I’m outta here!

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Being out of work is taking a toll on job seekers. But even those with a job are getting fed up. Layoffs, diminished benefits, pay cuts and extra workload burdens are finally pushing many disgruntled workers right out the door.

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Revealing Secrets
Chapter 1
“Here’s your milkshake, two straws, I hope you enjoy. Thank you for coming to Kings and Queens,” I exclaimed, with a practised smile. The couple nodded gratefully as I sauntered away from them and to the counter. I wiped the counter, but from the corner of my eyes, I observed the couple share the milkshake. I sighed, despondently and continued to do my job. It was ironic how I worked at a restaurant that served couples, yet I was still as single as could be. Kings and Queens was the only restaurant in Paxton Valley that served just couples. I sulked as I glanced at my watch and saw that it was 7:30. Half an hour till my shift was over.
“Juliette!” I turned around to find my boss, Christen with a panicked look on her face. “I need a huge favour,” she said, worriedly.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“One of the girls couldn’t make it to work, due to a severe cold…” I knew what was coming next. “Can you work till 9:00?” she asked, desperately.
“Christen, I need to-”
“Thanks, love! I owe you!” she called over her shoulder as she disappeared behind her office door. I groaned as I saw another couple walk in. I glanced around to see that all the other waitresses were busy with their own couple, so I pulled my brown hair into a long pony tail before striding up to the couple.
“Hello, how can I help you?” I asked, taking the order pad out of my pocket. When I lifted my eyes to finally glance at the couple, I was in for a surprise. The boy was charmingly familiar: messy, dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes and a warm smile.
“Julie?” he inquired, and I felt his eyes rake over my body before they met my eyes again. “Fancy seeing you here,” he said, nonchalantly.
“I work here,” I said, through gritted teeth. Throughout this exchange, the blonde that had arrived with him had squirmed uncomfortably, staring at the ground. “How can I help you?” I repeated, this time looking at the girl. She gave me a small smile before telling me her order.
“Two root beer floats-”
“One is fine, babe,” he said, cutting her off. I rolled my eyes, and nodded for her to continue as I wrote it down on the order pad.
“One root beer float, and two slices of red velvet cake, please,” she said, shooting an irritated glance at him. I nodded as she passed me a 10 dollar bill.
“I’ll be right back with your order,” I said, walking off to the counter, a little annoyed.
“Oh. My. God,” Ariella, one of my co-workers and my best friend exclaimed, taking a hold of my hand. “Is that your Romeo?” she squealed.
“He was,” I reminded her, putting their drink together.
“With another girl?” she asked, looking at me worriedly. I shrugged.
“Not my problem. He can date whoever the hell he wants,” I muttered under my breath as I added the ice-cream to the drink. “Two slices of red velvet,” I told her, and she resumed her work, icing the cake slices. When the order was complete, I piled it onto a tray and handed it to Ariel. “Can you take it?” I asked. She nodded, taking the tray from me. I decorated the red velvet cakes with the cream cheese icing, and couldn’t help but taste some for my own. Licking the tip of my finger, I let out a small groan, wondering why I shouldn’t just lock myself up and eat all of it. Ariel returned, frazzled, tray still in hand. “What’s wrong?”
“They refuse-Well, he refuses to take it unless you go and serve them,” she said, rolling her eyes and handing me the tray. I sighed, and walked back out front with the tray.
“Here you go, enjoy,” I said flatly, placing the food on the table.
“I heard from a friend that said that at Kings and Queens, you’re served with a smile,” Riley called out as I turned around. “Where’s your smile?” he asked with mock surprise.
“Riley…” his girlfriend warned. He rolled his eyes.
“C’mon Dee, I’m not paying 10 bucks to not be served everything I paid for,” he urged, looking at me. I raised my eyebrows. ‘Dee,’ gave me an apologetic smile, before staring at the ground.
“Fine.” I paused. “Here you go, thank you for ordering at Kings and Queens and have a great day,” I said loudly with a wide, crazy smile. I received quite the bit of attention as I stormed off to where Ariel stood. She burst out laughing, indicating that she saw my little show. I grinned in return.

It's half of the first chapter, it's not done, but I just wanted some feedback. I'm not an awesome writer, I know, but should I continue writing? Thanks for all your feedback in advance, xoxo, (: