The Kids on the Tracks by Kerenza Ryan

Author:Kerenza Ryan [Ryan, Kerenza]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2024-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

7

Chapter 7

Harriet was at the restaurant the next day for training. She hadn’t waitressed nearly as much as she had made it sound like she had so that part should have made her a bit nervous, but she also found herself getting more anxious than she thought she would be about working with a possible murderer. Somehow, Toni’s fear spread to her as well.

Sarai smiled when Harriet came in, but she looked distracted and a bit morose, possibly because the restaurant was packed. When would the infamy begin to fade? “I wish I could send you out on your own,” Sarai said, “I really could use it, but for today you’ll just shadow me. You can help me carry out plates, anyway.”

Harriet knew, with everyone around, that she couldn’t ask any more questions., She also knew eventually, the shift would end. Still, people asked loads of questions. Harriet even saw her boss, Kevin, there, and he said, “Didn’t know you got a job here, Harriet. Not making enough money from me?”

“Everyone could always use a bit more money, I think,” she answered.

“Or you’re just here for gossip.”

“No gossip to share,” Sarai said, setting the collection of five hot plates carefully on the table.

“Please,” Kevin said with a scoff. “This place is filled with gossip.”

“I’m glad you think you know my job better than I do,” Sarai said, “But we’re not answering any of those questions right now. And Harriet won’t answer them at her other job, either.”

“That true, Harriet?” he asked.

“One hundred percent.”

“Then what is the point of working here?”

“Like I said, I could use the money,” Harriet said. It was true because she was still paying off a loan for her facial feminization surgery. She had put a lot of money into how she looked, and didn’t regret taking out the loan, but it was much easier with her old job compared to this one. She had no problem selling phones; it was what she did to get through college, but it wasn’t the same as being a biochemist. Still, after working in pharmaceuticals in HRT treatment, she was sick of being known for being trans. Anything seemed better than making it her whole identity, being criticized all the time, and hearing everyone’s reasons why she wasn’t supposed to exist.

“And you won’t tell me anything?”

“There’s nothing to tell,” Sarai answered. “And if you are going to insult one of the workers, we have every right to ask you to leave.”

Kevin put up a hand. “Hey, listen, I’m not here to argue with any of you. Thanks for the food.”

Harriet knew when she was being dismissed, so she turned and walked away. Sarai looked at her and then decided to follow, and Harriet was relieved at that. “You really can’t tell him anything,” Sarai said.

“Of course not. I’m not the type to start rumors.”

“But I bet you’re telling Toni everything,” she said, and Harriet blushed, unsure if she was angry or embarrassed. “Listen,” Sarai said. “I don’t expect you not to tell anyone, but please don’t spread rumors everywhere.

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