Here is the premiere chapter of my story for the challenge. This one has Joanne, the waitress from 10 x 16: The Big Beef at the Royal Diner. I hope you enjoy and there will be more to come.
This chapter takes place the same day as 11 x 15: The Fight In The Fixer
I'm just glad my idea is going over so well. The stories I've read so far are just awesome.
By 6:30 AM, the Royal Diner began to fill with the noise of folks who had early days ahead of them.
Joanne looked and observed the eclectic group of regulars and new folks. For her, what was supposed to be a temporary job became her livelihood for the last eleven years. However, two years ago she got her courage up and started attending the University of the District of Columbia Community College part-time for Accounting.
After serving breakfast to a snotty lobbyist, she looked over and saw Jessica Warren at another table with her head in two books while taking notes. Next to her to no surprise was her half eaten breakfast.
Joanne admired the young woman. The young redhead was so nice no matter what kind of day she had and had more than once assisted her with her chemistry homework this semester without scorn. She tried to pay her, but was refused. At her final attempt, the Jeffersonian intern spoke up.
"You feed us at all hours and always know what we need. The least I can do is make sure you can balance a chemical equation."
A few days a week, the forensic anthropologist came to the diner for breakfast while doing research for her dissertation proposal. When Joanne brought her coffee this morning, Jessica confided that she had to present her proposal to Doctor Brennan next week and was nervous.
The waitress turned away from the young woman and looked up at the clock. 'Any time now.' She thought to herself before she heard the bell.
Looking back, she saw a harried Agent Aubrey walk in. He looked around for a second before immediately heading towards Jessica's table. With amusement, she observed him sit down with the girl oblivious to his presence before he smacked one of her books closed startling the redhead.
Seeing them laugh together, Joanne saw how crazy they were about each other. It was obvious they were the best of friends, but even an idiot could see that there was more there than just friendship. More than once, she would check on the two while they were talking about science fiction, medieval weapons, debating old horror movies, or other unusual topics.
Just last week, they came in for dinner before they went to a Star Wars marathon. Only best friends could spend that much time together in one place…or a couple in love.
'That Aubrey needs to make his move.' Joanne thought. 'Just friends my ass.'
Then to her surprise, she saw the agent take the intern's hand and interlock his fingers with hers. As they continued to look at each other, Joanne realized that the agent did finally make his move.
'About time, G-Man.' The waitress thought before she headed over to clean a nearby table. As she got closer, she heard snippets of their conversation.
"Take a break, Jess and finish your breakfast. You know you're going to kick ass when you present this to Doctor B next week."
"I'm glad you're confident, but I'm not. This is my future Aubrey and it has to be perfect."
"Of course, I'm confident. You're literally the smartest person I know. You're hot, too."
Jessica laughed while her cheeks burned red. "You're just saying that because you like kissing me."
"I do. By the way…"
Joanne turned to see the lanky man stand up and lean across the table and give the girl a small kiss.
Yep, they were adorable.
Finishing her task, she washed her hands before grabbing an empty coffee cup and a pot of fresh coffee before heading over to the two. Putting the cup down, she poured. "What can I get you, Agent Aubrey?"
"Morning Joanne. Can I get scrambled eggs, rye toast, bacon extra crispy, hash browns, a side of sausage links, and a fruit salad, please?"
"You got it."
Joanne put Aubrey's order on the spindle for Frankie. Turning around, she watched as the intern leaned back roaring with laughter as the agent told a story. It didn't escape her notice that he still held her hand.
"Young love." She said to herself before going back to work.
Over ninety minutes later, Joanne came out of the back to see her favorite couple come in. Grabbing coffee cups and coffee, she headed over to their table.
"Good morning Agent Booth, Doctor Brennan." She said before pouring their coffee. "You look excited but nervous."
"Christine's first report card." Booth said. "We haven't looked yet because we got home late last night."
"I am highly anticipating what this says, Booth." Brennan said with a smile.
The waitress smiled at the parents' obvious excitement. "Do you want your usuals or something different today?"
"Mine would be good today, Joanne."
"That goes for me as well." Booth said. "You look tired, Joanne. Doing all right?"
