1
Harlow
It’s another day where I am running behind, it seems to be the story of my life anymore. It’s not like I have much of a choice. I’m twenty-one years old, out on my own since I was eighteen. Losing my parents when I was fourteen from a drunk driver was devastating. Our family bond was ridiculously tight, every Friday was family game night and we’d rotate with either Chinese food or pizza. Dad would grumble about Chinese food, but it was moms favorite, and he just acted like he didn’t enjoy it, when in fact he was the one always scrounging for leftovers the next day. When they were taken away so suddenly, I was sucked into a vortex so deep. I wasn’t sure I could find my way out of the darkness if it wasn’t for my father’s sister Aunt Dorothy, I called her Aunt Dot though. Older in her years than my dad was, but she had no problem taking me under her wing. I probably would have never made it during those dark times. Anytime I was feeling down in the dumps on a Friday night, we’d go for a bike ride to the beach, stop along the way for ice cream, and sit down in the sun and watch the sunset.
Of course life seems to be harsh when you finally get back on your feet. I was a senior in high school when she went to the doctor’s office early in the morning, only to pass away suddenly that afternoon while working in her garden. I was shocked. She was only in her late fifties. I look around the bathroom, giving myself one last pep talk to get through the day. Aunt Dot left me her small cottage beach house. Even though it’s not on the beach, it’s in walking distance of the beach. Sure, it’s paid off but, the taxes and the homeowners insurance is astronomical. I work as many hours as possible and I’m still looking for a second job. College was out of the question for me. I had to graduate high school and get my feet wet quickly in the hustle and bustle of life.
My hair is a mess of waves. Florida’s humidity doesn’t help matters. I try to tame it into a bun on top of my head before starting a double shift at the restaurant this evening. I recently picked up this job to bus tables and hostess. Not at the same time of course, but in order to be full time with the Ocean Breeze I had to pull double duty. My white button-down shirt is tucked into my black skirt, not a wrinkle in sight.
Jessica told me the owner of Ocean Breeze is a stickler to make sure we all look and remain professional no matter what. He’s a guy I’m not really looking forward to meeting, but I know I will today. I dust on some blush, swipe on some mascara, and rub on my go to tinted chap stick. This is as good as it’s going to get. I walk out of the bathroom making sure I turn the light off along the way. I stop at the thermostat and kick it up to seventy-eight degrees. If I’m not home I try to do everything I can to keep my power usage down and to help my bills. This adulting business is for the birds.
I walk to the front door and slip on my ballet type shoes, they have added comfort for standing on your feet day in and day out. Locking up the house, I go to my car. It was also Aunt Dot’s. She took care of her car like she did the house. It may be old but it’s in perfect working order and looks immaculate.
I take one last look in the flip down visor mirror and stare at my brown hair and blue eyes. Eyes that look tired, but this will have to do for now. Maybe one day I can afford to take a day off of work and actually enjoy more of the beach like I used to. Sit down and have an ice cream and watch the sunset like I once did with Aunt Dot.
2
Evan
The restaurant is busy. No not just busy, it’s fucking slammed. I pause and look around at the tourists coming in and out tonight and damn, does it bring a smile to my face. This is the third Ocean Breeze I’ve opened, two of them being on the east coast of Florida, but this one being on the west coast, near Clearwater Beach. It seems all of my hard work is paying off. I started the first Ocean Breeze with a silent business partner, that was anything but silent. The worst mistake of my life was trying to go into business with a friend. He had the money and wanted to invest, but do it being a quiet partner. He wanted to make Ocean Breeze into party central, like something you’d find in Miam, more club and less restaurant. Sure if that’s what I was going for, I’d get it, but I wanted a restaurant, something that will target not only the tourists, but also our locals. As soon as I could buy Richard out, I did and I never looked back. Those first three years were hell. I’d go through it all over again to get to where I’m at today, though.