If Not for This, What? ((15))

[amanika]

Teazer looked down quickly, adjusting her apron with one paw, the other going to the string of pearls around her neck. "Sorry, I...." a pause, "well I gess I ain't much good at thinkin' before I speak."

[victoriousscarf]

He looked back toward her and shrugged. "It... it's a very bad time of year for me. And then I have to deal with running an entire department by myself and getting called in at the whim of lawyers for no apparent reason. So, I am exhausted and tired, and please believe me, none of this is your fault. I... I enjoy being able to talk to you. Very much."

[amanika]

He probably didn't want her pity, but Teazer couldn't help but feel for tall tomcat seated before her. She bit her lip hard, tasting blood. "I... I'm glad, I enjoy talkin' t'you as well."

[victoriousscarf]

He smiled, though it was still a little tired. "Oh. Good." He took a long drink of the coffee she had brought him. "And how have you been lately then?"

[amanika]

Teazer offered him a small smile at that, "Y'mean since yesterday?"

[victoriousscarf]

Sonya blinked. "Has it only been one day? Yes then, since yesterday."

[amanika]

Teazer nodded, laughing just a little, "It has, an' really not a lot. Jus' spent a quiet evenin' at home. Then worked my split shift t'day."

[victoriousscarf]

"Ah," he said, with a smile. "A quiet night at home. You should apperciate those more often." He paused for a moment. "When do you get off work tonight then?"

[amanika]

The torbie queen glanced at the clock, "Round about an hour, less if I'm lucky, depends how fast things die down here."

[victoriousscarf]

He nodded, checking the time and weather outside. "That's good then." He took another drink of the coffee. "This is not the last shift though, is it?"

[amanika]

Teazer shook her head, "We don't close til somewhere between eleven and midnight dependin' on the customers. But I did the breakfast shift as well, so unless..." she cut off, the other waitress on duty had tapped her lightly on the shoulder and nodded towards the kitchen door, where an irate looking tomcat was glaring across the room at Teazer, beckoning her over as he caught her eye.

"Oh cat, that's my boss." Teazer gave Sonya a feeling look that was half apologetic, half worried and hurried reluctantly towards the kitchen. Her manager nodded her inside then shut the door so they were no longer on view to the customers.

[victoriousscarf]

Sonya frowned at that, half rising out of his seat before planting himself back down. Whatever it was, he could hardly do anything. He took a somewhat concerned sip of coffee, watching the door she had disappeared behind.

[amanika]

Ten minutes later, Teazer emerged from the kitchen, she was carrying two loaded plates over to a table as if nothing had happened, but her ears gave her away, half laid back, and her smile to customers a little falsely bright and at odds with her twitching tail, she didn't look at Sonya, but went over to another table to take an order, once she'd delivered the plates.

[victoriousscarf]

Was... was she avoiding him again? What happened? He glanced around, taking stock of how many people were around, and put his empty cup at the edge of the table, drawing attention to the fact he needed a refil. He was truly tempted to stand up and walk over to her, but was unsure if that was actually a good plan. So he sat back and waited. At least for the moment.

[amanika]

It was the other waitress on duty who saw Sonya first, and after a brief glance at Teazer, came over with the coffee pot. "Refill sir?"