She smiled. Not many regular customers take the time to ask how she's doing. "Up late studying for a test next week and I had to be here at 5:30 this morning, plus I'm working a double shift today."
"Ouch." Booth said. "Well, if this report card as good as I think it is, we may just see you tonight."
"Fantastic." Joanne said. "You know, you missed Agent Aubrey and Jessica about ten minutes ago. He was here at 6:30 this morning to have breakfast with her while she was working on her proposal for you, Doctor B."
"Yeah, he's been all 'Jessica this' and 'Jessica that' for the last week and a half when we're not discussing cases or FBI related business. I feel like I'm going to be sick at times. Aubrey in love is…weird." Booth said.
"Booth, when we got married, you kept going on for months about how life, food, and the atmosphere was better since we exchanged vows. Ms. Warren's work hasn't suffered. In fact she did an excellent job cataloging three sets of remains over the weekend. I think Aubrey becoming her mate has made her more focused. Cut him some room."
'Anyone else calling their boyfriend or girlfriend mate would be weird, but Doctor B says it like it's the most natural thing in the world.' Joanne thought, ignoring the anthropologist's incorrect use of slang.
"That's cut him some slack and you're right. You're right."
"Of course I am, Booth."
Wanting to give the couple some time to look over Christine's report card, Joanne topped off their coffees. "I'll go get your orders in."
When Joanne put the ticket on the spindle, she turned and watched them get excited as they read the card before they gazed at each other for a moment.
Someday she wants a man to look at her like Agent Booth looked at Doctor Brennan.
At 10:30, Joanne noticed a very annoyed woman walk in and head to a table with a pile of folders. After a second, she recognized her as an FBI behavioral analyst she saw occasionally with Agents Booth and Aubrey.
Then she snickered as she remembered that this woman always flirted with Aubrey but was always ignored. A couple times she told Joanne she thought the agent would be 'hot in the sack' and was determined to snag him.
"Hey, isn't that the analyst lady that's always flirting with Agent Aubrey?"
Joanne turned to Hilda, the other waitress. "The one and only."
"She's so obvious it's pathetic. He adores that cute redheaded intern from the Jeffersonian. At some point, that twit has to realize that he doesn't like her."
Joanne could swear she saw steam come out of Karen's ears. "Well, obviously someone has her panties in a twist. Ten bucks says she asked out Agent Aubrey and he turned her down flat."
"No way. He probably ignored her again. She got like that the last time they were here after he left. I'll take your bet but forget the money. Loser has to clean that stupid ass cappuchino machine later."
"You're on." Joanne said before taking a full pot of coffee over to the analyst with a clean cup and saucer. Setting it down on the table, she spoke up. "Morning Ms. Delfs. It looked like you could use some coffee."
"Thanks. I need it after dealing with that ass James Aubrey."
"Wow, what did Agent Aubrey do?"
Karen turned to the waitress. "I asked him to join me for coffee this morning while we were with Agent Booth in his office, but all he said was 'I already have coffee.'
Joanne hid her smile as Karen took a big drink of her coffee and continued to speak.
"He is so dense so I finally decided to ask him out, maybe take him for a test drive before I go to Kansas City tomorrow. I mean he's never mentioned a girlfriend or anything. They're obviously not serious if he's never brought her up."
'She asked him out in front of another person? She put the poor guy on the spot.' Joanne thought. "I take it that it didn't go so well."
Karen drank more of her coffee. "He accepted, but while we were heading to question someone who knew our victim, he told me he 'misunderstood what I was asking' and he couldn't go out with me because 'he was seeing someone.' I mean, that's bullshit, right? You don't accept a date and then take it back."
Joanne knew Agent Aubrey always talked about Jessica when it wasn't work or food related. Seeing the analyst was waiting for her answer, she didn't hesitate.
"I think it's BS to ambush someone by asking them out in front of another person. Either they will look like an ass for embarrassing you or they accept to avoid embarrassing you. Frankly, Agent Aubrey wasn't the ass. You were. More coffee?"
Joanne ignored Karen's mouth open in shock as she poured the drink. "Now I'll come back to check on you in a few minutes."
The waitress walked back behind the counter and put the coffee back on the warmer. Turning to Hilda, she smiled. "Glen is leaving at 3:00 today, so you may want to get the parts back there by 2:00."
