The lights are dim, there’s a few wet spots along the floor that’d definitely get this establishment sued if some money-hungry sod happens to slip, but hey, business is booming tonight. In other words, major tips are coming your way.

They’ve been coming your way, actually. Ever since you started your shift, you seem to have been blessed with generous people in your tables. The married couple who’s celebrating their honeymoon in town, that solo diner who spoke to you so softly that you’re pretty sure she’s an undercover sent from Heaven, and that group of frat guys who knew how to crack a joke or two.

Despite the rush, you’re in dire need of a pick-me-up. A proper meal from the cooks would take too much time away from extra money-making, though, and you’re not quite in the mood to talk to the line cook that flirts with you like that was all he learned how to do in culinary school.

So, you pick the next best thing — the bar. Drinking’s not allowed on the job, but they’ve got soda guns and if you really wanted something punchy, the lights are dim enough to get away with it.

Not to mention, Dante’s working tonight. Total heartthrob to those sloshed enough to think about it, major tip-bringer too. You’d often wonder if he’s ever made enough in a single night to pay a month’s rent.

“You in the mood for somethin’?” Dante asks you, leaning on his forearm that’s propped on the slightly sticky countertop. He’s got all of his habitués taken care of, their usual drinks cupped between their hands.

“It’s busy tonight, you know. Think we could get away with celebrating it in our special little way.”