CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR: Hey Jealousy

Friday afternoon.

“Hey Porter..”

“Yep?”

“Can I ask you something..”

“Sure. Fire away.”

“Why is it that when I approach Sam to talk to her, she runs in the opposite direction and mumbles something about keeping fifteen feet away?”

“I dunno. Sam’s weird.”

“…”

“What?”

“Did you have anything to do with that?”

“Me?”

“Yeah.. you.”

“Nope. But maybe Helena did..”

“Yeah.. right.”

“Hey Kennard..”

“Hmm?”

“Do you like Sam?”

“Yeah.. she’s nice.”

“I mean, do you like like Sam?”

“Whaaattt?! Uhm.. I mean.. what makes you say that Porter?”

“Nothing.. I just.. I.. see the way you look at her sometimes..”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Sam’s my friend. We’re just friends.”

“Like that has stopped anyone before..”

“What?”

“You know what.. nevermind. Forget I even asked.”

“Good.”

“…”

“What? I can see you’re itching to say something.”

“Just in case you don’t know.. Sam snores like a freight train, cries while watching cheesy Hallmark movies, puts ketchup on her cookies, leaves her discarded clothes around like a snake shedding its skin, wears those silly looking bandanas, farts like a machine gun in her sleep…”

“…”

“…burps like a man, laughs like a horse, sweats like a pig.. especially under the arms, picks her nose in public, loves crappy bubblegum pop songs, and is a big closet fan of Hannah Montana and High School Musical..”

“…”

“What? I’m just saying..”

“She’s your best friend..”

“That she is.. and I love her for those quirks. I just.. think you should know those things as well.. and hope you’re not as accepting as me..”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing..”

———————–

Saturday afternoon.

Be polite, patient and don’t forget to smile. Those were Marina Ferrer’s strict instructions to her staff at the Planet.. specifically to those who waited tables and worked behind the counter. Although relatively a new player in the resto/bar scene, the Planet was quickly gaining quite a loyal following in town. It was building a reputation for serving delectable coffee and exquisite meals at just the right price. But Marina knew that this wasn’t enough if they wanted longevity in the business. Competition was fierce in West Hollywood, and if they wanted to stay in the game, they had to provide their customers with more than good products. They had to offer quality service as well.