Snippet #1807097

Jacqueline’s skin glistened from perspiration in the afternoon sun; silk brown strands along her nape and ears slicked down by sweat as she slowed from a sprint to a light jog then down to a complete halt, once reaching the back entrance to Schianos. The blue bottle in hand, half-filled with water, was uncapped before indolently settled against her awaiting lips as her free hand moved to grasp the door handle. She took a nice long swallow, eyes falling shut as she hummed with satisfaction. “Yum.” She said before unlocking the large steel door and pulling it open.

She had run from home, dipping, and dodging passer-byers as she continued to keep her usual pace along the busy streets.

Unlike their customers, and if she wasn’t opening or closing the bar, Jacqueline always used the back entrance. For some reason, she enjoyed ‘sneaking’ into the bar from the back; enjoyed making those that weren’t accustomed to her ways suffer with uncertainty about when she would appear for work. She also found great enjoyment in teasing and goofing around with the cooks.

Jacqueline tugged the door behind her shut, and locked gazes instantly with the head cook. “Hiiiii Ray.” She cooed out, lashes fluttering innocently at the much older male as she circled to his station.

“Hi Darlin’.” He replied, a smile on his face at the girl that could be his granddaughter.

Ray was from Louisiana and had the cooking skills as well as the thick accent to prove it. He stood at about 5’6”, thick hair, with piercing blue eyes and a salt and pepper shaded handlebar mustache.

Jacqueline chuckled and pushed irritating hair back with the back of her hand before she moved to stand next to Ray; hovering. “What’s in there?” She asked, eyes focused on the sizzling pan.

“Food.”

“What kindda food?” She questioned, making sure to keep her dirtied form away from the whatever he was creating.

“Good food.” He retorted as he chuckled.

“My favorite!” Jacqueline jumped back just in time as the new bus boys rushed over to the sink with plates behind them. “Careful Jimmy.” She warned, before swatting lightly at the sixteen year olds head.

“Yes ma’am, sorry.”

“Now you be sweet to Jim, it’s his first week.” Ray advised to Jacqueline who was already pushing open the swinging doors and stepping outside, a kiss blown towards Ray in goodbye. “Sassy girl…” He whispered fondly to himself, shaking his head.

Jacqueline stepped inside the bar, and immediately sighed with relief as cool air engulfed her in soothing fingers. ‘Lovely…’ she thought to herself as she stepped further into the bar, warm welcomes thrown her way.
“Hey.” She returned to familiar faces, a smile plastered across her face as she waved or nodded. She maneuvered to stand behind a customer who waited to be served by her sister at the bar, her grin widened.

“Hi, Jackie.” One waitress called out as she casually slipped past Jacqueline and moved to one of her tables.

“Hey girl.” Jacqueline replied while she offered the male customer a chance to move away from the bar before she pressed her body against it. “Hey!” She enthusiastically called out to her sister who was busy with other customers. Slim hands grabbed at a stool nearest to her to steady herself as Jacqueline continued on “Read your note earlier, we can talk later- if you want.” She blew at a brunette strand, before looking back at her working sister. “Do you need help?” Without waiting for an answer, Jacqueline pushed off the bar, tipped the upper half of her body over, and placed her water bottle behind the bar.

She had just recently turned twenty-one a few months ago, and the high of realizing she could legally drink had not quite worn off yet; she could also serve.

She grinned at her older sister as she settled back on her feet and moved her hands up to redo her messed up bun. “I can help.”