The Customer

·REILLY's POV·

I moved about the diner seeking out, serving and taking orders as did the two other waitresses working the floor.

There were much people about this time, most sharing quality time with their family's, spouses, significant other and such.

However, one customer, in particular, seemed to stand out.

He sat in a booth, secluded from the other customers.

A black stetson hid his upper face so that only his full lips were visible.

While the other customers enjoyed their meals, he seemed occupied by some thought and what not.

I assumed as a result of the smirk that played on his lips which was the only feature of his I really saw besides the fabric that strained against his bulging arms.

Suddenly, he looked up, catching me in the act, staring at him like a deer in headlights, revealing his startling pale silvery—green eyes which rooted my feet in place.

At the same time, another customer that I had been dealing with shrieked, drawing my attention back to his table which coffee had been spilt.

"Shoot!" I inwardly groaned at my clumsiness, moreover allowing myself to become distracted by him. "Forgive me!"

I left the booth, returning to the scene of the incident with a towel in hand to wipe up the spill the hot liquid.

I couldn't help but steal brief glances at him.

Dana, another of the girls on my shift, attended to his table.

I finished up before heading into the kitchen to get my next order.

On my way out of the kitchen, Dana approached me, her expression a mixture of annoyance and confusion.

"Hey Reilly, you're up! Mr. Mysterious over there wants you to take his order."

"What? Why me?" It was puzzling. Usually people didn't request a waitress to take their orders but unfortunately nothing about this guy screamed usual. What was this Disney world? McDonalds? No ... it was Ruby's Inn for Pete's sake. "Can't you do it? I'm taking care of another then I'm going on my break."

"No ... Not really!" She batted her eyes at me together with a cheeky smile and a mischievous glint. "I guess you got lucky."

I sighed in exasperation rolling my eyes in defeat.

Who did this guy think he was?

Did he think that he was a king, sitting on his throne?

Did he think he was royalty to summon me?

After delivering my pending order, I tried my best to remain calm and keep a cool front as I approached his table.

My irritation at his specificity seemed to seep through when I cleared my throat signaling to him that I was there.

For some reason, his presence made me unsettled in more ways than one.

Mr. Mysterious didn't acknowledge my presence.

Instead, he remained silent chewing on a piece of wheat.

What was he deaf now?

Not once did look up to observe me and I was certain that his stetson had been drawn lower on his face.

"Good day sir, may I take your order?" I plastered a faux smile on my face despite the fact that he had been rude not even acknowledging that I was just beside him.

"What took you so long?" He growled taking the wheat between his fingers."Get me a burger, two scrambled eggs, bacon for a side and an Iced Tea."

I looked around to see if anyone had heard his request and too my dismay the majority did though they kept to themselves.

Why did they seem to fear him so?

I immediately left his booth glad to be away from that jerk.

From my place at the counter, I gave Charlie his order while trying my best not to fret as I eyed him accusingly from my seat.

He folded his arms causing the fabric again to strain against his arm.

I looked away disgusted by his obvious arrogance.

"Order up!" Charlie said placing the order through the window in the wall.

"Thanks Charlie," I replied, fetching the cowboy's order.

His eyes followed me as I brought his meal.

I placed it on the table before turning to leave when I felt a calloused hand around my wrist holding me in place.

Was this guy for real?

I turned to see that his eyes gazed up into mine.

I was taken aback.

"How about I take you out to dinner?" He asked, surprising me in the process.

He couldn't be serious.

A few minutes early, he barked his order at her as though I were some imbecile maid of his yet, just a few minutes after, he was asking me out?

My blood boiled and I glowered at him.

My teeth ground against each other causing my jaw to tighten as my cheeks warmed considerably.

Before I knew what I was doing, his drink was in my hand and I tossed it in his face.

"Not in your wildest dreams mister." The words left my mouth in a hurry and I noted his dumbfounded expression.

I pulled my arm forcefully out of his grip turning to find that the diner had fallen sickeningly silent.

My cheeks heated in embarrassment.

I stormed off into the little room we called a staff room not liking the least bit that everyone was staring at me.

It was a small square room with neither windows nor doors.

There was no ventilation system so that the room was warm a few degrees about room temperature.

There was only space for two padded chairs that took away from the already small amount of space there was left to maneuvered.