Falling for Mr. Stevens

One

Being a waiter was never a dream I had for myself, but when the bills start piling up you just have to do what you have to do.

Moving from Alabama to Florida was a big step for me. I had different plans and dreams, but reality came crashing down harder than I ever expected, putting all those things on the back burner.

I moved to here when I was 19 with my boyfriend at the time who was 25. And though it was for good reason, it wasn't properly thought through.

Now I'm 21, single, and a waitress for a small diner making due with tips and shitty pay just to afford my half decent apartment along with the few bills.

I swear I should have listened to my mama. Too bad she was the reason I left in the first place.

_______________

"Amber! Table 12 now!"

I jump off the stool and grab my notepad from my pocket, chewing the last French fry from the small plate of what is supposed to be dinner. My break is supposed to be 30 minutes, but I've only been sitting here for 15. I don't have the space to complain though. My boss Margie is always looking for a reason to fire someone. I'm not trying to be that someone.

"Get out of the clouds and get to work, little girl" My boss Margie hissed as she walked by. She was a sweet lady when off the clock, but puts a lot of pressure on me on the clock and made it known that I will probably never leave this place as long as I'm in my current situation. As much as she got on my nerves, she was the only one who gave me a chance when I got here though.

"Yes ma'am" I mumble to her as I head to the table. I rarely ever raise my voice unless needed. I'm just not the type to yell. I like to stay quiet and keep out of people's way. Most people here don't know me at all. I never really took the time to make a lot of friends.

"Hi, Mr & Mrs Rogers , I'll be your waitress for the night. Can I start you off with 2 sweet teas?" I grabbed my pen from behind my ear to write down the drinks. I already knew what the older couple was going to order. They come here every Thursday night at 8:00. Seeing them gives me hope for love. They are adorable and make the job a little bit more enjoyable. Just a little.

"Yes, Dear that would be lovely." The older woman said giving me a genuine smile.

"Well, you know us so well little missy. That's why you're our favorite waitress & I just love hearing that sweet southern accent of yours" The older man chimes in. He gives the same compliment every time they come. I honestly think he forgets saying it every week. However, it's still kind of him.

Giggling softly, I let them know that their drinks will be out momentarily before turning on my heels and heading towards the counter.

After delivering the couple's drinks, I go to take their order and as I'm walking away, I hear a loud crash followed by cursing. The clashing of sounds makes me jump.

"You stupid f*****g waitress! Don't you know how to walk?!" I look over and see the back of a man yelling at Amy because she dropped his plate.

"I...Im so sorry sir, I tripped..." I could tell she was near tears since it's her first week and she is still getting used to waitressing. From afar, I see her hands trembling, probably in fear of losing her job before really getting started.

"Just get this s**t up and bring me some food!" The jerk of a man says with no disregard for anyone's feelings. Amy picks up the broken plate and wasted food, placing them in a bucket before storming off to the kitchen, wiping a tear with her arm.

I feel bad for her because not too long ago I was in her shoes. My first night I got almost every single order wrong except for a glass of water. It was a horrible experience.

I finish taking the couple's order, who were watching the scene along with every one else in the place and start to walk past him when I hear him hiss as he resumes playing on his phone. "Stupid b***h can't even wait a f*****g table"

My blood begins to boil and I can't bite my tongue. I shouldn't say anything, but this man is just flat out rude.

"Hey, you didn't have to talk to her like that. She made a mistake. You don't have to be an asshole about it" I say in a not so soft tone bringing all the attention in the small diner to myself. My face turns red as I realize my mistake. Oh crap.

"I mean..." lowering my voice. I'm going to get fired for sure. Goodbye rent and phone and the little luxuries I could afford with overtime pay.

The man stands looking furious. I assume no one has every tried to put him in his place. That probably explain his asshole tendencies. While having a angry staring not contest with the man, I can't help but take notice of his handsome appearance. He has short brown hair that's slicked back and brown eyes. I can't help, but notice his lips and how soft and plump they are. If he wasn't such a domineering ass, he would be a good catch. I'm most likely not even his type.

"What did you just say to me?! Do you know who I am?"

I heart is pounding with anger and word vomit takes over. "Yes, I know who you are, you're a jerk who thinks too highly of himself! Everybody doesn't just get things handed to them. They work for it and people like you make it harder"

I see Margie out the corner of my eye, racing around tables to get to the scene I'm causing. When she reaches us, she takes my upper arm, pulling me back a step. "Oh my god, Mr. Stevens, I'm so sorry for all of this." Her face panicked and angry.

"You need to learn to control your employees, Mrs. Kemp. Especially this one with the smart mouth" I see the corner of his mouth twitch.

Gosh, I could look at his pompous lips all day. The way my body responds to him only reminds me that I haven't has s*x in over a year. Thank god for batteries. Hopefully my desperation isn't showing.

Licking my bottom lip, not taking my eyes off him as he listens to Margie apologize, the only part of their conversation I hear is her offering him a free meal with me as his waitress.

Wait, What!

"Huh? Wait, no" I shake out of my trance once I realize that I have to serve this ass. I knew not to object if I wanted to keep this dang job. I really needed the money, but seriously was this really called for?

Not feeding in to my distaste for the arrangement, Margie gives me a stern look and walks off. I know I'm going to get a mouthful later.

Mr. Stevens, I think that's what Margie called him, sits back in his seat. I take a deep breath and try to forget how he treated Amy. Gritting my teeth, I sigh "I'm Amber & I'll be your waitress. What would you like to order, Sir?" I say dryly, pulling a pen from my messy bun.

"Do you always talk like that? Like a hick?" Oh, no he did not just insult me! Ooo, I could just slap him. Clenching my jaw, my grind my teeth, trying not to get angry. I've had people say things about me as a waitress, but never me as a person. I don't like it. Mr. Stevens draws his lips in a straight line, not looking up from the menu. I can't believe he just insulted my accent.

"Yes, this is the way I talk" Don't get angry. Don't get angry.

"Hmph sounds like you're from Alabama or somewhere" I chuckle sarcastically as if his insult is funny.

"Actually, I am from Alabama, if you wish to insult me more than you've already have, I'll go get another waitress to serve you." Attitude clearly radiating from my body.

Total jerk.

Ignoring my comment he orders a medium rare burger with seasoned fries and a beer. Doesn't seem like someone in a suit like that would order a burger and fries. His suit looks tailor made, fitting him as if made with threads from heaven. If he actually finished the food, a button may pop.

He looks very well groomed which intimidates me slightly since I'm wearing a waitress uniform with ketchup on my apron. He'd never looks at me any way other than scum on his shoe or something. Rich people.

"If that'll be all then your order will be out shortly." I don't wait for him to say anything as I turn on my heels and walk away.

For some reason I can feel someone staring. I turn around and his brown eyes are glued to mine. I quickly turn around and almost run into Amy, but I dodge her. I don't want her getting into anymore trouble because of me not looking where I'm walking. When I reach the counter and give the order, I think I'm in the clear until I hear Margie call me from the back. Her voice laced with venom. Groaning, softly, I look back and take one last look at the handsome devil who made me lose my cool. I want to slap him, but I also want to jump his bones.

Too bad he is an asshole.