"Damn." Hilda said before heading to check on her tables.
Joanne grinned as she saw the analyst spread files out on her table with a very irritated expression on her face.
After breakfast died down, Joanne snuck a break in the office to study for her Chemistry exam next week. Thanks to the tips Jessica gave her, she understood the chemical reactions much easier. Hilda would grab her when she needed help.
"I don't get why I have to take a science glass to get a damn Accounting degree."
"Joanne! We have customers!"
The blonde shut the book. "I'm going Frankie. Geez."
Looking at the owner as he cooked, she knew his bluster was just that. He was a softie but would die before letting people know that.
Coming out, she saw Doctor Hodgins, Ms. Montenegro, and their son enter and her stomach dropped. Things between the couple have been tense since the man's injury back in December and he became paralyzed. The good doctor was now snippy, dark, and at times plain ass belligerent. Worst of all, he was so mean to his wife, who was the sweetest person ever. More than once, she could see Angela had tears in her eyes from her husband's latest outburst.
While the woman told her one day that things would get better once her husband adjusted to being in a wheelchair, Joanne wasn't so sure. Her former husband liked to take his frustrations out on her, too, but used his fists sometimes instead of his mouth. That is until Frankie went after him one day and offered her a place to stay and a full time job until she got back on her feet.
She watched, hoping they would be different and head to Hilda's section but of course, they went to their usual table…in her section.
Joanne hurried over to take a chair from the table as quickly as possible to try to head off the scientist's snarkiness. When she got there she was shocked at what she heard.
"Hey Joanne. How's the world of our favorite waitress today?"
She turned and saw Doctor Hodgins with a big smile on his face, something she hadn't seen in almost six months. Warily, she returned the grin. "Busy but good."
"How's the studying going for your exam?"
Joanne visibly relaxed. "Well. Jessica helped me with the reactions I have to memorize."
"Well, if you need any more help and Jessica is busy, let me know. I know I've been…" Hodgins said before shifting in his wheelchair. The waitress could see what looked like guilt in his eyes. "…unavailable of late, but things are getting easier now."
"I will remember that, Doctor Hodgins. Thank you."
"Oh, by the way, Brennan may be out of sorts when she comes in for lunch later. Doctor Wells tricked Hodgins into testing Christine's report card for fraud." Angela said.
"Wait, the tall, snotty geek with the frizzy hair?" Joanne asked.
"That would be Oliver."
"What an a—"Joanne said before turning to Michael Vincent. "Butthead. Young man, what are you doing out of school?"
"Half day today. Daddy said since I've been so good lately that he would take me here for lunch."
"Well, I'm glad to see you, too. Michael Vincent." The waitress said before noticing Angela's diamond bracelet. "Wow, Angela. When did you get that? It's stunning."
"Hodgins gave it to me."
"And it was worth every penny. Angie deserves it for being the most understanding and forgiving wife ever."
"It wasn't necessary, Hodgins—"
"Yes, it was." He said.
Wanting to end the impending awkwardness, Joanne turned to the boy. "So, a big chocolate milk for you, right?"
"Yes ma'am." Michael Vincent said.
"Coffees for both of you?"
"Yes, please." Angela said.
"Coming right up." Joanne said before walking away.
After pouring the drinks, the waitress put them on a tray. Turning around, she saw the family engaging and laughing together. Something she hadn't seen in a long time.
'Good for them.' Joanne said to herself before walking over.
Joanne was putting fresh apple pie in the display case when she watched Doctor Saroyan walk in with her boyfriend.
She had to admit, they were a couple she didn't see getting together. After the anthropologist left, the pathologist would still come in, but she was quieter and had sadness in her eyes. Yeah, she was dating the photographer for a while, but it wasn't the same.
It was obvious that these two got back together recently as they were here more frequently and the doctor had a spark in her eyes again. After filling a carafe with hot water, she put a pot of coffee, tea bags, and two cups on a tray before heading over. "Good afternoon Doctor Saroyan and Mr. Vaziri."
Realizing her error, Joanne corrected herself. "Excuse me, Doctor Vaziri."
