Because you love me

I went to visit my then boyfriend while he was at work. He introduced me to Charlie and I was NOT impressed. My first thought was, "Well, he's not the friendliest person." Fast forward a couple years- I am a few months single. I was working at a small bar and restaurant in Kewanee that was recently under new management. The owner asked me to fill in at his other restaurant in Galva. I had nothing better to do, so I agreed. I walked in and guess who the cook was. I was less than excited remembering my last encounter with him. I decided to make the best of it and engage with him only when needed while I was there. He had "Insane in the Brain" by Cypress Hill playing and I couldn't resist singing along. He heard me and asked me, "Who sings this?". I, of course, couldn't think of it at the time. The audacity this guy had when he said, "Let's leave it to Cypress Hill." Needless to say, my initial thought of how big of a jerk he was resurfaced. I left that night so thankful I would NEVER have to engage with him again. The following week the owner again asked me to fill in so the high school girls could go to prom. I was not over the moon about it, but I agreed. I walked in determined to make him at least tolerate me, even if it was only for a few hours. That shift we got into an argument, and we were in the kitchen trying to figure out who was wrong (turns out there was an error in the system, but I was most definitely right). By the end of the shift, we were more friendly with each other, but in a jokingly, aggressive way. Before leaving, he asked if I'd like to have a drink with him and get to know each other a little better. While I was still hesitant given most of our interactions, I agreed. We spent a few hours in the back talking and sharing stories with one another. The owner ended up selling the restaurant in Galva and those employees came over to the bar and restaurant in Kewanee. I saw Charlie in and out talking with the owner and trying to get things set up. I figured our late-night conversation the last time we worked together was just to get us on better terms for when we had to work together again. However, April 9th, 2019, Charlie came in to talk to the owner about blueprints for the kitchen. I offered him a drink while he waited. We made small talk and he happened to share that it was his birthday. I asked what his plans were- "Eh, just show Jeff these and then head home. Nothing too exciting." He was making minimal eye contact with me throughout this entire encounter, so I made him look at me and I offered to take him out for a drink when I got off work because no one should spend their birthday alone. Who knew that 30 minutes later would completely change everything. We have been inseparable since that night.

My first words to Brit were, "Hi.. Why is she in my kitchen?". She hated me from the start (and was dating another guy). I am a person that is soul set on their job, especially when I'm working. Brit was always there to fill in. If I needed a waitress, she was always there; despite her other 3 jobs... she showed up. So when it came to my birthday in April... guess who showed up. My Brittany took us to her favorite spots and she hasn't left my side since. And I am so, sooo grateful that I said "yes" when she insisted that she had to take me out for my birthday.