2. Is she a statue?
1090 Words
LUCA POV
Today has been a long and tedious day. Everyone has managed to piss me off. I haven’t stopped all day, checking in on the business I invest in and visiting others that are potential future investments. I do this once a month and it never fails that more than one person who doesn’t know who I am has to be a smart ass. Luckily, this is my last stop. The owner of a chain of diners (Claire) recently reached out to me. My PA Trish, Alfonso, my business partner, and I are at the last location to complete our assessment. I don't typically do diners, but the owner begged me to consider it. She thinks we can help improve her businesses and bring in more clientele. As I was walking to the entrance, there was a girl blocking the door. Her face is stoic, her eyebrows furrowed and her lips in a slight pout. She's very beautiful but she looks like she is off in space somewhere. Unfortunately, I'm in no mood to wait here like an i***t until she lands.
“Excuse me.” I said, annoyed. Nothing. She’s still on the moon. “Hello!” I say a bit louder. She doesn't even blink!! Is she a statue? I want to poke her but I'm not trying to get sued. I respect people’s personal space. “Excuse me! Do you mind?” I yelled, glaring at her. Folding my arms on my chest.
She finally startles at my voice and lands on earth. She looks up at me and her eyes widen at my stance and the glare I’m giving her, causing her to move to the side. I rushed past her and into the diner. Not giving the statue outside another thought. I don't have the patience to wonder what is wrong with her. We seat ourselves at a booth since there is no one in front to greet us. I looked around and saw that the patrons looked hungry and unhappy. I'm quickly seeing that this is not worth my time. I was about to get up when a very flustered and teary-eyed server came to our table. Straightening herself out and trying to compose herself.
“We-welcome to Claire's Diner, m-my name is Cindy. Would you like something to drink?” She says, her voice cracking multiple times. This girl is about to have a meltdown. “Cindy, get your manager for me.” I said drily. And there she goes, complete meltdown. Sigh. “B-but you just sat down. I-I didn't do any-anything wrong yet!” She cries out.
I rolled my eyes and waved her off. First the statue and now the basket case. What is this a bad eighties move? Today is not my day. I saw her whisper yell something at what was presumed to be the manager. He looks my way with an annoyed expression and quickly walks to our table.
“Hello sir, my name is David. How can I help you?” He says while giving us a fake smile. “David, is this typically the service provided here?” I snapped at him. “No sir. We had two servers quit today and we just hired one that will start tomorrow. We are doing our best.” He says arrogantly.
I already don’t like him. So, to surmise... statue, basket case and... Damn it, I can’t think of an amusing nickname for him. Let’s just call him an i***t. Yes, that will do.
“David. You don't know who I am, but the owner of this diner does. I'm going to ignore your arrogant tone, seeing that you are clearly in over your head.” I said harshly, gesturing at the state of the diner. There it is. Fear. The realization that he f****d up. Well, at least he's quick to realize it. “I'm going to leave now and come back at a later date. It will be a surprise visit. I hope by then you can get your s**t together.” I calmly said as we all got up and left. Not the way I wanted to end my day.
DAVID POV
This is just my luck! First, the homely looking girl is offended by my truthful observation. Now captain obvious has to make things worse. I had to fix things with Catalina. I didn't apologize because I was not sorry. However, I did accept that I did not need to voice my opinion. As accurate as it may be. I wouldn't want her filing some sort of complaint about me. That’s the last thing I need right now. I need to call Claire and figure out who this guy is. I'm just hoping he isn't someone I will have to deal with from now on. Why was he here anyway? Was he here to check how things were going, but why? I'm done for today, Cindy can drown out there for all I care. I headed to my office to call Claire. I sat down and dialed her number.
Claire: Hello?
David: Hi Claire, its David from the LA location. I wait for her to acknowledge who I am.
Claire: Oh, yes! Is everything OK? She asks a bit concerned.
David: Yes, of course, everything is fine. I was just wondering if there was someone you were sending by. I enquire.
Claire: Oh yes there is! She said excitedly.
I'm waiting for her to continue, but she doesn't. Sigh.
David: Okay... can I know who that person is? I asked, a bit frustrated.
Claire: He is an investor I contacted. I'm hoping he will decide to work with us. The restaurants have so much potential. She said excitedly.
David: OK, thanks for letting me know Claire. I replied, trying not to show my annoyance.
Claire: So, I'm guessing he has already shown up? She asked a bit sheepishly.
David: Yes, but he did not stay, he will be coming back. I tried to rush out, so she wouldn’t ask why he didn't stay.
I haven't told her about the servers that quit. She is a bit ditsy so I doubt she will question it.
Claire: Oh ok. Please make sure you impress him. He is a very important man and having him as a business partner would be highly beneficial. She said pleadingly.
David: Of course, Claire. Have a good night. I say politely.
I hung up the phone not waiting for her to answer. I need to turn things around quickly.
- Writer
