First off, thank you SummerRuby, Alucard1563, The-Raving-Chesire-Cat, and Anna10473 for your reviews. I didn't think this would garner attention like that you have given it, so thank you for your time.
Alexandria was never one to conform. She was comfortable in her skin, and never felt the need to dress up (though she did, in the past, to make a good impression during interviews in her early years). And when she found the love of her life, he neither faulted her for her attitude, nor her apathetic views on dressing up. That's what made her love him. Not once in her life did she really ever feel the need to change how she looked to appease those around her.
Though she didn't have eyes on her then like she does now.
4:56 pm
Work went smoother this week than last. After Riddler's lesson in high cuisine, and social interactions, Alexandria took the time to sit down with her newest employees to figure out a better solution. Gary, though a terrible prep linemen, was one of Joker's heist thugs, so her knew a thing or two about money. He was sent up front to work the register and clear tables. Marcus, who worked on a few of Jokers' toxins (though if you where to ask she didn't know), was stationed next to her on grill and oven. He even took the liberty of coming in early to make pastries to sell, though he did get a scolding on asking first, deliveries were only once a week you know. Kyle was a grunt, as he put it, used to doing menial labor for the joker so he happily took the dish duty.
What really made her week was Bob. See Bob was asked by the Joker, though he never told Alexandria this, to help her out a bit. So he spread the word. Goons and hoodlums from across the narrows and from different gangs heard rumors of a little broken down diner that dished out eats for a decent price, all you had to do was say a certain friend sent you. (Though it was implied if you cause trouble you'd never do it again.) At first Alexandria was confused, but the thought of figuring out who it was dissolved as more and more people came in hour after hour. Today was the slowest day she had all week.
"Boy, I don't know how we did it!" Kyle, Gary, and Marcus looked up from their respective duties and sheepishly grinned at New Boss. She was smiling, though she ran her hand though her long blonde locks to hide that fact. "You guys killed it today, this week." She pulled three envelopes out of her back pocket and held them outstretched before her.
"Think of this as a thank you. It's not much, yet, but if business keeps up then it might just be." Her goons- employees- took the envelopes and peeked inside. Cash.
"Thanks, Boss!"
"Chef." Alexandria corrected. All three men echoed her statement. "Now get the heel back to work." All three smirked before going about their tasks. She actually trusted them to take care of things while she did her delivery orders. As she stepped into her office she was greeted by a mad grin, and a rather large top hat.
"Hello, My Dear!" the Mad Hatter bowed before her, "It's time for tea!"
5:10 pm
After switching the sign to closed, and drawing the blinds shut, Alexandria found herself seated, uncomfortably, across from the Mad Hatter. He still had that smile, which exposed his overbite, and was staring intently at her while waiting for the tea to brew.
"I am quite sorry that I was almost late, but you wouldn't believe what the flowers had to say!" Alexandria merely nodded, not knowing what to say to the strange man before her. "The blasted Jabberwocky was out and about too, but I evaded him!" Marcus walked through the door with a kettle and little biscuits on a platter.
"I'm sorry, who?" Hatters smile dipped.
"The Batman, of course."
"WHAT?!" Alexandria rushed to her feet causing the Hatter to flinch back. "You could of led him here!" Marcus, wisely, made his way back to the kitchen.
"Oh, Alice! He could never find his way to the rabbit hole." Hatter reached forward and patted her hand in an attempt to soothe her rage. Alexandria drew back.
"My name is Alexandria!" Hatter cocked his head.
"Of course it isn't, Dear! Even Joker introduced you as Alice." The Hatter's eye glazed slightly as he stood, "Though I'd never need one for you my Dear. You've been been away from wonderland for so very long." He reached forward and grabbed a lock of her hair, running it between his fingers. Alexandria slapped his hand away.
"He said Alex! I don't even like that name!" Hatter's face dipped lowly.
"My, my Alice your time on the upper world has made you quite temperamental!" Hatter poured hot water into a cup, not even looking away from her eyes. "Here, have a cuppa."
"My name is Alexandria."
"And forgetful too." Hatter tisked, offering the now steaming cup.
"I don't like rose hip." the mad man blinked.
"Sorry?"
"I don't like rose hip tea. It tastes like perfume to me."
"But we used to-"
"WE never did anything. This is our first tea time and you are scaring me."
"Alice? Afraid? Has Time gone backwards on me? I could swear-" Alexandria took the cup and set it down as the Hatter mumbled to himself about time and punishments. The man was obviously in one of his Wonderland delusions. It brought her an idea.
"Hello Sir, my name is Alexandria Dawn Fox. I like to cook and enjoy Irish Breakfast tea and Goji Pomegranate." Hatter blinked up at her offered hand.
"Goji pomegranate?"
"Only if it's iced."
"That's absurd! Tea should be served hot with cakes and biscuits!"
"Have you ever tried it?"
"Well no, I suppose I haven't."
5:52 pm
"I still say it's much better hot."
"Yes well I prefer a cool beverage after working in a hot kitchen for hours on end." Hatter seemed to be in a more realistic mind frame after their 'introduction' "My fiance was the one with the penchant for hot drinks."
"He seems like a chipper sort." Hatter remarked, sipping on his hot Goji tea.
"Yeah, he was." iced clinked as she chugged. "He really was. I'm sad to say though I need to get ready for the dinner rush." Both of the tables occupants stood.
"This was a lovely visit, I hope you don't mind if I return tomorrow." Alexandria thought a moment.
"Yeah, that'd be fine. Plus my boys need a break after how busy it's been." The two shook hands.
"I look forward to it, Alice."
"I will dye my hair blue."
"Alex." Alexandria sighed.
"That's the best I'm gonna get, huh?" Hatter nodded with a grin. "Well what's your name then?" Hatter blinked.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Your name."
"Well, I- you see-...Why?" A suspicious look crossed his eyes. the newly dubbed Alex shrugged.
"I just wanted to know." Silence fell between the two before,
"I do wish to apologize for my mistaking you as my Alice, I give you my sincerest apologies, and offer my name in return." The Mad Hatter removed his namesake and dropped to a deep bow. "My name is Jervis Tetch. Please do not take it lightly."
Not as long as the others but fun. I need your opinions. Who should stop by next? Joker or someone new?