I think I’ve decided that there is little more calming than sitting at an empty bar in a dark, cold restaurant.

I’m on my break between my morning and night shift at Malaga. Doubles really don’t have the stigma they used to have before I started managing… where almost every shift is a double.

I should probably mention that I got a job. I’m working at another tapas restaurant in downtown Austin called Malaga. I’m purposely not going to write much about it; so if you have questions, you know what to do.

Anyway, it’s a beautiful restaurant. Looking through the line of floor to ceiling windows facing 2^nd Avenue, there’s plenty of foot traffic through today’s muggy weather. The weather is the only thing that feels like home right now. It’s bittersweet.

I do love the city, though. I just feel like I belong between the street-side cafes and huge steel and glass buildings. I think I love the vulnerability I feel when I’m here. I love every carefully structured piece of granite that the brass name plaques cling to. I love every piece of uneven sidewalk that isn’t quite flush with the metal grating that covers it, so it makes a nice, loud metallic crash when you walk across it. I love every hipster sundress, business suit, and slightly disheveled work uniform. I fall for every person sharing the experience… just for being with me in this beautiful place.

People are starting to show up for the evening shift. I guess it’s about time for me to vacate my barstool.