I want to start out by saying there are days when Diane treats me better. But for the most part, she seems to take a great deal of her sourness out on me. I personally believe that it's because I'm not only the oldest one here, but also, I make more money than she does. Part of the reason is my longevity here. But another, more vital reason is that I'm capable of filling in for any job that's needed.

In my tenure here, I have waited tables, kept the books straight, created and managed the inventory, delivered to customers and have even spent a fair amount of time in the kitchen, preparing meals. Unlike most of the "kids" who are either waiters or counter-persons, I know what each job entails and how to do it.

From what I can assume, Diane looks at me as either competition (I'm guessing that means she wants to be in charge, although it has been awhile since I've filled that role), or perhaps it's a racial thing. As an African-American - born and raised in Tennessee (I don't think I mentioned that), I have seen my share of racial intolerance. While Diane has never insulted my racial makeup, she does treat me quite different than the other lighter-skinned employees. Now that I think about it, she does tend to belittle the Mexicans in the kitchen. But I also think that's because she's just a mean bitch.

Well, a few days after "the incident," THE BOSS decided to leave town for a few weeks. Since the summer is our busiest time, it was a curious choice. However, he came in the diner and announced he was going to Europe for three weeks, claiming he had long wanted to visit his ancestral home in Scotland (no one had any idea he was Scottish). He told us this on Thursday and by Saturday, he was gone.

Before I continue, I must make mention of another player in the story - Jack. When THE BOSS first was approached about buying the diner, he was already considering early retirement from his career as a CPA. Tired of the endless hours in a stuffy office, he liked the idea of a change, but he wasn't sure his wife - Sharon - would. THE BOSS was a regular at the diner and when the former owner mentioned it was up for sale, he contemplated running it himself.

THE BOSS was not a wealthy guy. But he had a nice savings account. Sharon - his second wife (his first wife left him on their 2nd wedding anniversary, following his arrest) - was a big spender and often complained that he didn't bring enough money home. In order to buy the diner, THE BOSS knew that he would have to somehow come up with the money without Sharon having a fit. Luck arrived the next week, when an old friend from Berkeley, Jack heard about the idea and said he needed an investment. So within the week, papers were signed, hands were shook and their partnership began.

The best part of the agreement - for THE BOSS, anyway - was that Jack had his own successful business and had no desire to hang out in a restaurant all day. Although, judging from the girth around Jack's waist, you wouldn't think so. But although Jack was rarely around, his wife - Maryanne - was constantly sticking her nose into everyone's business.

It seemed that Maryanne was bored and needed something to do. The thing is, Maryanne thinks exceptionally highly of herself and is unafraid to remind the employees who she is and who pays their salaries. Often, when she calls, the staff has to pick straws and the loser has to get the phone. She rarely speaks to anyone as an equal and seems to get off on making us uncomfortable. It therefore, didn't surprise me when I found out Diane and her often went shopping together.

This, of course, upset our other waitress, Michelle, who happened to be Jack and Maryanne's daughter. Michelle was actually a very pleasant young lady, but what very shy and intimidated (gee, I wonder why?). But more than anything else, Michelle seemed to be an embarrassment to her mother. Jack hired her for the diner because he truly loves his daughter and wants her to work an honest job, in a safe environment. But from an early age, Maryanne had no interest in her daughter's happiness and often referred to her as "my little mistake." And it ate her up whenever her mom would cozy up to Diane.

Anyway, THE BOSS decided to take off and in the past, when he's gone away, he either left me in charge (basically, it just means checking the books in the morning and making sure they add up and also making sure the inventory is current) or Jack would come in. However, I had planned a trip to visit my family in Memphis for a few days and wouldn't be back till the next week. So, instead of either asking me to reschedule (which I'd done before), or called upon Jack to fill in, THE BOSS, inexplicably, gives the responsibility to Diane.

When word spread that for the next three weeks Diane would be in charge, I was certain we would either have a mass exodus of staff, or a homicide.

It wasn't very long before we almost had both...