Teasing Phoenix

SAM

Mom looks at my direction and smiles when she notices me approaching. “Morning sweetie, I didn’t hear you came home last night. I must be in a deep sleep when you arrived,” Mom says, pouring coffee into my mug.

“I’m sorry, mom. It was Amy’s birthday party last night. I couldn’t come home early because I carpooled with Maya and Garrett.” I take my plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and two strips of bacon she offers.

She hands me a cup of coffee. “You didn’t mention to me about going to a birthday party, sweetie. You also forgot to send me a message.” She looks at me with her famous worried look.

I sit on the stool of our small kitchen counter and start sipping my coffee. “Yeah, you worry too much. Did forget I’m twenty-one and not a twelve anymore? Don’t you have duty tonight?” I munch my breakfast quickly. I only have twenty minutes to get to the coffee shop where I work as a part-time waitress.

“I have. I’ll be here in the morning. We can have a movie marathon.” Mom’s duty at the general hospital as an ER nurse makes it difficult for us to catch up every day.

I roll my eyes. “Yeah. We can have a movie marathon while you’re snoring on the couch.”

Mom works hard to let me go to college. She took all the responsibility since Dad died in a car accident when I was fifteen. Mom didn’t even date anyone and just focused on her work and me.

Dad worked as a bank clerk in a local bank in town. He was the best father I could ever wish for, but unfortunately, he was taken away from me by a tragic car accident. His car hit the tree when he was trying to avoid hitting someone who crossed the road—he was confirmed dead on arrival.

“You, silly, you always chose a boring movie, all they did were killing each other. Who will enjoy watching that kind of movie? It’s too violent for me.”

I roll my eyes again, stand up, and take the empty plate and mug with me to the kitchen sink. I love action movies while Mom loves drama.

“Your choice of movie is more boring, mom. If not dying of cancer, a husband cheated on her. So dramatic. I won’t waste my tears for sappy movies like that.”

She laughs and shakes her head—Mom is funny. She’s not only my mother but also my best friend.

I go up to my bathroom to brush my teeth, re-coat my mascara, and wipe more lip gloss.

I grab my purse and my keys from the couch. “Got to go, Mom. Get some sleep, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning. I love you.” I peck her cheek.

I pull my car 2014 Ford to the driveway—Mom’s birthday gift for me two years ago.

Ten minutes later, I’m already in the coffee shop. I notice many customers—most of them are college students, football players, and a few couples busy chatting with each other. Suddenly, I feel a twist in my stomach.

“Sam, get your ass in here and wear your apron. We have customers to serve.” Daniel “Big D” Chase, who manages the coffee shop for five years now. A six-foot-tall and bulky standing in front of my locker wearing a scowl on his face.

“Good morning to you, too, Big D. Why so grumpy early in the morning?”

big brother to us, but, of course, he’s still strict

apron from my locker and wear it. Our coffee shop is the

check the shop. I can be demoted or replaced by someone else, or worse lose my job.” He shrugs. Worry is palpable in his deep gravely voice.

to replace you, and I’ll

I don’t know who’s the new owner. I don’t really care

any idea who the owner is. He’s ruthless and heartless. He bought some establishments here; restaurant, night club, coffee shop, and a house on the Hillside. He already started changing management and fired

very rich if he bought establishments and a house at the

father died. He and his brother got equal shares of the assets. He moved here from New York since his father died, but his brother stayed in New York and managed his own business there. I heard that’s where

cross my arms over my chest. “Wow! You seem to hear a lot of gossips lately, Big D.” I fix

help but listened especially when my only job was at stake.”

Big D. I wish I can help, but if your job is in jeopardy, I am

nods, and I move to the counter and check all the supplies.

my work starts when a college couple gets inside and sits at the

a seat for a few minutes since

Something wicked in Amy and Maya’s smile as they walk

as she said, nothing serious. They just want to have sex with her and grab her D cup

still don’t show

attention. “Did you not hear me, Sam? I said

hot or cold. Our jobs here are over once he changes the management. Big D is worried as hell that he might be demoted

I know she needs this job.

you know that he’s gonna change the management?” Maya asks. Her brown eyes

Well, not sure yet, but people talked and gossiped around. The owner changed the management

and leave immediately. I send Mom a message. Amy has a plan for tonight, so I’ll be alone since

***

left for me and eat, then I take a shower and change to

my bed, and tuck myself in. I flip the page where I Left with a bookmark. Before I can start reading the first line,

my eyes to see the screen—it’s my ex, Tyler.

then at the music blaring—he must be at the frat party

he’ll know

Jesus, he’s such an

up with him because he’s

Ty or your girlfriend to drive you home. I’m in bed already and ready to sleep.” I emphasize the girlfriend, who

we’re not like that anymore. My friends are already drunk.” Of course, they’re all drunk.

“Ugh! Send me the address. You won’t call me

“Thanks, Sam, I owe you.” Owe you

in bed and change my

from the house. I dial his number and he immediately picks