Page 1 of Chasing My Bliss (Behind The Lens #6)

Felicity

One Year Ago

T he heavy darkness outside is still evident through the broken slats on the blinds.

It feels like my alarm has barely gone off, yelling its own annoying version of ‘good morning’ to me.

Stretching myself awake, I sleepily stumble through my morning routine of shower throwing on clothes, and grabbing a quick coffee.

Not wanting to be late, I reluctantly grab my shoes and haul my bookbag—stuffed with textbooks for school—and my gym bag, carrying a change of clothes and heading out the door.

“Aghhh, I wish I could crawl back into bed,” I mumble under my breath.

I’m wearing my favorite pair of worn jeans that go perfectly with the fitted v-neck shirt emblazoned with the Hank’s Burgers and Fries logo that I wear for work. My eyes lock on my emerald green Converse as I take my first step off the porch into the chilly early morning air.

Gazing out onto the overgrown yard, I can’t help but frown at the wild tangle of grass and weeds that have taken over. Our once pristine home has turned into the cliche house in a horror movie that the killer always hunts his victims in.

“I’ll have to find time to mow this disaster.

” I mutter to myself, already mentally scheduling it between extra shifts and studying.

I trudge over to my beat-up silver Toyota Corolla parked on the cracked driveway.

As I slide into the driver’s seat, I close my eyes for a moment and pray the car will start on the first try.

With a reluctant groan, the engine sputters awake, and I let out a silent thank you to whatever being deemed me worthy of a little grace today.

My drive to the diner is quiet as my mind races with thoughts; each of them, a battle for me to overcome.

I’m barely twenty, yet I carry the weight of my mother’s struggles—her job loss after eighteen grueling years cleaning for the Carmichaels, only to be dumped without notice or severance, and blacklisted, leaving her no choice but to take whatever came her way.

Why you ask? All because my mom was foolish enough to fall for Mr. Carmichael’s charm. The fucking snake. He knew exactly what he was doing, and how easily he could enamor my mom. And when he was caught, he abandoned her, making her out to be the evil temptress.

Thankfully, I was able to get extra shifts at the diner to pay the tuition that my mother had been covering with her income.

It also helps that the school allows me to make installments on the balance.

The remaining money I make after that goes to our bills.

My days are spent pushing myself beyond exhaustion, all for the promise of a bachelor’s degree and a future I could shape for myself. Two years left, and that’s all.

Pulling into the parking lot, I take my normal spot in the back, close to the door, and underneath a streetlight.

Can never be too careful. I can’t recall how many nights I’ve woken in a sweat because I had a nightmare about being kidnapped or raped during one of my late night or early morning shifts.

I shake off the thought and turn off the car, silently praying that when I come back out, it starts just as easily.

In the diner, the fluorescent lights are already on, casting a pale glow over worn booths and chipped counters.

The smell of maple syrup and cinnamon fill the air, and my mouth is already watering, imagining taking a bite of our signature french toast. There’s already a few of our regulars seated around the room, some with food in front of them, while others are still waiting.

“Hey girl,” Katherine, one of the older waitresses, calls to me as I make my way behind the counter. She is a fixture here in the diner. When she takes time off, the regulars ask after her. As much as I love her, I don’t want to be her.

“Hi,” I head to the back, putting my purse and jacket into my locker, taking out my apron and order pad.

When Hank Jr. took over the diner, he kept everything the same as his father had, including making sure he didn’t upgrade to an electronic order system.

While it’s great for nostalgia, not so much for efficiency.

It was a huge bonus that we can accept credit cards, but then again, that brings in money.

When I step back out to the counter, she’s standing there, talking to one of the older men who has frequented the diner since his wife’s passing. “Good morning Mr. Jenkins. How’s your cat? Cooper, isn’t it?”

“He’s doing good. Thinks he’s the king of the house and I’m his damn butler. But my sweet Myrtle made him that way, spoiled the shit out of him.” I can see the tears in his eyes as he talks about her.

“It’s a little piece of her with you then,” I add quickly.

“Yeah, I like that, Felicity.” He pauses for a minute, picking up his cup of coffee, hands trembling, causing some of the liquid to spill over the side, and takes a sip.

“You’re getting thin and looking ragged.

You’re going to put yourself in an early grave if you keep going like you are.

Now it ain’t none of my business, but someone needs to look out for you. If you need any–”

“I’m fine, Mr. Jenkins. Really. It’s just temporary while my mom gets back on her feet.” At least I hope it is; but it’s already been three months, and it doesn’t look like things are changing anytime soon.

Thankfully, I’m saved from any further inquisition as the door opens and two truck drivers come inside and head right for my section.

Saved by the bell. Hopefully, this will be a chance to make some money.

Well, that is, if they’re decent tippers.

I take a deep breath, put on my best smile and wander over there to get them sorted out.

Around nine—just an hour before my shift is going to end—I spot two of my regulars settling into their usual table. A warm smile tugs at my lips despite my tired eyes as I make my way over with menus in hand.

