Bailey - June 1st
I’m so exhausted but I have to get this down before I pass out.
Leon came in to work tonight. I was halfway embarrassed because working at Burger Palace isn’t exactly glamorous, thank you grease-stained apron, but also it’s a job and I make decent tips so can’t complain.
It was right in the middle of the dinner rush.
I looked up and there he was, sitting at the corner booth with his laptop like he’d owned the place.
My heart literally skipped but I don’t think it showed on my face. I hope.
He waited for the line to slow, then ordered a burger and a milkshake…
and refused to let me give him free stuff.
I swear, if he could have jumped over the counter to help me he would have.
He went back to his booth and I got super busy again, but it was really nice knowing he was there.
Every time I glanced over between taking orders, he’d catch my eye and smile.
Not in a weird way, just... I don’t know.
Like he was happy to see me? Which is probably me reading too much into it but whatever.
Then around seven, these two guys came in, college-aged, clearly drunk, probably pre-gaming before going out to the bars.
They were dicks from the start. Complaining about the line loudly, being so obnoxious.
Then they finally got in front of me and said stuff like “make sure it’s cooked this time” or “no soggy fucking fries.” I felt my body tensing up, but I was like it’s okay, they’ll leave soon.
Then I told them it was going to be twenty-three dollars and the one guy got so loud.
“Twenty-three bucks for this shit? That’s fucking robbery!
You’d have to show your tits and ass for me to pay that for a fucking burger. ”
My face got so hot but I just forced a bigger smile and told them I could grab a manager. I hate confrontation, especially at work where I have to smile and nod and can’t even attempt to stick up for myself.
But then Leon was just... there. I didn’t even see him coming.
He didn’t make a big scene or anything. He just put his hand on the counter, and in this calm but kind of scary voice said something like, “I think you gentlemen owe the lady an apology. And perhaps a more generous tip for her excellent service during what’s clearly a busy evening. ”
The way he said it... God. It wasn’t loud or aggressive, but his voice was like “you better not try anything with me.” They actually apologized and left a fifteen dollar tip on their order.
After they left, I just stared at him, like I short-circuited. Maybe I mumbled something like “You didn’t have to do that,” but he just shrugged and said “Yes, I did.” Then he went back to his booth like nothing happened.
I kept thinking about it for the rest of my shift. How he didn’t hesitate for a second to come to my side. How he made those guys actually feel bad about being jerks instead of just telling them to leave.
I’ve never had someone do that for me before.
Jasper would have probably started a fight, and Damon would have given them a death stare until they left on their own or maybe fought them too.
I never know what mood he’ll be in. But Leon.
.. he handled it like an adult. Like someone who actually cared about