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?”

course, he’s still

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

replaced by someone else, or worse lose my job.” He shrugs. Worry is palpable in his

My brows furrowed. “Why would you lose your job? You’ve been good at it. He’ll not be going to replace you, and I’ll kick his

owner. I don’t really care for as long as I have a

He bought some establishments here; restaurant, night club, coffee shop, and a house on the Hillside.

listening to him. He must be very rich if he bought establishments and a

“He got a huge share when his 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 their mother stayed when their parents divorced. He is related

I cross my arms over my chest. “Wow! You seem to hear a lot of gossips

Sam. I couldn’t help but listened especially when my only job was at stake.”

huge arms and squeeze them. “I’m sorry, Big D. I wish I can help, but if your job is in jeopardy, I am sure my part-time as

I move to the counter

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

my shift ends, I take a seat for a few minutes since only a few customers left. All their orders

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

you know that the new owner is hot?” Amy giggles. She’s my close friend, dated a bunch of guys, but as she said, nothing serious. They just want to have sex with her and grab her D cup size. Well, I can’t blame them because Amy

don’t show interest.

you not hear me, Sam? I said Mr. Williams is hot.” She shakes me

I raise my eyebrows. “So? I don’t care if he’s hot or cold. Our jobs here are over once he changes the management. Big D is worried as hell that he might be demoted or replaced, and all

know she needs this job.

the management?” Maya

not sure yet, but people talked and

a plan for

***

for me and eat, then

study table that still half unread, get in my bed, and tuck myself in. I flip the page where I Left

to see the screen—it’s my

I answer casually, then at the music blaring—he must be at the frat party like always.

drive home. My dad will kick my ass if he’ll know I’m driving

such an idiot!

even bother answering his call? I broke up with him because he’s an idiot, a cheater, and

in bed already and ready to sleep.” I emphasize the girlfriend, who he cheated on me a year

that anymore. My friends

You won’t call me next time, Tyler. I’m not

owe you.” Owe you

“Be there. Bye.” I get up in bed and change my clothes.

the house. I dial