38.
The uniform accommodating her frame fit loosely.
“Young lady, that’s a bit much,” her manager said.
“But belts are allowed.🎵” Milly cinched her slender waist. “I need it …”
“OK. But try to smile more. Be friendly.”
The jukebox switched songs.
🎵 “Here Comes My Girl” - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers 🎵
Four young men entered Antique Diner. Each of their clothes and hair were different, but somehow, all the same — a uniform of their own: rebellion. Everyone in the restaurant stared at them.
Milly took their order.
As she entered the kitchen and the door swung shut behind her, one man pronounced, “I think I just met my ex-wife!”
“What did he say?” Milly asked her co-worker.
“Don’t you know who tahtis?”
It was Damien.
Milly shook her head.
Upon her return, Damien asked, “Hey, sweetheart, do you like music?”
“I am very interested in music.”
He imitated Milly in mocking monotone. “I am”—his hands moving like a robot—“very interested in music.” His fellas laughed on cue.
She sighed, unfazed. “I found vinyl records as a child.” Milly stared, unblinking. “But I couldn’t listen to them.”
“Vinyl.” Damien nodded. “Very cool. As a child? How old are you?”
Milly smiled. “I turned eighteen today.”
His buddy gave the double thumbs up.
Damien grinned. “Then I have got a birthday present for you!”
He was thirty — and a musician.