Work in progress...

The sound of plates shaking and faint yelling could be heard from the doors that separated the dining hall from the kitchen. Men and women could be seen walking about the kitchen as orders and dishes were being brought in and out. A golden brown-haired man could be seen talking and yelling as he read tickets in front of him. The man's name was Jericho, and he was the head chef of the restaurant.

"Hey, can you take this out to table 5? And you over there, I need more spices and vegetables from the fridge." 

He was ordering everyone around the kitchen and making sure everyone was doing their job. He was preparing soups as well as steaks before the kitchen doors swung open to reveal Allen dressed in a black vest and long white collar tee. He was waiting tables as well as serving the bar. He had come in with his phone and sat at a set of chairs that were placed adjacent to the door. He let out a loud groan before stretching.

Jericho shook his head as he watched as Allen sat down, "You tired already?"

"Not that much, but it feels so good to sit down for a bit," Allen replied.

Jericho continued with his job while Allen browsed his social media for a little while. He watched a few videos and updated his status and then got back up. He waved to Jericho as he walked back outside and entered the hall that was crowded with customers.

The hall was decorated in black and red with chandeliers that hang beautifully with each intricate piece. The white tables and people were scattered across the hall as far as the eye can see with waiters serving and maintaining the tables. The bussers wiped down a few tables as he walked past as he made his way to the bar. He walked into the bar saying hello to some of the other staff members. He grabbed a towel and washed his hands quickly right before starting his job.

A few hours passed by and the restaurant started to slow down with more tables being open. Most of the customers that are left have finished their meals and are enjoying themselves as they drink and laugh amongst themselves. The bar was still packed with people with a few no longer able to keep themselves from falling.

"I think that's enough for you. I'm sorry but I'm going to have to cut you off here, friend." Another bartender told a drunk customer who was swaying side to side.

"Wha- what yooou meann¿ I-im sssstill… I'm grape."

The conversation continued a little longer until the drunken man started to get rowdy while raising his voice in denial. Then the man threw a bottle toward the bartender that smashed other glasses on the shelves behind him. The security started to walk over as the incident started to get out of hand and eventually apprehended the man and escorted him out while we had to clean his mess.

"It seems a customer got mad again," someone said toward Allen who was distracted by the commotion, "This happens often?"

Allen turned toward the voice and saw a young woman who was sipping from a glass. He shook his head as he walked over toward the young lady," this happens sometimes but not a lot. He's just another drunk customer."

The lady raised a brow as she drank and lowered her drink to smile. She placed her glass aside and tapped the counter for another. Allen nodded as he asked for her order.

"What would you like? Get me a glass of whiskey, iced, and a lime margarita."

Allen nodded as he grabbed a small glass placed an ice ball inside and poured the whiskey while he stirred it around. He placed the glass in front of her with a coaster and then placed another coaster while he grabbed a bottle of tequila, limes, and a chilled glass. He poured the tequila, squeezed lime, and a bit of dry curaçao into a shaker. He then placed a large cube of ice into the shaker and started shaking. After a minute he placed the shaker down and salted the rim of the glass and poured the margarita. He topped it off with a lime and placed it in front of her.

"Thank you for the show. And for the drinks." She grabbed the margarita and took a sip while she pushed the whiskey glass toward him, "mind drinking with me?"

Allen stood silent and hesitated to take the drink. She smiled toward him and he sighed as he sipped from the glass. She clapped quietly and he smiled as he shook his head in disbelief of agreeing. She soon started a conversation with Allen and they continued their conversation for about two hours before she decided to get up. She smiled toward Allen as she got up and handed him a hundred-dollar bill.

"Thank you for talking with me. It was really fun. You can keep the change. I guess I'll see you around whenever I get the chance."

She walked off with a smile with Allen watching her as she left. He started to clean the counter of where she sat and as he did, he found a blank card with writing on it, "see you soon. I hope we can talk again next time." He smiled cheerfully and walked off to clean the rest of the bar.

The restaurant soon closed leaving only a few people cleaning the tables and the kitchen. Allen and Jericho sat beside one another at the bar as they drank a beer. Jericho said goodbye to the last people leaving while Allen smiled silently as he thought of the new friend he made.

"So how did it go for you two? You two are going to hook up?" Jericho said as he patted Allen's shoulder.

Allen shoved Jericho lightly and he laughed as he did, "Shut up man, we just talked is all."

"Yeah, you did, for almost two hours, man. You enjoyed yourselves for a while there. She looked pretty too. She looks like a keeper," Jericho said.

"Bet you wouldn't be saying that with Erika here," Allen replied.

"I would. I ain't scared to say that in front of her. She won't do anyth-"

A hand came flying from behind Jericho and smacked the back of his head. Jericho's head went forward with a breath of pain following. He quickly turned around while grabbing his head to see Erika standing behind him with her arms crossed. His eyes widened and he jumped back as he did. He was speechless to see Erika and Allen chuckled as Jericho was frightened.

"What did you say, Jericho? She looked like what?" Erika asked.

A bead of sweat appeared across Jericho's forehead as he sat quietly. Erika lifted a brow while Allen took a sip from his beer.

"Got anything to say, Jericho?" Allen asked as he stood up, "I'll just head on out if you two are just going to talk. See ya later."

"Wait!" Jericho yelled.

Allen couldn't help but smile and shook his head before walking up to Erika and tapping her on the shoulder. They made eye contact for less than a second before they both looked at Jericho. Allen then stepped away from her and reached over the bar to grab a glass that was filled.

"Here. This is for you."

Erika happily accepted the drink and took a seat beside Jericho before she turned to him, grabbed his collar, and pulled him in as if to stare deep into his soul. Jericho felt as if the devil had risen as he felt a heavy pressure shrouding him. Dragging him down.

"Alright guys, let's calm down and drink. We all know what today is and I'm happy to know that we're all still here together to enjoy this day," Allen said.

Erika then released Jericho and drank the whole glass in one breath. She slammed the glass on the counter and sighed joyfully. She looked once again toward Jericho and then to Allen to raise the glass and shake it. The ice clinked and Allen sighed soon after as to get up and go around the counter. He poured her another round and shook his head as he did.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" She yelled.

Allen poured one for himself and Jericho and they all raised their glasses in the air and said, "for Elizabeth."

An awkward silence followed with them all shedding a few tears before their emotions came out. Erika couldn't help but hug Jericho and scream as she did. Jericho held her and kissed and rubbed her head as she held him. Jericho was crying but was keeping himself composed better than Allen who couldn't help but kneel and sit against the counter yelling at himself and for Elizabeth.

Time soon passed and they were able to calm themselves after a few drinks. Erika had fallen asleep against Jericho and Allen was hunched over the counter wiping his face. Jericho lifted Erika and carried her over to Allen.

"Can you help me take her out?" he asked.

"Of course. Let me get our stuff right quick," Allen grabbed his jacket and Jericho's bag and keys from behind the counter and led the way to the front. He unlocked the door and held it open for Jericho to walk through. They walked down to Erika's car and they sat her down.

Jericho grabbed the keys from the purse underneath Erika and walked over to give Allen a quick hug, "it's alright, bro. We got this. She is always here and she is always going to believe in you. Just keep going, alright?"

Allen nodded as he did and Jericho handed him the keys to his truck that was parked beside them. Jericho said his last goodbye before getting in the car and driving home.

Allen walked over to the truck but didn't get in. He stood in front of the handle, shook his head, and then stared into the sky to reveal the tears that he thought were done come back.

"GODDAMMIT!!! ... Elizabeth…I'm sorry…"