“Hello, Mr. Matthews,” I say sweetly as I hand him the menu, trying my hardest to mask the exhaustion that’s already taken over this early in the day.

“Felicity, how many times have I told you to call me Chad?” he glares at me but I can see the twinkle of playfulness in his eyes, as he teases me affectionately.

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks as they burn with embarrassment. “Don't even think of calling me Mrs.,” Lorna snaps playfully at me.

“I'd never, Lorna—I think the last time I did, I just about crapped my pants when you corrected me.”

We all share a laugh that lightens the mood, if only for a moment. “Just the two of you this morning?” I ask, glancing between them.

“Yes,” they say in unison.

“Lorna and I had some work to discuss about a future project, so Nic and Carla are getting the kiddos ready for school and daycare before they head out to work.”

“The guys have practice which they know they can’t miss. Sleeping with the owner gets them no favoritism. And Kylo is sound asleep after a late-night session,” Lorna announces smugly and I just shake my head.

“Aww, I was hoping to see the little ones.” I fake a pout.

“They’ll miss seeing you as well.” Chad’s eyes soften as he adds, “But I wasn’t aware you were working the morning shift now. I thought the last couple of times were a fluke, but this seems permanent. Are you not working nights any longer? What about school?”

My heart races at the onslaught of questions—questions I shouldn’t have a problem answering, or be unnerved about. Yet I do, and I am. “Yeah, I still do,” I manage to say. “I, uh…I’m doing both, actually.”

Lorna raises an eyebrow as she purses her lips tightly together, the corners turning down. “You didn’t quit, did you?”

I hesitate, my mind flashing to my mother’s lost job and the extra shifts that now fill my days.

Blinking back the tears that are threatening to spill, “No…still going.” I say hurriedly.

Lorna gazes up at me with concern. “Um...my mom lost her job, and I’ve had to pick up extra work to cover my tuition and help with the bills. ”

They exchange a knowing look, and the conversation shifts as quickly as it started. Chad smiles at me, one that has a hint of pity before handing me his menu. “I’ll have bacon, scrambled eggs, and French toast. Coffee and a glass of OJ.”

Lorna chimes in, handing me her own menu, “I’ll have French toast, sausage links, and coffee.”

Relief floods through me with knowing that I now have an excuse to leave that awkward and difficult conversation.

I quickly turn and rush behind the counter to place their order with the cook.

Once I’ve done that, I quickly make their drinks before heading back their way.

The closer I get, the more my ears catch snippets of their conversation over the hum of the diner.

“Obviously the calendar is for next year, but do we have an idea for the theme?” Chad asks Lorna.

I can’t see her face clearly but she lets off a bit of a giggle, “Yep, sure do. Holidays. Not the normal ones. Anyone the person wants. The crazier the better.”

Chad shakes his head, “Woman, you’re crazy.”

Chad glances over to the right just as I get close to them.

“Here you go. Can I get you anything else?” I ask them as I reach their table, placing their drinks in front of them.

“No, we’re good,” Lorna replies with a gentle nod.

I take a deep breath and check on my other tables, my mind racing as I balance orders and thoughts of my future. When their food is ready, I carefully gather their plates and return to their table once more.

Chad leans over toward me, his tone softening. "Felicity, picking up the morning shift must leave you pretty drained. When do you get to sleep, and how much rest are you actually getting?"

I force a smile and hope my voice doesn’t crack. “With studying, not a lot. It’s hard, but it’s what I have to do.”

He fidgets with his knife, and his eyes glint with something secretive.

“You know, when I was in college I had to make money, too. I found a unique way to do it—and even helped some other people along the way by teaching them to do the same thing as me. It’s how I met Nic and Lorna here, and it led me to the life I have now.

” His voice drops to a whisper as he continues, “What I’m really trying to say is… we have a job opportunity for you.”

I blink in surprise, my pulse racing as I set down their plates with trembling fingers. “A job opportunity?”

Lorna speaks, her voice low, for only us to hear. “We know you’re a hard worker. You’re attractive, and you have an appeal that draws people in. When are you free to talk?”

Am I hearing this right? Am I dreaming? My damn car starts on the first try, and now my best customers are telling me they have a job for me.

What the fuck do I do?

“Felicity?” Lorna’s voice pulls me from my rambling thoughts.

“Sorry, I was just thinking. I have a break this afternoon—from twelve to two. Then I have class from two thirty to five, and then back here for work afterward. So not a lot of free time. I’m not sure if it works with your schedule,” I tell her nervously.

My answer doesn’t seem to faze her. “Come by the address on this card during your break. I’ll have lunch brought in for us and we’ll talk. I think you’ll like what we have to offer.”

I take the card from her hand, its weight suddenly heavy with promise and uncertainty. “Okay,” I whisper, my voice a mix of trepidation and cautious hope.

As I slowly walk away from the table, my mind spins with thoughts of the unexpected opportunity.

I am still not entirely sure what the hell just happened, but I have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, the load I’ve been carrying is about to get a little lighter.

And there’s no way in hell I am looking a gift horse in the mouth.