Goldie walked behind Red like a prisoner being led to the gallows. She didn't know why she felt this way but she didn't like it one bit. She trusted Red to have her back but Bear had a very determined look on his face when he demanded she get Hunter and she didn't believe comping his meal would satisfy him.

The room had been returned to its normal state and chatter. Only Bear stood, with Clay by his side, the rest of the group had decided to eat and enjoy their food, while the ordeal was straightened out.

"Mr. Brown," Red said, holding out her hand to him.

He didn't take it. He looked past her to Goldie, "Where's Hunter?"

Red was not one to be snubbed. "Hunter as you can imagine is tied up with running OUR kitchen," Red replied, "would you mind following me to my office and where we will handle this situation."

"And you are?"

"Red Ramirez, co-founder, and owner of the diner," Red supplied again annoyed that he was refusing to deal with her.

Goldie had a similar thought. Maybe he just doesn't like women in general. Or perhaps he feels threatened by authoritative women. Still, she'd love to just jump to the end and find out how this is all going to turn out.

Again, Red reiterated, "If you would be so kind as to follow me?" And she turned to walk away only his words stopped her.

"I don't see why that's necessary. It's obvious what needs to be done here," Bear told her.

Red's turned and pinned her shoulders back to some invisible line readying for a fight. This one was a real winner.

"You're right of course," she began, "we are sorry for what has transpired and we plan on not only comping your meal but will pay for any damages done to your clothing or at the very least pay for them to be dry cleaned."

"That's it?" Bear asked annoyed.

"Is there something else you feel ought to be done to put the situation right?" Red asked although she did not like where this was going.

"Yes," he said in a tone that stated he thought the answer an obvious one, and again Red felt the bristle.

"And that would be?"

"I want her fired."

"Whoah, whoah. Bear... you didn't say anything about..."Clay began with a very apologetic look at Goldie.

"And why would I do that?" Red said standing up even straighter, digging down deep, ready for battle.

"Why wouldn't you? Is she your friend? Is that how she got to manage this place? Because if this," he said waving his hand to encompass his damaged clothes, "is a reflection of her skill level I would say she's highly unqualified for the position, and whatever form of nepotism this is... should not be a deciding factor."

"This...waitressing... is not Goldie's job. She graciously stepped in when one of our staff got injured in an accident over the weekend. She did a fine job of getting the orders correct and to the table. This..." she said waving a hand as Bear had done,  "is an unfortunate mishap... not likely to occur again. I would think firing her would be a rather harsh course of action, don't you?"

Goldie felt grateful for her friend's defense but his words still rankled her. She didn't need Red and Hunter to look after her. She's been on her own for a very long time. She knew she was smart enough to get her own job and could succeed with or without their help. Not that she wasn't appreciative of the faith Red had in her.

"Obviously not. If I did feel the same as you... I wouldn't have made the demand, now would I?"

Red was about to go postal on this guy. There was no way she was willing to tolerate one more second of his condescending attitude. Customer or not. She didn't care if he never set foot in the place again. She opened her mouth to speak but was stopped as Goldie jumped in.

"I quit."

"What?" Came the question from Red, Bear, and Clay.

"Red, I appreciate the faith you and Hunter have in me but Bear does have one thing right. I don't need to take charity from my friends to get a good job. I'm intelligent, hardworking, and most often times a positive influence on the people around me. I will find another position elsewhere."

"Goldie, it's not like that and you know it," Red said, "Don't let this guy..."

Goldie took off her apron and handed it and the order book to Red. "I know but if he thinks it...how many others think it too. I've worked too hard to get where I am today, and yes, I've done it with the support of my friends but as you know I've always been on my own. I want that respect, Red, and it's about time I go out and get it."

Red smiled at her best friend of all time. Red took the book and apron. "Then you do that...just remember to text me when you rub it in this guy's face. Okay?" Red said with a head nodded towards Bear's direction.

Goldie laughed... "Oh, THAT you can count on." And with those words, she hugged her friend, nodded to Clay, and grimaced at Bear before turning and leaving the diner.

At least she had the satisfaction of dumbfounding Bear. He thought he had one-upped her. Well, she'll show him a thing or two. She walked down the street and the further she got from the diner, the less brave she felt about her decision to leave. What was she thinking? She just gave up the best job she ever had, for what? To prove a point to some idiot who doesn't even care what happens in her life? Dear lord. What was she going to do now?

She found herself standing outside of Missy's muffin shop. If ever there was a time she could use some phenethylamine it was now. She opened the door and stepped on through.

She wished she could immediately lose her woes in some hot chocolate but the line nearly reached the door, fifteen minutes later she stood in front of Missy.

"Hi, didn't expect you back so soon?" Missy said. She was looking a bit frazzled and worn out.

Goldie looked behind her and there were several more customers waiting there. "I didn't either," she replied. "May I have a Hot Chocolate, please?"

"Coming right up," Missy said and Goldie watched as Missy raced around and looked ready to lose her mind.

"Hey, everything okay?" Goldie asked.

"To be honest," Missy said as she waited for the milk to warm, "my business is growing faster then I can keep up with it. I'm sort of at my wits end here. I love making muffins but I really have no head for the business stuff. How to run this place more efficiently... you know... that sort of thing. I know there are probably things I can do to make it work out but... oh, who knows..." Missy said throwing her hands in the air, in a motion of surrender.

"What you need is a manager."

"You think so?" Missy asked. "You may be right. It would be nice to leave the running of this place to someone else so I could get back to what I really love, making new and different kinds of muffins, experimenting with flavors."

Missy's face looked wistful as she spoke. Like she was looking at some unattainable dream, "But who am I kidding. Where am I going to find someone good enough to whip this place into shape? I don't have the time to place ads and interview people. There's just not enough time in a day."

"I'll do it," Goldie said.

Missy nearly burnt herself on the milk, completely taken back by Goldie's words, "Seriously? But what about Red and Hunter?"

Goldie shook her head, "I was looking for more of a challenge. They'll be fine without me. What do say?"

Missy laughed, suddenly feeling lighter with the burden she's been carrying for the last month now lifted from her shoulders.

"When can you start?" she asked, practically giggling with glee.

"How about now?" Goldie said beaming back at her.

"You're hired!!!!" Missy said, handing her an apron and her hot chocolate.

Goldie took one sip and suddenly she felt this job was going to suit her just right.