Breath 3

Tom weaved through the restaurant,

balancing plates in one hand while fumbling with the order pad in the other.

The dimly lit space buzzed with conversation, the scent of coconut milk, chilies,

and fresh basil swirling through the air.

He approached a young couple at table six,

setting down their steaming plates of Pad Thai and Green Curry.

“Here we go,” he said with a smile, placing the dishes in front of them.

The woman clapped her hands together. “Oh, before you go—can you take our picture?”

Tom forced a grin, accepting the phone.

He counted down, snapped a few shots, and handed it back

just as the restaurant’s phone buzzed loudly in his pocket.

He juggled the notepad, pulling the phone out with his free hand.

“Thai Orchid, how can I help you?” he answered,

scribbling down the takeout order as his eyes darted toward the entrance.

More customers trickled in, filling up the small space.

Tom rushed to greet them, guiding a party of four to an open table.

Just as he handed them menus, a woman from the corner booth waved him over.

“Can you wrap this up to go?” she asked, pushing her half-eaten plate

of fried rice toward him.

Before he could reply, a man at the next table raised his hand. “More rice, please.”

Tom nodded, already stepping backward toward the kitchen,

multitasking in overdrive. He grabbed the rice server from the counter,

rushed to the waiting table, and scooped steaming jasmine rice onto their plates.

The restaurant’s phone rang again.

As he jotted down another order, a young man in a fitted leather jacket

slid into a booth near the counter.

“I’ll have a jasmine tea,” the man said, smirking. “And maybe…your number?”

Tom barely looked up. “Sorry, sir, we’re all out of that.”

The man laughed. “Out of what? Jasmine tea or your number?”

Tom winked. The guy smiled.

You can never go wrong when you flirt for free.

Tom sighed, spinning on his heel to grab two beer bottles before the phone rang again.

More customers poured in.

Four elderly patrons stopped him near the door,

their eyes filled with hopeful anticipation.

“Do you have senior discounts?” one of them asked.

Tom flashed his best service-industry smile.

“Of course! Right this way.”

He led them to a table, swiftly handing them water and utensils

before dashing off to fetch their menus.

But when he returned, something felt…off.

The silverware was gone.

The elderly customers stared at him expectantly,

as if nothing had happened.

Tom furrowed his brows. “Uh… I just gave you your spoons and forks.”

Four pairs of innocent eyes blinked at him.

“You did?” one asked, tilting his head.

Another shrugged. “Are you sure, dear?”

Tom opened his mouth, then closed it.

He exhaled sharply, deciding he was too overwhelmed to deal with possible utensil thieves.

Dismissing the thought, he turned toward the kitchen

just as Ploy’s voice rang out in frustration.

“Tom! Orders are piling up! I need hands, not ghosts!”

Before he could respond, the front door swung open again.

Tom didn’t even have time to look up

before a shrill voice pierced through the noise of the dining room.

“THERE HE IS! THAT’S THE GUY WHO DIDN’T PAY HIS RENT!”

Tom’s stomach sank.

He turned slowly to find Mrs. Alvarez standing at the entrance,

hands on her hips, her presence demanding attention.

And beside her—looking like he had just walked off a

magazine cover—was a devastatingly handsome man,

tall and sharp-jawed, dressed in a tailored blazer that screamed high fashion.

Tom blinked. Mrs. Alvarez had a model boyfriend?!

The entire restaurant turned to stare.

Customers whispered. Tom clenched his jaw, forcing a tight smile.

“Mrs. Alvarez,” he said, gritting his teeth.

“We’re full right now. You’ll have to wait for a table.”

“Oh, I’ll wait,” she huffed. “But while I do, everyone here

should know—this GUY right here, is a RENT SKIPPER!”

Tom inhaled slowly, eyes closing for a brief moment.

He resisted the urge to throw himself into the nearest wok

to be mixed in the next Pad Thai order.

Instead, he turned on his heel and marched back into the kitchen,

rolling his eyes as he grabbed another tray of orders.

Just another night in Thai Orchid.