Blank Slate

Chapter 6

I am easing in my role of waitressing, and I must say I am doing a lot better than I thought, given that I actually have to engage in conversation almost all the time. Some regulars ask a lot of invasive and personal questions when I serve them. Today is Saturday, and it is my first official day as a temp and not a trainee. So I won't be getting the R200 that I have been getting the past four days when I leave, and this means I am actually going to work alone. I now know the venue and what is what even the one I have not eaten. The perks of this job are that we get free food breakfast and lunch. We normally get seved the leftover of the daily special because the chef cooks the special in larger position than indivial request of the day. I was only allowed to wear jeans and a trainee T-shirt that I was provided for only those days. But as of today, I was told I would be wearing black pencil skirts; the shirts and blazers with a logo print are provided, and we attach our name tags. Another exciting news is that I will be working at Takealot warehouse this evening. My shift is from 22:00 to 6 am. The manager was kind enough to share my contact with a colleague who stays this side of the town. So transport won't be of worry I will be traveling with their transport of which I will have to pay R1000 a month. The pay at the warehouse is good, so I couldn't say no. I will be getting R7000 on a monthly basis, so minus the R1000 I will be spending on transport I have R6000 take home plus I have the waitressing job so I am betting on at least R10000 for the next two months.

Yesterday I went shopping with the R800 and brought two black pencil skirts, three quarter wedges, and two thick black tights since it's winter. Thanks to Small Street all that shopping and I only spend 210. The skirts were R35 each, the tights were R20 each, and the shoes were only R100. Uncle Msizi sent me R500 late yesterday, so even transport to the warehouse is sorted. This week has been amazing, and I have been winning in all front. My work schedule is about to get hectic, though. I will be working 7 days a week on both jobs. I get two weekends off at the warehouse and one weekend off at the restaurant.

I just got done preparing for work, and I must say I am uncomfortable and I feel a little naked. The skirt is tight, and even the shirt and blazer they are fitted, they are clugging to my skin like they are part of it. I am not fat, but I have wide hips and slightly bigger bums, and I am a little small on the top half with cup A boobs that need no support. When I wear dresses I prefer bubble dress because they don't show much. I am always in baggy jeans and tracksuits, and so I feel very exposed today.
I get to the workplace, and Dudu whistles as I make my way to her. Drawing unnecessary attention to me from my colleagues.
Yoh hai girl, you are fired there goes our tips, phela... Yolanda, the Xhosa girl who has been showing me ropes, says, and everyone echos.
Everyone compliments me of how hot I look, and the guys are extra nice. As Mpho, one of the chefs tells everyone his about to wife me so everyone should just quit because only he gets to compliments. We set up and prepare for the opening with everyone going about their day. I appreciate Jabu for his professionalism because even though I saw a shocked expression on his face earlier when he saw me. He kept whatever he was thinking in his head and did not even compliment.

We had a busy morning because it the 1st and on Saturday so people are paid and they have time to spend as well. It gets even busier during luch. I am by the door and in enters three men in suits. I greet politely and lead them to a vacant table. We are waitresses and hosts. Meaning when a client enter, we go greet at the door and lead them to their tables before serving. The three gentle sits I introduce myself as Zakhe and ask if they would like some refreshesments as I give them a minute to go through our menu. The lighter skin one asked if I could bring him lemon water and two still water with ice for the two gentlemen. I smile and note as I get their water. A minute or so, I am back at their table with their water and ready to take take their order. I tell them about the special of the day and recommend that it is one of the chefs best and they should try. The gentleman who ordered water says he will have the special and the so does the other one. I raise my head to ask the third one, and our eyes lock. He has this intense gaze, and he I must say, those eyes are captivating. The moment lasts longer than it should because the light skin guy clears his throat, and we both snap out on it.

I ask again what he will have.
Man: What did you say your name was again
Me: Zakhe, sir
Man: Ok Zami, I love meat, and I am not the rabit food earing type. So please place an order for your man
I want to reprimand him and curse, but I know better and that the customer is always right. He is just talking, and he isn't inappropriate or anything, plus Yolanda said flirting back can get me the best tips.
I smile a little, trying to be polite.
Well, sir, I would not know what to order for my man because I would actually cook for him. I say
His friend coutle a bid while the other looks at me with an amused face. He raises his head and stares at me for a while.
Well then, I guess I won't be eating anything. My woman will cook for me later. What time do you get off? He says in a serious tone
Unfortunately, this woman of yours cannot invite a man to her place. The strict rules do not allow that, so I guess she will have to get you something from this menu. Do you drink alcohol. I ask
Are you getting me drunk already? He asked with a raised eyebrow
I still have my node pad in hand. Red it is then. I say and turn to the other gentleman and ask their choice of beverage. One asks for a single molt with ice, and the other asks for Heineken.

I leave their table and head to the kitchen to place their order. I decided to order Lamb shanks with mash potatoes and asparagus for "my man" and get him an entire bottle of Chateau La Fleur Peyrabon 2014. I don't even know if it's dry red or sweet. I randomly chose a wine with a fancy name. 20 minutes later, I am back at their table with their order. I place their meal in front of each one of them, and I serve " my man" last.
He looks at his food and smiles a bit, and turns his gaze on me.
Well, I figure you will be dead with hunger if you are to wait for me to cook for you, so I ordered you some lamb shanks with mash and asparagus. I open the bottle and pour him a glass and place it neatly next to his meal. I hope you enjoy.
Man: Indeed, a meal chosen for me by my woman is something to enjoy. Ngiyabonga mama ( Thank you)
I nod and turn to his companions. Please do not hesitate to call me when you need anything else. Please do enjoy your meal. I turned and headed to the other table and got busy.
I notice how he keeps stealing glances my way the entire time.  We normally check on our tables in 30-minute intervals once we have served them just to make sure they are OK.
Gentlemen, I hope you are still OK. I say as I get back to their table.
I would have been great if I had actually enjoyed this with my wife. But I understand  she had to get that paper  and don't know about these two. He says.
Haibo from "my woman" to  "my wife" in less than an hour, the upgrade guys, but I play dumb.
It's unfortunate  indeed, or else I won't wouldn't be claiming you as "my man" should I have known you are spoken for. I tease
Trust you have every right to claim me. I am yours, after all. He says
I give my attention to the other two gentlem, who say they are still good and will alert me when they need anything. I promise to bring them their bill in the meantime.
About an hour later, I am summoned to their table. They thank me for great service and say they hope to see more of them since I am now their sister-in-law. I just smile and thank them for visiting the restaurant and telling them they as long they keep coming they will definitely see more of me. They laugh and say they are farewell, leaving behind, "my man."
Man: umuhle ngempela(you truly beautiful), and I would really love to have you cook for me. Take care of your pretty self for me. He says and hands me the bill back. I open the pouch to check how  much they left for my tips, and I am shocked. The biggest tip I have made so far today is  R200. They left me R1500 worth of a tip after I got him an entire bottle, so I thought he would be mad for spending way more than unnecessary. I folded the R200s and R100s notes and put it in my fanny pack that's on my waist and continue finishing up my shift.
We are about to close for the cleaning team to prepare for the invening  stuff. Yolanda took the wine bottle that my client left behind and said it's already paid for.  When I get to my place, I throw myself on my bed, set an alarm, and let sleep takeover.