𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter one

Vera

Some say being a server is fun or gives you a shit ton of experience because of the customer service and staying on your feet for countless hours a day. But all it has given me was aching feet and the overbearing urge to throw myself off a building. You'd think that since we're serving them their food and drinks, and even making sure they're comfortable and well handled that they'd have a teensy bit of respect for us.

Oh who am I kidding? Working in a restaurant is the number one place where you can expect rude customers who couldn't give two shits about your well being. It's not like we can say anything back without the risk of being fired, so I suck it up just like everyone else does. I can't afford to lose this job anyways.

I won't lie and say that this isn't a good job—not including the customers. The people here have helped me a ton since I started and  I've grown used to the environment and the people in it. Including–

"Hey, you were able to come in today," Jesse chirped, walking in and straight to me. "Thought you had other plans."

"I managed to clear my tiny schedule," I chuckled. "I see you showed up with no complaints."

"That's only because you told me you were coming in. We know I would've stayed home otherwise." He clocked in then threw on his apron, leaning against the counter beside me. "How's tonight been?"

"Hectic. I've had one woman threaten me because her kid's high chair was 'too high' and accused me of trying to injure him," I muttered, sharing a glance with the lady being spoken of.

"You've got to be kidding me," Jesse snorted, following my eyes. He shook his head when the woman glared then waved her off. "They'll find anything to nitpick about."

I nodded in agreement, bringing my head to his shoulder and exhaling deeply. "My feet feel like they're going to fall off.

He chuckled, throwing an arm around me and comfortingly rubbing my shoulder. "Well, we can't have that. You'll be running around here with nubs instead of feet."

"Shut up." I smacked his arm, chuckling.

Jesse was my trainer when I was first hired. Basically showed me the ropes with serving, bussing quickly, and running payments. He's been working here for about two years before I showed up and I question everyday how and why he stayed here for so long.

"Think we'll get any good tips today?" Jesse asked, placing a few cups into his bucket.

"I pray we do every time I come in to work," I chuckled, wiping off an empty table.

Unlike today, work wasn't as stressful. Most days I want to rip my hair out, and others I want to take a nap behind the bar. It feels like the same thing happens every day; Jesse comes in whining about having to come to work while I have to splash a bucket of motivation on him. For someone who hates coming to work, he has a big grin or smile on his face every time he walks in. It's reassuring somehow, but it's hard to explain how.

I've never missed my bed anymore than I do right now, though. Being wrapped up in my weighted blanket and incredibly soft sheets sounds like heaven. Instead, I'm waiting tables, clearing up dishes, and getting accused of attempting to hurt children. Serving strangers food wouldn't be my number one choice. Yet here we are.

I nodded at a couple with a smile after I took down their order, quickly walking towards the back, placing the ticket onto the order board. Quickly moving around a cook, I grabbed a few plates as they told me what tables they belong to. Just from being in that kitchen for a few short minutes, I was already breaking out into a sweat.