Chapter II: The Smug Dismissal
The man in the tan jacket turned around slowly, a mocking, condescending smirk spreading across his face as he looked the young waitress up and down.
"Go back inside, sweetheart," he scoffed, waving his hand dismissively as if swatting away a fly. "Take your orders and leave the big toys to the adults. Nobody asked for your input."
His partner chuckled, placing a heavy palm flat on the blue gas tank, deliberately scratching the clear coat with his ring.
Clara didn’t flinch. She didn’t retreat behind the glass doors.
Her hazel eyes narrowed into sharp, defiant focus, standing her ground with her palm extended like an iron shield.
"That bike belongs to a hardworking guest who treats everyone inside with dignity," Clara said with unwavering courage. "Step back from the curb right now, or I'm calling the police."