Erik listened to the conversation that Liona was having with the woman she called Aunt Yui. She sounded sad and lonely that her parents were uber busy right now. He continued to listen as he scarfed the fries that were hot and fresh.
"If I could make that happen kiddo, I would in a heartbeat. However there are some very unfortunate things going on lately that need your dad's full attention at work. As for your mom, babies are always going to need help coming into the world. I can't just put out a notice that all babies are to hold off coming into the world for a day. It doesn't work that way. Your mom has just as important a job as your dad and both are needed at their respective workplaces. I know your dad is wishing he could be home more often, but he's trying to work as hard as he can to help figure out what's been happening lately with the recent uptick in crime involving alphas. That's partially why he sent me here when he heard from Hannah that you and your siblings had chosen to eat here for your celebratory dinner and ran into trouble with that particularly nasty alpha."
Liona answered her aunt, "I'm alright in that regard, Auntie. The guy was just leering at me like all guys do. He never touched me, and now I can tell my classmates that he won't be able to harass them again, now that you've had him taken away. I'm sure Daddy will make sure that he receives the appropriate punishment for what he's done."
"Anyway, Kiddo, as much as you miss your dad and mom being home, they won't miss your birthday. So, you can count on them being home for that at the very least. I'll also be there for your big party to help chaperone it." Liona's Aunt said.
"Why do I have to have chaperones at my birthday party? I'm going to be 18 and most of my classmates are going to be 18 as well. It's not like we're kids like my siblings, Auntie!" Liona whined.
This made Erik smile a little as he listened. So, Liona could act a little petulant on occasion. He liked seeing the different sides to her and wanted to get to know her better now that she called herself his friend. He was still getting used to that idea, but it wasn't all bad. He now had a full belly and he had only eaten his fries so far.
He couldn't take another bite, let alone have that appetizing chicken sandwich, or even that mouth watering apple tart that smelled so delicious. Since he was full, he would take the sandwich to eat for his dinner after he was done working at the grocery store and take the apple tart home to share with his sisters. They were going to love it; he just knew it. Sweets were a rarity in their house after all.
Sugary treats meant cavities and cavities meant dentist visits they couldn't afford. Sure, they all brushed their teeth, but that was once a day. Any more than that was a waste of toothpaste that they couldn't afford. So, his mom limited the sweet treats to very rarely. Even now he isn't drinking a sugary soda. He had opted for water from the fountain to fill his cup with. The water was filling enough and better at keeping himself hydrated so that he didn't get nasty hunger headaches as much. Those headaches were unavoidable, a lot more than he would ever admit, so he was thankful that Liona had just supplied him with enough food for the rest of the day.
As soon as he was done with his food, he cleaned up after himself and put the remainder of the food in his backpack to eat and take home for later. Liona was still busy talking to her Aunt and her siblings now, so he didn't want to disturb her as he headed back to work.
To his surprise, the big boss lady that owned the place stuck around all afternoon and evening until his shift was over. He never expected her to get down and dirty making food, but she did. She did a little bit of everything in the restaurant, even going so far as to help clean the bathrooms! That he never expected since it was grunt's duty to do so and never a CEO!
At the end of his shift, she brought him and his two remaining coworkers together and made a small impromptu speech and at the end of it one of them got a promotion. Although it wasn't him, he was happy for his coworker, who was now the manager. Apparently, his employee review was just as high as his, but the only difference being that he had been working here longer and therefore had seniority. That wasn't the only thing she had to announce. They were all getting a lump sum of back pay that had been pocketed by Jack for years as he wrote off their paychecks as one thing, while only giving them a lesser sum. This was great news for his coworkers, but as for him? He'd yet to even get his first paycheck since he had been here less than a month. He was still happy for the other guys though.
"That's not all I have to announce. Erik Norman, for showing exemplary restraint in the face of overwhelming negativity in a toxic workplace, I hereby grant you a raise. I see many good things from you in the future, so think of this as an investment in that future. May you always show such strength and restraint. Your positivity will lead you far."
Erik nearly choked on his own saliva as Ms. Dermott announced this to him and his coworkers. What positivity? What restraint? What was she going on about? Did she have a few screws loose or something? He just couldn't see where this was coming from.
"Your fellow workers have had many good things to say about you, Mr. Norman. Keep up the great work and you'll make manager in no time. I will also see you tomorrow morning, bright and early, at the coffee shop to discuss your future there. Now, it's getting late, and I have a family to see." Ms. Dermott turned and then addressed the restaurant as a whole. "Goodnight everyone! Thank you for your patience as things were sorted out! For your patience, please see the cashier before you leave for a complimentary apple tart!" With that she walked out to her waiting car with Liona's other aunt, whom she called Yui.
"Yo, Erik! Congrats on the raise, man! You've definitely earned it! I'm glad that asshole Jack didn't get to fire you. I promise as your new manager to make this a much fairer place to work. You can count on me!" Georgie proclaimed confidently posing. This earned a laugh from William and him as Georgie proceeded to be a goofball.
"Sure, we'll see about that, Georgie. Here's one for you, as our new manager. Can we please keep the aisle way clear of bags and coats? It's way too much a safety hazard if it spills any further into the walkway…" Erik took a chance bringing this up.
"Sure thing! Ms. Dermott has already scolded Will and I for it so starting tomorrow we'll be sure our bags are properly put out of the way. In fact, now that I'm the manager, I say we can finally use those employee lockers that Jack forbade us from using before. So, from now on, everyone will put their stuff away during working hours there." Georgie said.
"Really? Awesome! Finally, I have a place to hang my girl's picture!" William cheered.
Erik just smiled and shook his head. Will had a girlfriend that had been afraid to come and eat here during his shift because of Jack, now with him out of the way, he could see her during his shift without worry.
"So, when are you gonna pop the question, Will?" Georgie asked as Erik grabbed his bag.
"Well since we're getting our owed wages, I might be able to afford that ring sooner than later! It's only a matter of time. But when she says yes, I'll be sure to let you guys know!" Will sounded excited.
Erik was happy for him. He had the time and the funds to think about love and care for someone special to him. As he was leaving the back of the restaurant, it made him wonder if he would ever have the time and the funds to take a pretty girl out on a date and grow closer to her. Someday he wanted the luxury of a girlfriend, but knew that it was just a pipe dream, and he would be forever the hamster in the wheel, a cog in the machine…
"Hey! Ready to go?"
"Gah!" Erik was startled out of his thoughts as Liona popped in front of him.
"He-he-he! Sorry! Did I scare you?" She laughed, so prettily as her face lit up in a smile. She was close! Too close! As his brain started to malfunction at her proximity, it was then when he noticed it. An ever so slight indentation in her right cheek as she smiled.