Part 1
Admittedly, I'm rough around the edges. I don't always shave, and the growth gets a little unruly. Now I want you to know, I do shower every day. Depending on what I'm doing, sometimes, more often. Probably don't replace my clothes soon enough. The boots are worn, but very comfy. The jeans are faded and with a hole here and there. They too are comfy. A tee shirt in the spring and summer, well, early fall as well. A nice collection of soft, worn flannel when it's cold. Got some grey in the hair and beard. Don't care. I ain't everyone's cup of tea, and I only drink sweet tea. Oh, and coffee. Which gets me to this story. Oh, by the way, I'm Chuck. There is a café here in town if you want to call it a town. Mostly it's a couple of businesses and houses by the highway in the middle of frickin' nowhere. But things are usually quiet.
I'm sittin' there one morning. Havin' some coffee and breakfast. A couple of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, and toast. Plenty of hot sauce. This gal comes in the door and finds the owner. Looks like she's got a five-year-old in tow. I hear her ask for a job. Looks to me like she's had a rough go of it. Mike, the owner, says he could use some help if she knows waitressing. She says she does, and Mike asks her name. she says with the cutest little drawl. "Annatexie" An unusual name I think to myself. Annatexie leaves with her child. I assume to find someplace to stay and find a babysitter.
I gotta get my ass to work. I like my job. It ain't much, just ranch work. Movin' cattle, fixin' fences, and other jobs that need done. I know my way around a horse or a motorcycle. Sometimes its dirty work and messy, but its honest and I make a good living. I sleep good at night. Most of my meals are at the café. I can't cook for squat. Well, I can pour a bowl of cereal. I tried cookin' on a hot plate once in my room. That didn't turn out so well. The property owner said if I tried it again, he'd kick my ass out. So, the café it is.
Guess who my server is the next morning. Yup, Annatexie. She's got on a tank top, Daisy Dukes and boots. Annatexie has some nice-lookin' curves. I think so anyway. She's about as cheerful as the day is long. I like that. She brings me my breakfast and keeps my coffee cup full. I like that too. Because I was here when she was hired, I know she's strugglin' some. I leave her nice tip. Annatexie says. "Well thanks Sugar." She has me smilin' all morning. I notice she has most of us smilin.' And yes, I did notice her scootin' across the floor in them shorts and boots. I ain't lyin.' Gotta gets to work.
The day was full and busy. I like it that way. Things go quick. Not easy, but quick. By the time I rolled into the café for dinner, I was a dusty mess. My T-shirt was sweat stained and dirty. The jeans had some mud and the boots. Well, the boots might have had more the dirt on 'em. I brushed off the big chucks and beat some of the dust off. My cowboy hat hung on a hook by the door. Well here comes Annatexie. She's carrin' a big glass of ice water. I'm ready for that. Anna is wearin' a bright pink tank top and Daisy Dukes with boots. There's a bit of her pink bra showin' on the sides.
She smiles and speaks.
"You want to know about the special Sugar?"
"Nope." I answer. "Just bring me the special please."
"Sure, thing Sugar. You want something to drink?"
I just raise my water glass.
"This is just fine."
Anna sashays across the floor. I like the way she makes them shorts move.
