Safe with My CEO

The alarm clock’s shrill ring was a rude awakening. Nicole’s eyes snapped open, and she groaned, rolling over to smack the snooze button.

After a quick shower, she slipped into her uniform, grabbed her bag, and headed out the door.

Stepping outside, she scanned her surroundings, always alert.

She took the bus to the diner, a cozy family joint filled with warm chatter and memorabilia on the walls.

Once inside, she made her way to the break room, setting down her bag just as the door swung open.

“Morning, sweetheart!” Maggie greeted her, a warm smile on her face and a cup of coffee in her hand.

“Mags, you’re a lifesaver,” Nicole grinned, accepting the coffee gratefully. At sixty-five, Maggie was the kindest and hardest-working person Nicole knew.

When Nicole had first started at the diner, Maggie had taken her under her wing, even letting her stay at her place until she found an apartment.

“How was closing last night?” Maggie asked, rummaging through her purse.

“Same old,” Nicole shrugged.

“Can’t believe Sam had you close and then open,” Maggie shook her head, her short gray hair bobbing. “Is he trying to work you to death?”

Nicole laughed. “I asked for the shift. Need the extra cash.”

“You’re going to wear yourself out, hon,” Maggie warned, giving her a comforting squeeze as they headed out to the front.

The morning rush kept them busy. Maggie manned the bar while Nicole handled the tables.

Around ten, things started to slow down. Nicole slipped into the back for a water break when she heard the door chime and Maggie’s welcoming voice, “Morning, darlin’. Sit anywhere you like.”

“Thank you.”

Nicole emerged from the back, and Maggie handed her a menu. “He’s at the far table,” she said, nodding towards a man in the back booth.

Nicole approached him, hiding her surprise behind a professional smile. He didn’t look like their usual clientele, with his dark hair and expensive suit.

“Good morning,” she greeted him. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee?”

“Coffee is fine,” he replied curtly. Nicole poured him a cup and smiled. “I’ll give you a moment with the menu.”

She started to walk away, but he stopped her.

“I’ll have an egg white Denver omelet with fruit on the side.” He didn’t even glance up from his phone.

“Coming right up,” she said, tapping her pen on her notepad before heading to the kitchen.

“Jerk,” she muttered under her breath as she put in his order. She served him his meal and refilled his coffee.

“Anything else I can get you, sir?” she asked, forcing a smile.

“No.”

“Alright, enjoy your breakfast.” She returned to the counter, standing next to Maggie.

“He’s a real charmer, huh?” Maggie muttered.

“I hate it when we get these big-shot businessmen who can’t be bothered,” Nicole rolled her eyes. “Bet he doesn’t even tip.”

Maggie chuckled. “Fifteen bucks says he just leaves the change.”

They laughed and went back to work. Nicole checked on him occasionally, usually met with a grunt or a dismissive wave.

When he finally left, Nicole went to clean his table and collect her tip. Fifteen cents lay on the receipt.

“Figures…” she muttered, a little louder than she intended.

He paused, hand on the door. “Excuse me?”

“Hmm?” she asked, plastering on a fake smile.

“If you have something to say, say it,” he challenged.

Nicole knew she shouldn’t. Sam would be furious if he found out she’d talked back to a customer.

But…

He’d already paid and left, so was he really a customer anymore?

“What’s that supposed to mean…” He glared at her, eyes flicking to her name badge. “…Nicole?”

Nicole squared her shoulders, summoning her courage. “I’m just wondering how a man who can afford such a nice suit can’t afford to leave a decent tip.”

“Is this how you treat all your customers, Nicole?” He stepped closer.

Nicole’s confidence wavered as he advanced, but she held her ground. “No, just the bad tippers.”

She glared back at him, then flashed him a saccharine smile. “Have a nice day!” With that, she turned on her heel and retreated to the break room, the front door slamming behind her.

“WHAT. ON. EARTH?!” Maggie exclaimed as she entered the room.

“What?” Nicole asked. “We were all thinking it!”

“Girl, what were you thinking? You better hope Sam doesn’t find out about this.

“He’ll chew you out. Or worse, fire you." Maggie shook her head, leaving the break room. “Crazy girl,” she muttered.

The rest of the day passed without incident. By the time Nicole got home, she was beat. She collapsed onto her bed, still in her uniform, and fell asleep.

An hour later, her phone buzzed, waking her up. She opened the email and squealed.

The following morning, Nicole bounced into work, planting a kiss on Maggie’s cheek.

“Well!” Maggie laughed. “What’s got you so chipper?”

“Guess who’s got an interview for an Executive Assistant position at the biggest architecture firm in Boston?!” Nicole playfully hinted.

Maggie let out a shriek, pulling her into a tight hug. “Oh! Darling, I’m so thrilled for you!”

“Hopefully I can dig up something decent to wear,” Nicole said, rolling her eyes.

“Just wear the best thing you’ve got.” Maggie gently held her face. “They’d be idiots not to hire you. You’ve earned this, Nicole. You deserve so much more.”

Nicole was on cloud nine for the rest of the day. Things were finally looking up. She was finally getting the stability she craved. She was finally ready to start the next chapter of her life.