It's The Little Things That Count

Chapter Three

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New Version

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“Welcome, Miss Pennington. I'm Mrs. Hawthorne. Today I will be showing you around and telling you how this place works. We're closed today, so it won't be as stressful for you.” The lady was absolutely stunning.

Her red curly hair and blue eyes complimented her sharp thin face. Her body was thin with slight curves.  She wore a pencil skirt reaching to her knees, a floral shirt with frills at the hem and sleeves, and some 6 inch bright red heels. She was the definition of a model.

I looked down at myself. I looked very plain beside her even though I wore my best clothing. I wore some dark skinny jeans and a tight red shirt with my best jacket over everything. Then as shoes I wore my heels. They gave the the height I wanted. I had straightened my hair and actually put some makeup on. Then to top it all off, I put on the little cheap jewelry that I had. Even then, I didn't look nearly as nice as her.

Shaking my insecurities away, I followed Mrs. Hawthorne around the restaurant. This place was bigger than I thought.

Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. Intricate designs adorned every seat, ceiling, and walls. The tables were covered in elegant, white table cloths. Flowers decorated the tables. It was well lit and had a romantic vibe to it.

Looking at the many tables and well spaced room, I knew this place got very busy.

“This is the main dining area. We do have a more private and reserved area for more high class members.” She began to lead me into dimly lit hallway that led to a more classy and expensive room. It was definitely smaller than the main area, but more spacious as well because there weren't many tables.

“This is where you will be working. Usually the more experienced waiters serve here, but Mr. Caldwell thought you would be great here.”
“Why would he think that? Yesterday morning he said I was the least experienced person he's ever seen.”

Mrs. Hawthorne fidgeted. Her eyes darted around before they landed on me.

In a hushed whisper she said,

“Looks I'm not supposed to be telling you this, but I will because I hate keeping secrets. The only reason you're here right now is because a mysterious man called Mr. Caldwell yesterday after your interview with him. The mysterious man was very rich I assume because he gave Mr. Caldwell half a million dollars, so you would get this job.”

My eyes widened from the information. So, I only got this job because someone bribed the manager? But who?

“Do you know who the man is?” I asked.

“No I don't,” She said, “but enough of this. Let's continue the tour.”

The rest of the day continued with only one thing on my mind.

Who was the man?

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One month later

“Valerie! Hurry up, table 6 is getting impatient.” I never knew how difficult it was to carry two large plates full of hot, steaming food. Not to mention each one was very heavy. Dodging the other waiters and customers was difficult.

You think after working here for a little over a month, you would get used to it but it's honestly only gotten harder. It's like the longer you're here, the more the restaurant challenges you.

This place wasn't what I thought it was. From the outside, this place was classy, nice, and great. But for the long month that I've been working here, the true colors of the place have revealed itself.