I thought about Reginald skipping class to come stand beside me at the cart, baking under the blazing sun until his skin turned red and started to peel.
How he'd just wipe the sweat away like it was nothing and keep fumbling along, trying to learn how to fold a breakfast burrito with his clumsy hands.
How once, when my spatula accidentally grazed the back of his hand, he'd yanked it away like he'd been shocked. His ears flushed scarlet. He turned his head and couldn't look at me.
I'd laughed and called him sweet. Innocent. I thought he was being careful with me, that he treasured me.
Turns out it was just his excuse for being repulsed.
A cold numbness spread through my chest. I stood frozen in place.
A perky voice chirped behind me.
"Are you the waitress bringing drinks to this room? Why are you just standing there?"
The girl brushed past me, pushed the door open, let out a squeal, and threw herself into Reginald's arms.
She clung to him like a koala, legs wrapped around him.
"Long time no see! Did you miss me?"
Reginald's expression went stony, but she wasn't the least bit intimidated.
She leaned in and nuzzled the tip of his nose.