She swiveled around and nudged a finger against my chest. “I don’t need your input,” she said firmly, “I’m a big girl Anders Orsen. I assure you—I can take care of myself just fine. In fact—I have been—for four years.”
She put emphasis on that last part.
“I know,” I said, holding up my hands. “I’m not saying you cant.”
“Then what are you saying exactly?”
Something flickered in her expression but it passed before I could put my finger on it. She pursued her lips and tugged off her apron, hanging it up and keeping her eyes trained on me.
“Just shut up,” she demanded, her breath grazing my ear as she nodded at the stretch of hallway across the room. “Wait a few minutes and then follow me.”
I didn’t ask her what she meant. I swallowed hard and remained quiet as her fingertips grazed my back. She stood up straight and flattened her blouse—sauntering past me and calling out to another waitress—who she asked to cover for her while she went on lunch.
My heart beat in overdrive against my ribcage and the small room buzzed around us. I had fantasized about this from the moment I turned fourteen.
I just never thought it would come to fruition.
Read more of Trouble by Aubrey Watts here.