The table is set. The guests are seated. The door opens, and one by one, all smiles, the students walk in with trays in hand, until they’re all standing behind a guest’s chair.
“Begin!” Gennusa announces, and in perfect syncronisation, the first course is set, and they all return to the first position.
But honestly, Crowley’s just doing everything on autopilot, with one resounding thought running through his head.
It can’t be true. Is it? Were we sent on a bogus assignment?
Across the table, as Aziraphale readies the drip cloth for pouring, he’s having similar thoughts.
I’d expect this from Hell, but Heaven? It can't be. There has to be an explanation.
Anathema, who’s standing next to him as they wait for their cue to begin, notices, and dares a whisper, “What’s wrong?”
Aziraphale doesn’t even know how he’d start to explain, so he looks down at the wine he’s holding, only to realize with a start,
“Oh dear. I’ve grabbed the wrong wine. I’ll have to switch it out.”
Quickly and silently, he leaves his spot to walk back to the wine table, Kaufmann keeping a watchful eye on him as he switches the wine bottle for the right one.
Thankfully, the cue doesn’t come, so Aziraphale manages to get back to his spot with no trouble.
Kaufmann gives a small nod of approval, but otherwise keeps silent, while Crowley keeps watching from the corner of his eye right as Gennusa orders,
“And pour!”
The only sound to be heard is of liquid against glass as again, in perfect synchronisation, they all pour the wine as they’ve been instructed; approaching from the right side, label facing the guest, held from the bottom, only one third full, and finishing with a quick twist and returning to serving position.
And not a drop spilled.
Later that evening, after Kaufmann has bid the guests farewell, the students line up, ready for inspection.
After a moment, Kaufmann offers a rare smile, announcing, “I am thrilled to see you’ve all made it this far. Every one of you has passed tonight’s graduation exam with an exemplary score. You all will receive your butler’s certificate.”
Aziraphale can’t help but turn to hug Anathema, with Crowley staring at them wistfully as the other students cheer themselves for a job well done.
Kaufmann, however, has a surprise. “Mr. Fell.”
The angel lets the other students go off to the side to keep celebrating, “Sir?”
“I believe this is the first time in a while I’ve been genuinely surprised. You’ve learned to keep your wits about you, even when tested. Because of that, I will be sure to send that letter of recommendation to Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam first chance I get tomorrow morning.
Aziraphale can’t believe it. “Oh thank you, Mr. Kaufmann. I promise, you won’t regret it.”
“I know I won’t.” Kaufmann replies. “You earned it. You’ll be a wonderful butler wherever you choose to go.”
The angel has to reach out to shake Kaufmann’s hand, which the CEO gladly allows for a moment more before dismissing himself, calling out, “Goodnight, everyone!”, and walking away.
And once again, Crowley is not there.
“There you are, fiend.” Aziraphale says once he’s found the demon in front of the fireplace. “Somehow I knew you wouldn’t be sticking around after getting the news.”
YOU ARE READING
At Your Service
RomanceAt a prestigious academy where competition is fierce, sparks fly between passionate angel Aziraphale and the rebellious demon Crowley as they go undercover to train to become royal butlers.
