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Melanie

With a sigh, I lean farther over the puddle that used to be our back floor Some days my job isn’t too bad—it pays the bills, at least But some days it makes me want to throw in the towel, quite literally, run out into the parking lot and scream Today, unfortunately, is one of the latter I sop up the worst of the spill, courtesy of a couple and their brood of five children The youngest were cute, but the oldest entertained theht

My ar until the floor shines Bob won’t have it any other way, and I know I can’t leave this restaurant until I can seeif not a ht we’re busier than usual, thanks to A That wo than I’ve met in my entire life

But that’s what happens when you grow up in a small town and never branch out, likecity and lived up her life Seeing all her city friends, extravagantly dressed and rolling into town for her big wedding just ain

But it’s not like I really had a choice And besides, there are things I love about my s close to nature It’s beautiful here, when I get the chance to enjoy it

Lately, though, that’s been less and less often My work schedule has taken over h to cover rent from month to month

I sigh and throw in the towel—literally I’ up this sloppy mess

As I’ to my feet, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket I head into the back room before I answer; Bob doesn’t like it e take phone calls while on the floor Not that any of the usual croould ht, with all these well-dressed New Yorkers in town, Bob ant all of his staff on our best behavior

When I’m safely inside the kitchen, half-deaf from the rattle of plates and pans in the sink and the whistles of the chefs as they fry up meals, I answer the phone

“Melanie?” The voice on the other end of the phone is so croaky I can barely recognize it

“Devan?” I ask, only after checking the caller ID “You okay?”