"That's it. I'm done," she muttered to no one in particular and thrust both arms into her skimpy jacket.
They'd all heard the words a thousand times, but this time she meant it. No more waiting tables. She was through with earning a few extra bucks by cheapening herself for the classless men that walked in and out of the door, in and out of her life.
A rush of stale garbage and hard rain filled her nose the moment she stepped out the backdoor and onto the sidewalk. She wrapped her jacket tight around her frame to block the chill in the air. Dimly lit streetlamps guided her to the beat-up old Chrysler she called transportation. Within seconds she was completely drenched and silently cussing up a storm. Two solid weeks of rain was enough to send her willingly to the nearest padded room.
She flung herself into the seat and started up the rusted beast, once, twice, finally the third time the engine caught. Sable checked the rear view mirror and backed out slowly. Between the dark and the rain she could hardly see a thing. She turned on the radio, and after several tries to find a decent station gave up and switched it off.
Her stomach grumbled as she drove by one fast food joint after another. Thanks to months of working around grease and lard everyday, her appetite for quick and easy was ruined. Thoughts of a tantalizing pasta dish piled with noodles and a succulent Bolognese sauce ran through her mind. Half a loaf of crusty bread, layered with just the right amount of butter and fresh garlic to add a zip to her tongue. Washed down with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to liven up her palate. It had been a long time since she'd treated herself to such luxury. Times were tough and self-indulgence would have to wait.
She turned her head as she passed by the famed Vino's Italian Patisserie when the sound of squealing tires caught her attention. Sable turned in time to see a blur of red lights too close for comfort. She slammed on her brakes, the car skidding side to side. The car finally stopped, but not before making contact with what looked like a brand new Mini Cooper S.
She beat her fists against the steering wheel and screamed at the top of her lungs. "Noooo! Tell me this isn't happening. I can't afford another increase to my car insurance!"
The driver's side door flung open and a tall, dark figure came toward her swiftly. For a fleeting moment she considered backing up and racing off, but her conscience wouldn't let her. Like every other time in her life, she would have to face the music.
Her legs shook as she rolled down the window. A steady stream of rain battered her face and the upholstery of her car. She had no idea what to say, but she sure as hell wasn't going to cry. An angry voice cut into her desperate attempt to pretend she was anywhere else.
"Do you realize what you did? I just bought the damn thing!"
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