"No problem, Joanne." Arastoo said. "I'll take tea—"
"With two bags. Got you covered." The waitress said as she put the carafe next to his empty cup.
"You know me too well. If it wasn't for the fact I'm madly in love with Cam, I would marry you in a heartbeat."
Joanne laughed as she poured Cam's coffee. "You sweet talker, you. Sure you don't want to give him up?"
Cam drank her coffee. "No, he's mine, but Doctor Wells is still single."
Joanne thought of the arrogant intern. "A shocker."
The three had a quick laugh before the waitress spoke up. "What can I get you?"
"Some of Frankie's awesome apple pie." Arastoo said.
"Fruit salad." Cam ordered.
"On it's way." Joanne said.
After giving the salad order to Frankie, Joanne checked on her other tables. As she got to her last one, she saw the two men give disparaging looks to Doctors Vaziri and Saroyan. Then she noticed the Trump hat one had on the table.
'Great. Ignorant rednecks. My favorite.' She thought before putting a fake smile on her face. "So what can I get you guys?"
"Maybe get that Iraqi Muslim trash out of here. He's ruining my appetite and my friend's here."
This wasn't the first time nor the last time she would deal with idiots like this.
"He's not Iraqi but Iranian. Try to keep that straight. Also, he is Muslim, but he's been also an American citizen for several years. It seems he has more education and manners than you'll ever have. Now we have a policy here at the Royal Diner. No shirt, no shoes, and bigots get no service. Either follow those rules or you're out of here."
Joanne put a couple of menus down. "I'll give you a few minutes to decide. I'll bring you folks some water."
When she turned around, Hilda was trying to not laugh. When she got to the counter, she looked and saw the two men leave. Frankie also saw them walk out as he was putting Cam's fruit salad on the counter.
"Joanne, what the hell?"
"They were saying ignorant stuff about Doctor Vaziri."
"You told them the rules?" Frankie said. When his waitress nodded, he softened. "Good. I don't need trash like that in my diner. Make sure the good doctor gets extra whipped cream on his pie."
"You got it." Joanne said.
When Frankie disappeared, the two waitresses looked over at the couple. "Think those two will ever get married?" Hilda asked.
"Yes, I do." Joanne replied as she saw Cam giggle at something Arastoo said.
"I hope the boy plans to wait a while. That Doctor Saroyan is not the marrying type." Hilda said.
"Everyone's the marrying type, Hil. Just have to find the right one." Joanne said before grabbing Cam and Arastoo's orders and bringing it to them.
At 6:30 PM, Oliver Wells walked in to pick up his to go order. Today he was able to prove Doctor Brennan's daughter was not all that and he got her to record a new voice mail message later. Yes, he was the best and it was about time Doctor Brennan realized that.
Walking up to Joanne and Hilda, he smiled. "Hello, ladies. Picking up my dinner, please."
Annoyed at his stunt with Doctor Brennan, Hilda looked at him. "Your name, sir?"
"You need my name? I come in here all the time."
"Name, please?" Joanne said with sweetness in her voice.
"Fine." Oliver said. "For Wells."
Hilda got the bag with his name on it. "$8.75."
As he was digging out his money, the two women looked at each other. When Hilda collected the cash and gave him his change, Joanne jumped in and spoke in a low voice.
"Oh, Doctor Wells, we heard about what you did to Christine's report card this morning. If we ever find out you do something so childish again, we'll make sure every meal, every drink, even any condiment you order here will have something extra special in it."
The color drained from the polymath's face. "You wouldn't…"
"We would."
"I'm going to report this to the owner."
The ladies smiled. "This message is from the owner and he's in the back right now if you want to talk to him." Joanne said before making her voice normal again. "Have a nice day and come again."
Oliver gulped before he took his bag in a hurry. The ladies watched as he walked out quickly and stopped outside the window. He opened the bag and looked inside. When he looked up, the waitresses just smiled and waved before he ran away.
Finally 9:30 PM arrived and Joanne was updating her relief on the day when she saw an obviously upset Aubrey come in and sit at the counter. She was itching to punch out and leave but she couldn't do it. Walking over, she grabbed a coffee cup and pour him some.
