Work Text:
“Here we are; double whiskey on the rocks. You holler if you need anything else.” The brunette waitress said, placing the tumbler in front of the man.
“Thank you, darlin’. Sit down for a second, let me talk to ya?” The cow boy tried.
The waitress groaned internally and tries not to roll her eyes, “Sorry, not tonight. I got tables to wait on.” She apologized.
This was a nightly recurrence; the flirting and being asked on dates by the gentlemen and cowboys who came into bar. Each night she politely declined, she would never go home with any of them. It was one of the rules she had for herself as a waitress, one: Don’t give customers your real name, which is why her name tag read Veronica. Two: don’t go home with the customers.
She checked in on her other tables, noting everyone was fine and happy. Glancing at the clock above the bar she saw it was nearing 11 pm, just two more hours she thought. It was a Wednesday night and the week had felt longer than it was, she was exhausted and in desperate need of a cigarette. “Hey Tink, I’m taking 10, cover my tables will you?” she called to the blonde waitress at the bar.
“Alright.” Tink nodded and waved the brunette off with her hand
Regina went out the back door, the cool crisp air of autumn hitting her face deliciously. She all but collapsed onto the chair by the door. Leaning back against the wall she dug around in her jacket pocket and pulled out a box of cigarettes, put on to her lips and lit it. She inhaled and tilted her head to the sky, allowing her eyes to fall closed. God she had needed this, she lowered her shoulders as she exhaled the smoke. Regina thought of all she had to do the next day and mentally started compiling a list, there was an order coming into the bar that she would have to restock the bar and storeroom, she needed to go to the bank, do the laundry and clean the apartment. But before all of that she would sleep in, just an extra hour would be great.
She took the last drag just as the door opened to reveal Tink, “Your corner table just walked in.” the blonde informed her, a hint of a smirk on her lips. All the employees knew that this particular customer only came in on nights Regina worked, or ‘Veronica’ as patrons knew her.
The corner of Regina’s mouth curled up, “Thanks, I’ll be right in.” she said as she threw the bud on the floor and put it out with her boot. Getting up she ran her hands through her hair and let out a long sigh, two more hours she reminded herself.
Regina made way to the corner table, the patrons head was bowed; looking down at their phone. As she came to a stop next to the tables she cleared her throat, “Evening, what can I get for you tonight; whiskey or apple cider? She asked sweetly.
Blonde hair whipped slightly and green eyes glanced up and made contact with deep brown, “Evening Miss.” A smile began to bloom on the customers face, “Apple cider please, you know you have the best in town.” The blonde said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and smiling.
Regina chuckled, shaking her head, “That we do, I’ll be back shortly with your drink.”
“James, I need an apple cider for table 6.” She told the bartender, taking a tray from the stack at the end of the bar.
“Coming up!” he replied.
James placed the tumbler on her tray along with a serviette, “Here we go, one apple cider for table six.”
“Thanks.” She smiled, and headed back to the corner table.
On the way there Regina passed by a table of rowdy and slightly drunk guys, a few of them we’re catcalling her while one had outright asked her on a date, he had somehow managed to grasp her hand as she walked by and confessed he’s love for her and then proceeded to ask her out. She carefully extracted her hand and politely declined, excusing herself and motioning to her waiting table.
“Sorry about the slight delay, here we are.” She apologized and set the cider down in front of the blonde.
“No worries. Were those guys bothering you just now?” the blonde asked and nodded her head in the direction of the rowdy table.
“Ugh pay them no attention; they’re drunk I don’t think he really meant to confess his love to me which I’m certain would have dwindled by the time the alcohol wears off.” She scoffed, and placed the tray at her side, “Besides, I’m not interested. My heart belongs to someone else.” She smirked and discreetly took one of the blondes hand in her own.
Emma’s green eyes sparkled, “You look beautiful tonight, Regina.” She whispered and squeezed the brunette’s hand.
“I look exhausted but thank you, my love. As do you.” She husked, as a smile overtook her face. “I should check on my other tables, I’ll be back.”
“I’ll be here until you’re done with your shift, as always.” Emma assured her and flashed her dopey grin.
The rest of her shift went by a lot faster than she had thought it would, probably because she could feel green eyes trailing most of the time and when they locked eyes she was rewarded with the most beautifully handsome face she had laid eyes on that displayed so much love, Regina wondered how she had gotten so lucky.
When the end of her shift came, she was more than ready to leave. The bar was almost empty only a few tables remained occupied, including the rowdy gents that had hit on her before.
As Regina made her way out from behind the bar she was confronted by the same drunk guy from earlier, “Come on Veronica, just one drink.” He slurred as he swayed sided to side
She let out a sigh in annoyance, “Look I said no, not that it matters but I’m seeing someone.”
“What does he have that I don’t?” he pushed on.
Regina glanced around the bar and spotted the blonde as she made her way over to where they were standing. Regina’s eyes softened as she saw the woman she was in love with, “For one a heart of gold,” she shot Emma a look, and with that look the blonde knew exactly what she meant. “Secondly, a vagina.” She deadpanned and smirked, just as Emma approached them and slid her arm around the waitress’ waist.
“You ready to go, baby?” she asked and planted a soft kiss on Regina’s cheek.
“I am. Let’s go home, dear.” Regina said, happily.
“Excuse us.” Emma said to the gaping man in front of them as she put on her hat, tipping the front in greeting and leading Regina out of the bar.