he “knew” her.

“Thanks for the ride. You didn’t have to, but I appreciate it.”

He rests one hand on the steering wheel and turns his body to me. “Couldn’t let a pretty thing like you go home by yourself.”

I roll my eyes at him. “I’ve managed thus far.”

His mouth twitches. “Never heard a woman say ‘thus’ before. Do you want me to walk you in?”

“I think I can manage,” I reply in a dry tone that makes him laugh.

“Give me your phone.”

I hand him my phone, and he presses buttons. “Now you have my number. Call me if you need anything, alright?”

I nod. “Sure. Thanks again.”

I get out and close the door, making sure not to slam it. When I walk up the first floor’s stairs to my door, I turn to see him still waiting there for me to enter. I open the door then turn to wave at him. Only then does he pull out of the car park. Smiling to myself, I lock the door behind me.

*****

I catch the eight AM bus the next morning and arrive at Knox’s at eight twenty. I walk past the bar and sit on a lonely bench, wasting time before my nine o’clock shift. My stomach growls, but I ignore it. I don’t know when payday is, but I assume it will be a week before I see any of the money. I need to save what little I have for bus fare. Last night, I ate toast and an apple for dinner, and the same this morning. My fruit supply, however, is now gone, so options for dinner tonight will be limited. On the bright side, next week I would have money for whatever I need. I left my landlord a note asking if I could pay him then. I wouldn’t be able to pay it all off, but some of it at least. I hoped he found it in his heart to let me. I would pay every cent off of course, as soon as I was able to.

“Are you Clara?”

I turn to the masculine voice, instantly standing up. “I am.”

The man smiles easily and puts out his hand. “I’m Ryan.”

“Nice to meet you, Ryan. Thank you for the job,” I blurt out to the handsome man. Thank you for the job? Did I even definitely have the job?

Ryan’s lips kick up at the corners. “You’re welcome. Tag wouldn’t have it any other way. Come on. Let me show you the ropes.”

I follow him inside the restaurant section of the bar where twelve tables await customers.

“Have you ever waitressed before?” he asks, studying me.

“No,” I reply, licking my lips. “I worked reception at a hotel in my last job. But I’m a fast learner. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.”

I really needed this job. Was waitressing and bartending experience necessary? Tag hadn’t even asked my employment history. Was he about to send me home? I sure as hell hoped not.

Ryan’s brows furrow imperceptibly. “It’s okay. Experience was preferred but not necessary. Let me talk you through everything.”

He explains what he expects of me. It all seems easy enough, and I’m confident that I can do the job without any issues.

“You won’t be alone today,” he says, smiling gently. “There will be two other girls, so you don’t have to worry. There won’t be much pressure on you.”

What an awesome boss.

“I think I’ll do fine.”

“So how do you know Tag?” he asks after showing me how to use the cash register.

How do I know Tag? It’s simple—I don’t.

“We kind of ran into each other,” I reply. “I’ve only met him twice now.”

Ryan looks confused but doesn’t say anything else on the matter. The restaurant opens, and the other waitresses start their shifts. Sally, a blonde who tells me she is a thirty year old single mother, helps with any questions I have. Lyla, an older woman who appears to be in her forties and has a real motherly nature, checks in with me to see how I’m holding up. Great boss and wonderful staff. I really was lucky to get this job.

“Did you take your break?” Ryan asks as I bring some dirty plates and cups to the sink.

I shake my head side to side. “Not yet.” It was twelve o’clock. I was hungry, and working around all the delicious looking food wasn’t helping.