"Evening, Agent Aubrey. Want some pie a la mode with the coffee?"
"No thanks. I'm not hungry." He said in a dejected tone.
The young man was always hungry, so Joanne knew this had to be serious. "What's wrong, Agent Aubrey? You look like you lost your best friend."
She watched as the agent fidgeted while remaining silent. "You know, I'm sorry. It's none of my business. I'll let you be."
She took two steps when he spoke up. "I-I got some news about my father today and I don't know how to tell…"
"Agent Booth?" Joanne asked as she returned.
"No, I'll tell him tomorrow."
Joanne's heart broke for the agent as she could see whatever it was hurt him very much. She knew he was the son of that Wall Street guy that ripped people off and then left his family broke almost nineteen years ago. Then the light bulb went off and she realized who he was talking about.
"Jessica. You're afraid to tell Jessica, aren't you?"
Aubrey could only nod in reply. "She's my best friend and I've told her things I've never told anyone else, including Booth. If this was a couple of weeks earlier I wouldn't care. However things are different now. Last week, we…well she and I…more she started it…we…"
"Are obviously more than friends now, right? It took you long enough."
Forgetting his pain for a moment, Aubrey looked up. "What? How?"
"You were holding her hand at breakfast this morning." Joanne rested her arms on the counter and saw the agent's ears turn red. "You don't think we haven't noticed the way you two always looked at each other when the other wasn't looking? Or how you always let her eat off your plate unlike the time I saw you try to stab Doctor Hodgins with your fork for taking one of your fries? How at least once a week, you come in here at like 6:30 AM just to have breakfast with her? It was obvious the first time we saw you two together that you had a massive crush on her and she did for you."
"Well, I liked her…a lot. We…" Aubrey said, feeling at ease. "I tried to kiss her last week, but it didn't turn out so well. I finally got to a couple days later."
"I take it there were some sparks?"
Aubrey nodded as his ears turned red again. "You could say that."
"Can I offer some advice?" Joanne replied. When the man nodded, she continued. "Tell her, Agent Aubrey. Trust is important to two people in love."
"Love is a pretty big step and we're not there yet."
"Okay, like, strong feelings, whatever." Joanne said. "When I'm trying to tell you is if she finds out from someone else, it will hurt her. Let her be there for you, okay? You're not going to regret it. In fact, knowing her, she's at home working on that dissertation proposal again and I'm sure that girl could use a break. What better way than to see you and help you?"
Aubrey smiled. "You're right, Joanne."
"Of course I am." She said. "Now, will I see you two here tomorrow morning?"
"Yeah, probably. Thanks, Joanne."
"You're welcome. Now get out of here so I can go home."
"Oh crap. Sorry." Aubrey said before chugging down his coffee and throwing two dollars on the table and giving her a five.
"What's this?" She asked.
"Your tip. You earned it. Now take it and I'll wait for you so I can walk you to your car. It's getting dark out."
"You don't have to do that—"
"My mother raised me to be a gentleman. Don't make me disrespect my mom."
"Fine. I'll be right out."
Five minutes later, Joanne emerged with her coat and the two walked to her car. When she started her car, she waved at the agent before driving home.
One hour later, Joanne was brushing her teeth thinking about her day at work. When done, she spit and got into bed.
Her days at the diner were long and hard. The days she also attended classes were almost like a second job. However, today was one of the good days. Any day she got to interact with the lab group always made things better. Slowly, she became a small part of their world.
One day, she would earn her Bachelor's degree. Then, she wouldn't be able to see them like she did. However, she was still working on Frankie getting a full time bookkeeper. Maybe she'll still be around to see Christine, Michael Vincent, and Hank grow up.
Maybe she'll be around when Jessica comes in wearing a beautiful diamond ring courtesy of Agent Aubrey. No, a ruby or something non-traditional.
Maybe, Doctors Saroyan and Vaziri will take that plunge someday.
Maybe, one day Doctor Hodgins will walk into the diner again instead of in a wheelchair.
Maybe, Oliver Wells will get his shit together and learn respect for others.
Maybe, just maybe, the Brennan-Booth clan will have breakfast with grandchildren in tow.
Setting her alarm, Joanne got into bed, turned out the light, and went to sleep.