Keeley's friends left for jobs and new beginnings just weeks after graduation, leaving her with an abundance of free time. Classes didn't begin until the last week of August, giving her nearly three months to fill.
Initially, she occupied herself with reruns of old television shows and reading, but these activities soon lost their appeal. Yearning for something more, she sought part-time employment.
Unfortunately, few part-time jobs accommodated her class schedule. Her classes ran from 8 AM to 3 PM most days, with short breaks, limiting her availability to evenings.
Food service seemed her best option, a prospect that filled her with a sigh. She'd worked for a hamburger chain during college in Boston and despised the experience. The manager was dreadful, the hours were long and physically demanding, and customers could be incredibly rude and demanding. ("If you want five-star service," she mused, "don't go to a place that sells $1 burgers!")
Aaron, her former partner, often chided her about needing a better job, but no other positions offered her current hourly wage. She'd received a 25-cent raise every six months, earning $9.50 an hour after three years. No other jobs that fit her schedule paid so well, so she endured the situation until graduation.
He'd repeatedly offered to cover her living expenses, sparing her the indignity of wearing a fast-food uniform, but her pride prevented her from accepting. In retrospect, she regretted this decision; she suffered later because of it and should have accepted his help.
Despite her relationship with Aaron, she retained her frugal nature. Although she dressed well and cultivated refined manners, she inwardly winced at every large purchase made with his credit card. She only used it because he insisted she would embarrass him by not dressing like their social circle. She attended expensive shops and dined at upscale restaurants out of necessity, but never forgot her humble beginnings. She wasn't above working in fast food, despite disliking the industry; she was simply different from Aaron.
Thinking of Aaron he was likely still in the city, as Harvard didn't begin until September. He probably shadowed his father at the company before heading to Massachusetts, his usual pre-school routine.
"Ugh," she thought, "why am I even thinking about him? He's not part of my life anymore." How long would it take to banish him from her thoughts? They'd been together for nearly half of her thirty-two years, leaving a significant imprint on her memories. She realized creating new, unrelated memories was the key to forgetting the old ones.
Ultimately, she accepted a job at a different burger chain. At least she knew the ropes. The adjustment wouldn't be too difficult, although frustratingly, she couldn't list her previous fast-food experience on her resume and had to endure full training. For several weeks, they didn't trust her to work independently, but eventually, she found her rhythm.
"Welcome to Burger Barn! May I interest you in a side of our new black peppercorn fries today?" she chirped in her practiced customer service voice.
"No thanks," the customer replied, studying the menu. "Number five combo, strawberry milkshake instead of soda."
Keeley entered the order.
"Anything else?"
"No, that's all."
"Your total is $7.32. Here's your receipt! Thank you, and have a great day!"
That was a typical interaction with a pleasant customer. She now worked full-time days, with the understanding that her hours would change to 4-8 PM Tuesday-Friday and 11 AM-7 PM Saturdays once school began. The busiest times were 12-2 PM and 5-7 PM; the rest of the day allowed for cleaning.
Her coworkers included Matt Turlock, a gangly nineteen-year-old aspiring musician who busked in Central Park; Amy Carlin, a forty-five-year-old single mother of two whose husband had recently left her; and Patrick Arquette, an art student in his late twenties. They were managed by Jack Jackson III, a burly man in his thirties with multiple piercings.
Apparently, generations of his family had a penchant for cruel jokes, perpetuating the name "Jack Jackson." His four-year-old son was also named Jack, and little Jack planned to name his son Jack Jackson IV—the tradition continued.
Her coworkers were agreeable, a significant improvement over her previous job. However, this harmony might not last once school started and schedules changed.
During the dinner rush, Keeley worked the cashier, frequently calling out to Matt on the grill and Amy on the sides. By seven, she was exhausted and ready for a bath and early sleep.
On her way to the subway, she froze. Aaron, impeccably dressed in a suit, was conversing with his father outside a nearby upscale restaurant. Even with his slightly different hairstyle, it was a familiar sight; she remembered him always working.
The Burger Barn was near the financial district, but Manhattan is vast! How could they run into each other like this? She quickly covered her face and fled down the subway stairs before he could see her. The chances of a repeat encounter seemed slim, she hoped.