The black plastic trash bag arced through the air before crashing into the battered green dumpster. Kevin lazily made his way back to the old two story brick building that held Larry’s Cafe. His phone chimed as he received a text message. He stopped near the kitchen door and leaned against the wall, the rough brick against his back. Kevin pulled out his phone and thumbed open the screen as he listened to Carlos singing something in Spanish while he worked the grill. The smell of grilled chicken wafting from the open kitchen door and mixing with the wet dirt smell of the Spring air.

The text was from his friend John: “Looking to expand. Could use someone I trust. Come see me.”

Kevin thought back to the first day as a freshman in high school. He met John in History class, and they became fast friends. They tried out and made the Junior Varsity baseball team together, stole their first beer from John’s dad’s beer fridge, and graduated together. College took them in different directions but they stayed in touch. John’s father had retired and left him to run his construction company. John tried to pull Kevin in, offered him a marketing role, but Kevin couldn’t see himself in that world.

Instead he took a job washing dishes here at Larry’s, a little cafe on the corner of Elm and Market Streets. The pay sucked but the job was mindless enough. Kevin didn’t have to think, no real responsibilities outside of emptying the trash and making sure the dishes were clean and the glasses had no spots. The free food was a bonus, and thankfully, Carlos was a much better cook than he was a singer.

Kevin dropped his phone back into his pocket, and pulled out his vape pen. He figured he might as well take a five minute break and took a hit from the vape. He exhaled a large cloud that floated away on the gentle breeze. A commotion from the kitchen stirred him from his thoughts.

Chloe, the waitress stepped out of the kitchen. She was a freshman at the local community college, waiting tables to help her parents pay for her school. Her blue eyes locked on Kevin.

“Hey Kev. Table two is ready.” She darted back inside her blonde ponytail swinging behind her. Kevin took a second drag of his vape before depositing it back in his jeans pocket. Carlos continued to sing, more than a little out of tune.

Kevin wiped down the table, ensuring it was spotless for Chloe’s next customer. The door chime dinged, drawing his gaze to the young woman who had just walked in. Wavy brown hair cascaded over the shoulders of her faded denim jacket. She smiled at Kevin, dimples appearing on her glowing cheeks.

She passed by, her yellow sundress covered with small white sunflowers, swaying about her thick thighs. Not model-thin but not fat either. A bit shorter than Kevin, still within average height. The scent of vanilla and flowers lingered in her wake. She took a seat at a window table, crossing her legs. Strappy wedge sandals with bright red toe nails completed her look. Kevin stole as many looks as he could before returning to the kitchen.

Totally enthralled, Kevin kept finding any excuse to get a line of sight on Yellow Dress. Wiping down the same table for the umpteenth time. Watching as she absently played with her hair. Noticeably sigh after checking her phone. Intently spinning a plain silver band on her middle finger. The door chime would ring and she would look up, excited, only to solemnly return to her thoughts.

Kevin was finishing up a couple of dishes and was about to slip into the dinning room again when Chloe came into the kitchen and slumped against the large stainless steel refrigerator. She let out a guttural groan.

“Fuck. I’ve got a crier.”

Carlos wiped his hands on his apron. “A what?”

“That chick in the yellow dress, is sitting there crying. I think she was stood up.” Chloe nodded in Yellow Dress’ direction. “You should go talk to her Kev.”

Kevin was taken aback. “Me?”

“Well, you have been spying on her since she came in.”

“What? No I haven’t.” Kevin spat the words out a little too fast, a sure sign of his guilt.

Carlos chuckled, “Bro you been creeping hard. Like hard.”

Chloe giggled, “Go on, Kev.”

Kevin untied his apron and set on the edge of the sink. “Alright.” He smoothed his pants with the palms of his hands. Took a deep breathe. “Here goes.”

Chloe rest her fingers on his arm. “Be nice.”

Carlos shrugged, “Don’t fuck it up, Pendejo.”

“Thanks Carlos.” Kevin stepped out of the kitchen. He smoothed his shirt, took a breath. Here goes, I guess. Yellow Dress’ warm brown eyes were rimmed red, and her cheeks were streaked wet from the tears. He approached the table.

“Excuse me.”

Yellow Dress was startled at first, then wiped her eyes. “Oh my god. I’m sorry. You need the table? I should go.”

Kevin held up his hands. “No, no, no. You can sit there. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He sat in the chair opposite her. “My name’s Kevin. Is there anything I can do?”

She smiled weakly. “I’m sorry Kevin, I was supposed to meet somebody. But he didn’t show.” She held out her hand. “Mary Anne.” Kevin took her hand, it was warm and soft, the red fingernails were perfect, recently done.

“That sucks. Is he maybe just running late?”

She played with the band on her finger. “I don’t think so Kevin. I had a feeling. I dunno.” She sniffled. I just feel so...” She sighed, “Stupid I guess.”

Kevin laid his hand on hers, “You’re not stupid.”

“That’s sweet, but you don’t even know me.”

“I can fix that. Wait right here. I’ll be right back, I promise.” He stood and quickly made his way to the counter. He grabbed two pieces of pie and an empty coffee cup. He stuck his head in the kitchen. “Chloe. Can we get some coffee?”

“Oh, you better tip good.” Chloe pointed her pen at Kevin’s face.

“Thanks Chloe.” Kevin gave her a wink.

Some blueberry pie and a couple cups of coffee later, Kevin had learned a good bit about Mary Anne. She had an infectious laugh that filled the cafe with warmth. She had recently moved into an apartment a couple blocks away and worked at a cozy little bookstore in the neighborhood. She loved to read, and dreamt of being a librarian which led to her getting an English Literature degree. As they talked the redness in her eyes had faded, revealing tiny golden flakes in her soft brown eyes.

Kevin had told her about his college days-well, not all of them. About his friend John, and the job offer. He confessed his fear of taking on the responsibility of a career, of being an adult. Mary Anne was supportive and encouraging. She would lean in close and touch his arm her fingers warm and soft. Her scent, vanilla and flowers, was comforting and inviting. Kevin wanted to hold her, feel her body against his. A euphoric wave washed over him every time she made eye contact.

Chloe cleared her throat. “Kev, it’s almost five. Closing time.”

“Oh.” Kevin looked around the dining room, only to find all the seats were empty. “Crap. I’m sorry Chloe. I’ll help close up.” He started to rise when Chloe stopped him.

“Carlos and I took care of it. Maybe you should walk your new friend home. Or something.” Chloe cocked an eyebrow. “And, you owe me.”

“Thank you, Chloe.”

Kevin stood, offering Mary Anne his hand. “Can I walk you home?”

She pursed her lips briefly in thought, then smiled. “Yes. I’d like that.”

They stepped into the cool evening air, the sound of Chloe locking the cafe doors behind them. The streets were quieter with the weekend coming to a close. The sun, blocked by the buildings downtown, cast long shadows about. The streetlights were just coming on with a few clicks and some buzzing. Mary Anne took his hand as they headed down Elm Street.

Kevin and Mary Anne walked in comfortable silence, she rested her head against his shoulder. Her body next to his was warm and calming, the sounds of the city an afterthought.

“Kevin?” Mary Anne broke the silence. “Are you thinking about the job offer?”