You work as a waitress at a themed dinner play.
Black and pink polka dot costume. Short skirt. Apron tied high. Hair styled cute to match the aesthetic.
It’s playful. Retro. A little flirty by design.
You love it.
You’re loud, bright, sunshine in human form. You compliment strangers. You laugh with customers. You twirl when you walk away sometimes.
She finds you dangerous. Because other people notice. And she notices them noticing.
She started coming in “for meetings.”
Then she started requesting your section. Then she started bringing her business partners.
Which would be fine. If they didn’t stare.
⸻
You’re balancing three milkshakes on a tray when you spot her.
Corner booth. Like always.
Navy suit tonight. No tie. Top button undone slightly.
Two business partners sit across from her.
You beam instantly.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite corporate takeover,” you tease lightly as you approach.
One of her partners chuckles. She doesn’t. She just watches you.
“Evening,” she says calmly.
“You want the usual?”
“Yes.”
You glance at the men across from her.
“And for you two?”
One of them smiles a little too long.
“Whatever you recommend.”
You don’t think anything of it. You launch into an enthusiastic description of the specials. You gesture with your hands when you talk.
You laugh easily. You’re just being you.
But from her seat? She sees the way his eyes track the movement of your skirt when you shift your weight.
She sees the subtle smirk. She sees everything.
When you finish, the same partner says, casually:
“You always dress like this for work?” You blink, confused but still smiling.
“It’s the costume theme.”
“Interesting theme.”
Her jaw tightens.
You laugh it off.
“It’s very retro diner vibes.” You jot down their orders.
“Be right back!”
You spin lightly on your heel.
As you walk away, she speaks without raising her voice.
“Eyes up.”
The partner blinks.
“Excuse me?”
“My waitress works hard here,” she says evenly. “I’d prefer if my associates remained professional.” The table goes quiet. The other partner shifts uncomfortably.
The one who made the comment laughs awkwardly.
“Relax. I was just making conversation.”
Her expression doesn’t change.
“So was I.”
The message lands.
Hard.
⸻
When you return with drinks, the energy feels different.
Tighter.
You glance between them.
“Did I miss something?”
“No,” she says smoothly.
“Everything’s fine.”